US businessman's Rangers move

Rangers will retire the number 12 jersey as a token of appreciation to fans who have supported the club through difficult times.

A statement on the Rangers website says: "Fans from Govan to America have really stepped up and shown their incredible backing in what has been a difficult last few months and supporters have made a positive difference to their beloved club by filling Ibrox and cheering on the team."

Saturday's game against Motherwell at the Ibrox stadium will be the jersey's last outing. There will also be a personal message of thanks from boss Ally McCoist on every seat.

Rangers ambassador and former player Sandy Jardine has urged the club's fans to get behind Bill Miller's takeover bid after speaking to the American businessman.

Bill Miller, who is set to become the new owner of Rangers football club, is the owner of Miller Industries - a leading manufacturer of tow-trucks.

It was reported by The Hearld, that Miller is "not a big football fan" and it is uncertain whether he has even visited Glasgow.

Bill Miller, the prospective new owner of Rangers, said his takeover will not lead to liquidation of the football club as he seeked to "leave behind this distressing chapter in the club's history".

Speaking at a news conference, joint administrator Paul Clark said: "We believe that the structure of the bid from Mr Miller provides not only the most deliverable outcome but preserves the history of the Club. Rangers Football Club will continue as the football club it has been for 140 years."

He added: "Very importantly, the bid also avoids the need for liquidation. All too often the term liquidation has been bandied about during the process without a clear understanding of what it actually means."

To read the Administrators' statement in full click here.

Administrators have told a news conference that Bill Miller's bid for Rangers avoids the need for liquidation and the sale of a club will be completed by the end of the season.

Paul Clark, of administrators Duff and Phelps, told staff at a meeting at Ibrox: "We would like to thank all parties for their efforts in seeking to submit bids which preserve the long history and success of the Club.

"We are delighted to announce that today we have received an unconditional bid for the business and assets of Rangers Football Club plc from Bill Miller which has been accepted in principle and he is now the preferred bidder.

"Mr Miller now proposes to complete his transaction by the end of the season."