Smith must Stay: Weir backs gaffer
As Rangers enter discussions about a possible takeover bid, club captain David Weir insists manager Walter Smith must stay if they are to be successful under the new owners. Smith is currently working without a contract and his tenure has been clouded by financial insecurity, but Weir maintains that given the circumstances Smith’s success has been “unbelievable”.
The Ibrox side confirmed on Monday they have entered takeover talks with property developer and former QPR director Andrew Ellis as Sir David Murray looks to sell his 92 per cent stake in the club. While a new owner would kick start a new era, Weir insists it is vital that Smith remains the boss.
“"It's common sense, a no-brainer. Maybe I'm biased, but when you look at the manager's record - regardless of the circumstances and the background he's working with - the success he has had is unbelievable,” said Weir, whose Rangers side top the SPL 10 points clear of Celtic.
"When you take all the other things into consideration it just magnifies the success he's had here.
"To get to a European final and then win back the league title last season shows an incredible level of achievement.
"Regardless of what's happening with the club's ownership, he's the best man for the job as far as I'm concerned. He'd be a very hard act to follow."
With discussions now underway regarding the sale of Rangers the skipper insists Smith’s lack of a contract is the “biggest issue” at the club.
"The manager has shielded us from things. With all the talk about no new players, the key thing for me is that the manager and his staff are operating without contracts,” said Weir who picked up his first ever Player of the Month award.
"It's never really become an issue, but for me it's probably the biggest issue at the moment.
"The way it's never mentioned says it all about the gaffer. The games are the focus and everything else is secondary."
