Former Everton and Rangers star linked with Ibrox return as sporting director - but there's one major hurdle
69-capped Scotland international is the current front-runner to fill key role vacated by Kevin Thelwell this week
Rangers are on the lookout for a new sporting director and chief executive after sacking Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart on Monday - and there is one clear favourite with some bookmakers to take on the role of recruitment chief.
Thelwell and Stewart had been the target of intense fan backlash after a disastrous start to the season in which the Ibrox side won only one of their first eight Premiership games and suffered seven consecutive European defeats following a much-criticised summer recruitment drive.
While domestic form has improved since Danny Rohl replaced Russell Martin in the dugout, the Gers’ new American owners acted decisively by disposing of both men as they try to get the club back on track.
Former Brighton chief David Weir has emerged as a leading candidate to take on the sporting director role, despite the ex-Everton and Light Blues defender only recently taking up a similar role with French side RC Strasbourg.
The 55-year-old, who made 162 appearances for Rangers between 2007 and 2012 and earned 69 caps for Scotland moved to the Seagulls initially as pathway development manager in 2018 before succeeding Dan Ashworth as technical director in May 2022.
He left the Premier League outfit in September, with the club stating they wanted “new leadership and direction” before appointing former Arsenal man Jason Ayto to the role.
However, a return to Glasgow seems unlikely at this stage given Weir has recently moved to France and now works in one of Europe’s most upwardly mobile leagues.
What David Weir said after joining RC Strasbourg
Speaking after joining Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg - with the Ligue 1 team bought over by BlueCo in 2023 - Weir stated: “It is a great honour to join Racing, a historic club with a strong identity and growing ambition. I was convinced by the project and the quality of the people already in place.
“I am eager to settle in Strasbourg and become fully involved in the life of Racing. I look forward to working with Liam (Rosenior) and all the teams to contribute to Racing’s success this season and in the years to come.”
Another Ex-Brighton director, Ashworth, also features on the bookies list as does ex-Leeds United man Victor Orta.
Next Rangers sporting director odds
- Ally McCoist - 20/1
- Dan Ashworth - 15/1
- Luke Dowling - 12/1
- Ralph Hasenhuttl - 10/1
- Phillip Giles - 9/1
- Filippo Giraldi - 8/1
- Bruno Alves - 8/1
- Jorg Schmadtke - 11/2
- Eddie Newton - 5/1
- Victor Orta - 4/1
- Paul Mitchell - 10/3
- Tim Steidten - 5/2
- David Weir - EVENS
* Odds provided by BettingLounge