Smith gets £10M war chest

[mcdee]

Walter Smith has been handed a £10m transfer war - chest to strengthen his side before the window slams shut at the end of the month.

The cash windfall guaranteed by chairman David Murray comes just 24 hours after the shock sale of Spanish star Carlos Cuellar whom Rangers supporters chiefs have accused of '' betrayal '' for leaving Ibrox.

Still reeling from the departure of their Player of the Year to Aston Villa furious fans yesterday vented their anger and dismay at both the player and club insisting the defender had been disloyal and had been sold too cheaply !

But last night Murray confirmed that all the money from the transfer would be handed to manager Walter Smith and ploughed back into team re-building.

''Reports that I told members of the Rangers Supporters Assembly at a private meeting last Friday that all monies that came in from sales would be returned to the manager are accurate. That is what will happen.'' he declared.

Now Smith has been urged to source and sign a replacement central defender for the former Osasuna stopper and two quality midfielders to repair the confidence of the team and support and to launch a positive challenge for the SPL Title.

Cardiff City's £2.5m rated Glenn Loovens remains on Rangers radar to partner Madjid Bougherra in a new look defensive partnership while the manager last night continued to scour Europe for a top class playmaker.

[jimbob2002]

need to get a creative player and sharpish