Source: Team_Talk
Champions League 'massive' admits Bain
Rangers chief executive Martin Bain admits retaining the SPL title is 10 times more important than winning it was last year.[LNB] Boss Walter Smith knew he was under pressure to deliver silverware to the cash-strapped club 12 months ago in a bid to alleviate the financial pressure.[LNB]This time around, uncertainty continues to surround the Glasgow giants with the issue of new ownership yet to be resolved.[LNB]However, the race for the finish line looks to be less dramatic this season, with Rangers boasting a 13-point lead at the summit and just two games from securing the title.[LNB]They could even wrap up the league against Dundee United tomorrow night if Celtic lose to Motherwell tonight.[LNB]By retaining their crown, Rangers will directly qualify for the group phase of the Champions League next season, as long as this season's winners also directly qualify through their league position.[LNB]Bain said: "I know Walter has been quoted before that he was told he had to win the league last year and that's right.[LNB]"However, the pressure at the start of this season was ten-fold compared to last year because securing Champions League football for next season would be a massive, massive step for us.[LNB]"If you have Champions League football then it does transform things for you. It's a massive injection of cash to the club.[LNB]"We are not over the line yet. In any great race the last part is always the hardest and while we are in a great position and we hope to secure the championship, Walter would be the first to tell you we are not there yet."[LNB]Smith and his backroom staff have been working without contracts since January and he has not bought a new player since August 2008.[LNB]Bain commended the manager and his players for delivering on the pitch amid continuing uncertainty off it.[LNB]He told rangers.co.uk: "I think our performance on the field this season has been magnificent.[LNB]"I think everyone on the management team, the backroom staff and the playing staff have shown that spirit and determination is everything.[LNB]"That was shown recently in the League Cup final when we won with nine men, but we have been showing it all season in the championship with a limited squad in terms of numbers.[LNB]"It epitomises everything about Rangers Football Club. It has been challenging on and off the park and it's been challenging for the Rangers supporters.[LNB]"When you are unable to see clearly where the club is going then it can be a frustration obviously for those inside the walls of Ibrox and those outside and I'm sympathetic towards that.[LNB]"As Alastair Johnston (chairman) has said, it's a matter of the Murray Group selling their majority shares in the club and if there are any investors prepared to acquire them then that transaction is between these parties.[LNB]"However, we have an independent committee within the board to make sure that, if this happens, there is an appropriate business plan for the club going forward.[LNB]"Of course this has been going on for a while now and there is no doubt that it is unsettling for all of us."[LNB]
