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. 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.This time around, uncertainty continues to surround the Glasgow giants with the issue of new ownership yet to be resolved.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.They could even wrap up the league against Dundee United tomorrow night if Celtic lose to Motherwell tonight.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.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."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."If you have Champions League football then it does transform things for you. It's a massive injection of cash to the club."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."Smith and his backroom staff have been working without contracts since January and he has not bought a new player since August 2008.Bain commended the manager and his players for delivering on the pitch amid continuing uncertainty off it.He told rangers.co.uk: "I think our performance on the field this season has been magnificent."I think everyone on the management team, the backroom staff and the playing staff have shown that spirit and determination is everything."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."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."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."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."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."Of course this has been going on for a while now and there is no doubt that it is unsettling for all of us."

Source: Team_Talk