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[Jaemi]

GERS UP FOR SALE
SMITH : WE WILL LISTEN TO OFFERS ON ALL OUR PLAYERS

Jul 5 2009 Exclusive by Gordon Waddell

RANGERS boss Walter Smith last night admitted every player at Ibrox is still up for sale - despite the club's £15million Champions League windfall.

The SPL champions return from a six-week break for pre-season training at Murray Park on Thursday.

But in an exclusive interview, Smith has delivered a reality check by revealing the financial crisis that rocked Ibrox in January still hangs over the club. That means Gers will consider bids for any of their stars.

And Smith admits he is also unlikely to buy big in the transfer market this summer.

However, he refuses to be downbeat after watching his side claim the SPL title and Scottish Cup last term. And the Ibrox boss believes he. a side that will see off Tony Mowbray's revamped Celtic AND perform in Europe. He said: "What happened in January is still there. Every player is susceptible to a bid. "We told them circumstances meant we had to sell a player and we're still in that situation. "I know there's a feelgood factor after winning the Double but this doesn't go away. "Yes, it's far less of a problem than in January. But the problem most teams outwith the big leagues have is still at Rangers' door. "We know we won't have a big-name buy but we DO have a team that can be successful. "We've lost players likeCarlos Cuellar and Alan Hutton and still managed to get success." Former skipper Barry Ferguson has already been linked with Birmingham City. But Walter said: "Barry is the same as every other player.

If someone makes a bid we have to decide if we accept it. Crunch "And we won't be spending a lot on players just because we're in the Champions League. We still have to be prudent." That sense of responsibility weighs heavily on Smith's shoulders - and it's a buck he refuses to pass. He said: "I get accused of being too close to the chairman but David Murray has run Rangers for 20 years and put in a load of money. "Every company in the world has been affected by the credit crunch. How can I go to David and say I need so many millions when there are consequences? "The level-headed fan will see it's an unfair situation to put the chairman in. I hope everyone understands why I won't ask." That reality hit home when Smith became aware losing the title last season would cost jobs all through the club. He said: "People have worked here for 20 years and suddenly you find if you don't get Champions League money they are facing redundancy. "It made the finish to the season as tense as any I have experienced. There was as much relief as joy when we won."

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