Ex Rangers star seeks big break in management as he opens up on recent SPFL job talks and Scotland ambitions

Former Rangers defender Gregory Vignal has disclosed that he held discussions with Stenhousemuir over the possibility of taking charge of the Scottish Championship side.

The 45-year-old Frenchman is eager to make the step into management and believes his varied experience across European football has prepared him for the challenge.

Vignal, who previously served as joint head coach of Rangers Women’s first team, has taken on a number of different roles since leaving the position more than six years ago. Now, though, the former Ibrox man is ready to take charge of a team himself and is waiting for the right opportunity to come along.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Vignal confirmed that he had met with the Ochilview Park club but admitted the two parties were unable to reach an agreement. He described the discussions as positive, although the second-tier outfit opted to appoint Marvin Bartley as their manager instead.

Stenny have made a strong start to life in the Championship, sitting just two points off the top of the table. However, their recent form has dipped, with the Warriors collecting just one point from their last four matches, including a home defeat to Dunfermline last night.

Vignal ‘just waiting for the right opportunity’

Asked whether managing in Scotland was an ambition, Vignal made it clear that he is keen to get started. “That is my target. I had a chat with Stenhousemuir,” he said. “We had a really strong meeting but unfortunately we couldn’t find an agreement.

“I am ready now and have enough experience. I have been in and out at different clubs and jobs around Europe. I am ready to go. If a Scottish club knocks on the door, of course I will speak with them. So let’s see. I am ready. I am just waiting for the right opportunity.”

Vignal also reflected on his playing days in Scotland, including his previous encounters with Old Firm rivals Celtic during his time at Ibrox.

Asked to name the toughest Celtic opponents he faced, Vignal stated: “Do you remember Didier Agathe? He was so powerful and quick going up and down. Or maybe Craig Bellamy. He used to play on the right-hand side, but Didier had a really good career at Celtic and was a really tough, strong opponent.”

With his sights firmly set on management, Vignal will now be hoping another Scottish club comes calling and gives him the chance to make his mark from the dugout.

He has already worked abroad at Montpellier, Marseille, Versailles and RFS in Latvia. Vignal - a fully qualified UEFA Pro Licence coach - recently left his role as Blackburn’s Under-21 boss.

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