Rangers manager Walter Smith has urged potential new owner Andrew Ellis to put his money where his mouth is and buy the club before making plans for the future.
The London-based property developer was this week quoted as saying he hopes to move significantly closer to a takeover of the Scottish champions before the end of the month. He also revealed plans to offer Smith - who has been working without a contract since January - a new deal and current owner Sir David Murray the role of lifetime president.
"You get frustrated when things like that happen because the individual part, whether someone wants to offer me a three-year contract or not, it doesn't really matter," said Smith.
"The most important thing is the football club. I stress that to you, that is the most important thing in our mind.
"Myself, Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall, we are supporters and we are fortunate enough to be able to work at a club we love working at.
"For anybody who is thinking about buying the club to make public that they are going to offer us three-year contacts without speaking to us is not right.
"Buy the club first. If that's what they want to do, then do it. It's quite simple.
"You don't have to use my name or anybody else's to do that. Rangers Football Club should stand on its own and, if he wants to buy it, then make an offer for it.
"He's had plenty of time to make an offer so it's down to him."
Source: PA
