• Scottish Premier League

McCoist to open Weir talks

ESPNsoccernet staff
May 18, 2011
David Weir clears the hurdles © PA Photos
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New Rangers manager Ally McCoist plans talks with David Weir after the 41-year-old defender expressed his desire to continue playing.

Weir has confounded expectations for several seasons by carrying on his playing career and intends to do so again, whether at Ibrox or elsewhere.

McCoist has already tied up Bosnian defender Sasa Papac for another season and could keep another key member of the team's back four in Weir.

McCoist travelled to the United States on Monday for a rafting expedition with former boss Walter Smith and his new assistant Kenny McDowall. But he is still working in tandem with the club's new owner, Craig Whyte, to plan for his first season in charge.

McCoist told the club's official website: "Davie has been an absolutely fantastic captain.

"I've not spoken to him because he has been away doing his coaching badges and his UEFA qualifications. I can't speak for him and there are a lot of avenues open to him but we'll sit down soon and hopefully we can have a great discussion.

"I'd hope our out-of-contract players would stay. Nothing has been finalised at all with the other lads but they are all tremendous servants to Rangers and we all know their value to us.

"We know, just as importantly, how much Rangers means to them so we'll be sitting down in the next few days to have a chat. I'd be hopeful all these boys, with the experience they have given us, can continue their stays with us.''

Rangers have seen Vladimir Weiss, Richard Foster, Kyle Bartley and El-Hadji Diouf return to their parent clubs since winning the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title, while David Healy's short-term deal has expired.

McCoist added: "We want to build for the future and continue the great work that Walter Smith has done beyond the summer.

"Craig and I have spoken and he is of the same opinion as myself. We obviously want the strongest possible team going out to play for Rangers.

"We don't want to go out and start selling players. We want to strengthen and the indications I've had from conversations with Craig are that he agrees.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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