Former Rangers manager Walter Smith has backed Paul Murray’s consortium to take over the troubled Glasgow giants.

Murray said on Friday that Ticketus, whose money allowed Craig Whyte to complete his takeover, were backing his consortium along with the main supporters’ groups.

On Monday Murray revealed that motoring tycoon Douglas Park was among those who have expressed interest in his group, along with two London-based businessmen – fund manager John Bennett of the Henderson Group and property adviser Scott Murdoch of CWM.

Smith guided Rangers to three successive Premier League titles before stepping aside to be succeeded by Ally McCoist and believes Murray is the right man to be Rangers’ new figurehead.

Smith said in the Daily Record: “When I came back to Rangers five years ago the make-up of the board had changed completely from what it was during my previous stint as manager.

“That was the first time I met Paul Murray. I think he had been on the board for a couple of years by then.

“Throughout the four and a half years that I was there I was always really impressed by the way he handled himself at the board meetings. What came across more than anything else was that everything he did was for the good of Rangers Football Club.

“If you are looking at somebody stepping in to sort this out, I don’t think anyone could question both Paul’s own integrity and the fact that he is without a doubt a big Rangers supporter.

“He will only do what he believes to be best for the club.

“That’s the biggest thing the fans should know.”