49ers backed to hire David Weir in seismic Rangers appointment – Exclusive
Rangers have been urged to hire David Weir from Brighton and Hove Albion as their new sporting director.
Weir, who ended his playing career at Ibrox, has spent the past six years working behind the scenes with the Premier League side.
The 54-year-old is a man in demand, having recently been touted as Everton’s top target to fill the same role.
Rangers on lookout for new sporting director
Speaking earlier this month, chief executive Patrick Stewart revealed Rangers are looking to bring in a new sporting director, which will allow Nils Koppen to focus solely on player recruitment.
That is an area Weir knows well from his time at Brighton, while his connections to Ibrox make him an obvious link.
However, given Everton and other Premier League sides south of the border are also credited with an interest, hiring Weir would be considered a seismic appointment.
With 49ers Enterprises closing in on a takeover at Rangers, though, Derek Ferguson – brother of current Gers manager Barry Ferguson – wants the Light Blues to aim high.
“The name that crops up when thinking about candidates for this role is David Weir,” Ferguson told Ibrox News. “He’s done a great job at Brighton and is one that instantly comes to the fore.
“It’s a good decision by the club to get a sporting director in. Koppen was technical director but he’s been doing too many jobs.“
49ers have finances to make high-profile Rangers appointment
Rangers’ delay in sacking Philippe Clement was, in the view of many, due to a lack of finances at the club.
However, news of the 49ers wanting to push through a takeover was soon followed by news of Clement’s exit.
And given their financial power, that could work in the Gers’ favour when looking for someone to take up this empty position.
| Shareholding | Beneficial owner | Percentage of share capital |
| New Oasis Asset Limited | Dave King | 12.96% |
| Douglas Park | Douglas Park | 11.54% |
| George Alexander Taylor | George Alexander Taylor | 10.22% |
| Stuart Gibson | Stuart Gibson | 9.53% |
| John Bennett | John Bennett | 7.11% |
| Borita Investments Limited | Julian Wolhardt | 6.69% |
| Perron Investments | John Halsted | 6.00% |
“It all comes down to finances,” Ferguson added. “Rangers have not been in a financial position to bring in a sporting director.
“But the chief executive knows there’s money coming into the club, and can therefore take the heat off Koppen, who can concentrate on recruitment.
“So it’s a good move from the club. David Weir would be my top choice, but would he come back? If the 49ers come on board, who knows? If there’s a will, there’s a way.”