Bain makes transfer funds pledge

Bain has dreamed of seeing his side reach a European final

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain has told manager Walter Smith funds will be made available to sign "quality" players during the close season.

The Ibrox club have had a lucrative run to Wednesday's Uefa Cup final and are also chasing a domestic treble.

Bain said: "We need to look to strengthen the team. We've prepared the budget and we'll stick to that budget.

"We know what our supporters demand and we know the quality that they like to see on the pitch."

Bain has also taken a swipe at those who have criticised Rangers' tactics this season.

Smith's side have tended to play a 4-5-1 formation, especially in European games and Barcelona's Lionel Messi amongst others have described this as 'anti-football'.

"Some of the negative comments about how we've played to get to the final have been disappointing," added Bain.

"If you look at the Greeks in 2004, they won one of the biggest prizes in world football. You look at the way Sir Alex Ferguson plays his team at Manchester United at the moment with only one striker up front.

"I've not heard anybody talk about negativity from their performance and their perspective.

"Walter has got us to where we want to be, a European final, and how we got there I'm sure to the Rangers supporters is irrelevant. They'll just be delighted we're here."

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Meanwhile, chairman Sir David Murray believes Smith's team are giving the club exceptional value for money.

Murray says the club's wage bill compares favourably with clubs in England's Premier League.

"Derby County's wage bill is £5m more than Rangers'," said Murray.

"Newcastle's is nearly three times, Aston Villa's is double, Everton's is double.

"We have managed to get there with a group of new players. You would never envisage this, to be totally honest. It is a remarkable time."