Barry Ferguson wants Rangers to hire David Weir as new sporting director as question over wages raised
Barry Ferguson has earmarked Davie Weir as an ideal candidate to replace Ross Wilson as Rangers sporting director, in his column for the Daily Record.
He has also name-checked his former teammate Craig Moore, as well as current Rangers scouting guru John Park as strong contenders for the role.
Weir is currently working at Brighton and Hove Albion as a technical director, where he was previously tasked with overseeing player development.
From one Rangers captain to another, Ferguson like Weir knows exactly what is required to succeed at Ibrox and the unique environment of Scottish football.
“Davie has been heading up the recruitment at Brighton and when it comes to ‘player trading models’ I don’t think there’s a club anywhere in Europe which is doing it better,” said Ferguson.
“Every time the window opens they sell their best players for a small fortune. And, without fail, they bring in even more quality for a fraction of the price.
“The first question is, would he swap the Premier League for a return to Scottish football? And, if so, would Rangers be able to get close to matching his current wages?”
Ask the question
There is no doubt that the vacancy created by Wilson’s departure to Nottingham Forest will be filled. The scope of responsibility across the club is too wide for it not to happen – recruitment, scouting, sports science, etc.
Despite some calls for the manager to take over the mantle, Michael Beale is no Walter Smith or Sir Alex Ferguson in more ways than one, the game has moved on.
In the interim, Beale could ‘split’ the remit with other staff but a figure like Weir should come in. His Rangers credentials certainly help, but more so his experience gained in Sussex with Brighton who are certainly role models for overachieving. That is what is sorely required.
Ibrox chiefs need to identify the best relative candidates for the role and ask the question, beyond those who will put themselves forward. At a critical time for the club, this appointment has to be a success.
In other Rangers news, Michael Beale shares transfer news as ‘finalised’ message sent already.