Former Everton defender launches vile attack on late Rangers great Walter Smith

Former Everton right-back John O'Kane has launched a vile rant at late Rangers managerial legend Walter Smith, claiming the two-time Ibrox boss "didn't want to know" him during his time at Goodison Park.

O'Kane, who was part of Manchester United's famous Class of '92 before joining Everton in January 1998, made the comments on social media after a supporter suggested he should never have been allowed to leave the club.

The former defender was responding to a post praising his performances for Everton and suggesting he could have remained at the club for another decade.

O'Kane's response was unequivocal as he recalled his experience following Smith's arrival at Everton.

"That would be down to Walter Smith. Didn't wanna know me from the off, he was a horrible c*** [I don't care] about saying it," he shockingly raged.

"Loved my time with Howard Kendall and the fans were brilliant."

O'Kane praises Kendall after Smith rant

The comments provide a stark contrast to O'Kane's previous praise for Kendall, who managed Everton immediately before Smith took charge in 1998.

O'Kane had joined Everton from Manchester United after being offered a new contract by Sir Alex Ferguson but chose to leave Old Trafford in search of regular first-team football after spending years as deputy to Gary Neville.

He enjoyed working under Kendall and later explained to Sky Sports that the manager's man-management style was a major reason for his positive experience at Everton.

"He was a great man-manager. That was why leaving United was not a devastation. It was more a feeling of excitement. A new challenge. A new manager who wanted me," he said.

Smith clashes with Toffees defender

However, Kendall's departure and Smith's appointment marked a significant change for O'Kane.

Smith arrived at Goodison Park having left Rangers after a hugely successful spell at Ibrox, where he had established himself as one of the most decorated managers in Scottish football.

O'Kane's career subsequently began to move in a different direction, with Smith bringing in former Rangers defender Alec Cleland to play at full-back. O'Kane later had spells at Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool before eventually leaving professional football and joining non-league Hyde United.

The former United youngster had previously described the impact of Smith's arrival in his 2021 Sky Sports interview, explaining that he felt his career had begun to spiral after the change in manager.

Don Hutchison defends Smith

The latest comments also come alongside remarks from former Everton and Scotland midfielder Don Hutchison, who recalled a very different experience of working under Smith.

Hutchison claimed Smith initially told him to leave after signing Olivier Dacourt and John Collins, but said he refused to accept the decision and fought to regain his place.

"I've told this story before. A manager wants to know who exactly will fight for them. Walter told me to leave when he signed Dacourt and Collins," the ex-Scotland star explained.

"I said no f***ing way I'm better than those two. So, I battled and battled in training and never gave up. Next thing we all played."

Hutchison's recollection highlights the demanding approach Smith could take with his players, while O'Kane's latest comments offer another perspective on the manager's time at Everton.

A Rangers legend

Smith's managerial career remains heavily associated with Rangers, where he enjoyed two spells and won multiple domestic honours, including 21 major trophies during his two spells in Govan.

For O'Kane, however, his memories of Smith are far less positive. The former defender has previously spoken openly about the difficulties he experienced during his football career, including his struggles with the pressures and expectations surrounding professional football and his autism diagnosis.

His latest comments make clear that, despite his affection for Everton and the supporters, his relationship with Smith remains one of the less fond memories from his time on Merseyside.