Walter Smith Rangers' best asset, says Kevin Thomson

KEVIN THOMSON insists manager Walter Smith could be Rangers' most important signing of the summer.

The midfielder believes a guarantee that the veteran boss will be there next term could prompt several players to commit their futures to the club.

Smith, 62, has yet to decide whether to remain at Ibrox and defend the SPL title.

Prospective buyer Andrew Ellis says his interest remains but no takeover appears to be on the cards just yet, with several players out of contract. Kris Boyd, David Weir, Nacho Novo, Kirk Broadfoot, DaMarcus Beasley and Steven Smith see their deals expire this month. Thomson said: "Whenever somebody comes in to buy the club, I hope they sort the manager out first because he is our biggest asset. After that, if they can get him tied down, there will be a real buzz at the club and I'd imagine that would entice some of the boys to stick around."