Source: Team_Talk
Weir urged to stay on by Webster
Andy Webster hopes David Weir will be next to pledge his future to Rangers after Walter Smith confirmed he will be in charge next season.[LNB] Webster has just returned from a loan spell at Dundee United, where he skippered the Tangerines to third spot in the SPL and success in the Scottish Cup.[LNB]He is now hoping to finally kick-start his Rangers career, which has so far been hampered by injury, and believes he would benefit from playing alongside Weir in the heart of defence.[LNB]"What Davie has done speaks for itself," he said.[LNB]"His professionalism is second to none and it's great testament to him that he's carried on. Anybody who plays alongside him will definitely benefit from his experience.[LNB]"It's the same as with any club, players come out of contract. A lot of big-name players are out of contract here and I'm sure the manager will be looking to sort it out."[LNB]Weir may have celebrated his 40th birthday earlier this month but proved he is still more than capable of competing at the top level after being named player of the year by both the SPL and the Scottish Football Writers' Association.[LNB]The veteran centre-back has been operating on a season-by-season basis since his arrival at Ibrox and has yet to thrash out a deal to stay on, indicating recently that that decision could depend on whether Smith remains at Rangers.[LNB]Another player who is out of contract is top goalscorer Kris Boyd. Celtic yesterday refuted reports they were set to make a dramatic summer swoop but the striker is likely to have offers on the table.[LNB]Like Weir, he also pointed to doubt over Smith's future as part of his reluctance to pen a new deal and is another key member of personnel Webster would like to see secured by the club again this summer.[LNB]He said: "His record is outstanding. It would be great for any cub to have a goalscorer who scores 30 goals a season and it would be of massive benefit to us if we could keep him.[LNB]"Of course he can get better here. Every player can get better. If you speak to Davie Weir, he will be looking to improve again."[LNB]Rangers revealed last night that Smith will stay for one last season before retiring from football, with his assistant Ally McCoist set to take over the helm at the end of the forthcoming campaign.[LNB]"It's important for the football club and gives us a bit of stability," said Webster.[LNB]"The manager knows what it takes to win and I'm sure all the players are happy with it. The players who have worked under the manager for the last few years will all be delighted he is staying at the club for another year."[LNB]He added: "Ally McCoist has been at the club for a long period of time as a player and has seen what it takes to win.[LNB]"He's got that winning mentality and, working with the manager, he is going to learn so much from him and I'm sure he will be able to carry it on."[LNB]Webster was modelling the new Rangers kit at Murray Park today but, to date, has played just one competitive game in the light blue jersey, with his Ibrox career plagued by knee problems.[LNB]"I've played one game and scored one goal, which is not a bad ratio," he said.[LNB]"That's why going to Dundee United and getting the chance to play on a regular basis has been a big benefit to me and hopefully I can kick on in the season ahead. I started back doing some bits and pieces on Monday.[LNB]"When you come back for pre-season, you need to be fit and ready to kick on and that's something I'll be looking to do.[LNB]"My priority is to get games and that's the same for any footballer. You want to play on a regular basis and I'm no different."
