GLASGOW, Scotland -- American businessman Bill Miller withdrew his bid to buy the financially stricken Rangers club on Tuesday.
Last week, administrators running the record 54-time Scottish champions considered Miller their preferred bidder. But Miller said in a statement that he was dismayed by hostility from fans unhappy with the prospect of foreign ownership and that the 140-year-old club's financial situation is worse than he initially thought.
"By late Monday night, it became clear to me that preliminary information, discussions and analysis were, unfortunately, more optimistic than reality," Miller said. "Having no intention of negatively affecting the potential outcome of the club's future and after hearing the message from Rangers supporters and fans loud and clear, I notified the administrators today that I have withdrawn my bid for Rangers and will not be moving forward."
Miller, the chairman of a Tennessee-based towing and recovery equipment company, said he had been told "Yank, go home" but did not say by whom.
Good luck finding a local sucker. Sheesh.
First beer is on me.