Derek McInnes Reflects on Walter Smith's Enduring Influence

Derek McInnes, the current Rangers manager, is reflecting on the profound influence of the late Walter Smith, the legendary figure in Scottish football. The fifth anniversary of Smith's passing has prompted McInnes to recall a significant encounter from November 25, 1996, which shaped his understanding of man-management.

At 25 years old, McInnes, then a midfielder, was deeply disappointed to be excluded from the Rangers squad for the League Cup Final against Hearts. Despite featuring throughout the team's cup run and scoring in the semi-final, Smith opted for three substitutes who McInnes felt were less deserving. This decision led McInnes to march to Smith's office, intending to confront him.

Instead of an argument, McInnes walked out with a winners' medal and a valuable lesson. Smith met McInnes the morning after the final, handing him his medal and bonus, acknowledging his contribution to reaching the final. Smith then explained his reasoning for the selection, citing loyalty to a specific player who had worked hard to recover from injury. He told McInnes that one day, from the manager's perspective, he would understand such difficult decisions.

This interaction became a formative experience for McInnes, particularly as he transitioned into management himself, starting with St Johnstone in 2007. He recalls seeking Smith's advice when he had to release players, including friends. Smith's counsel on handling difficult personnel decisions, emphasizing brutal honesty with players, has remained a cornerstone of McInnes's managerial philosophy.

"Players can smell bull**** from a thousand paces," McInnes noted, reflecting on his own experiences as a player who felt misled by managers. He contrasted this with Smith's direct approach, acknowledging that while players might not always agree with decisions, honesty garners respect.

McInnes also shared Smith's insights on projecting confidence, especially for Scottish managers. Smith advised that Scottish managers often lacked the self-assured demeanor seen in some English counterparts, suggesting a cultural tendency to suppress overt confidence. He encouraged McInnes and other Scottish managers to project a stronger presence, to "walk into a room as if they owned it," a lesson McInnes carries with him.

Their relationship deepened when McInnes became a manager, with Smith readily offering support and guidance. McInnes last spoke with Smith just days before his death, remembering a lengthy conversation where Smith, despite his illness, did not dwell on his condition, demonstrating his characteristic engagement and warmth. The influence of Walter Smith, McInnes emphasized, continues to resonate throughout his career.