Source: Team_Talk
Weir will give Gers first refusal
Veteran defender David Weir has revealed Rangers will be given first refusal on a new deal before he even thinks of looking at other options.[LNB] The Ibrox skipper has been operating on a season-by-season basis since his arrival in January 2007 and has no idea whether he will still be at the Glasgow giants next term.[LNB]But, despite turning 40 earlier this month, the veteran defender has no plans to hang up his boots and turn his thoughts to a coaching career elsewhere just yet.[LNB]"I don't want to explore any avenues like that," said Weir, who was voted player of the year by both the SPL and the Scottish Football Writers Association.[LNB]"My priority is Rangers. Rangers have been good to me and I've enjoyed every minute.[LNB]"I'll try to get that sorted out and make a decision on that before I start worrying about anything else.[LNB]"Rangers have been very good to me and I'll give them whatever opportunity.[LNB]"I've only just finished playing for this season and I'm looking forward to playing again next season hopefully."[LNB]Walter Smith has yet to confirm whether he will remain at Rangers, as their search for a new owner continues against a backdrop of financial uncertainty, and Weir has not held talks with the manager.[LNB]"I haven't seen the manager since the end of the season really," he said.[LNB]"We were at a couple of dinners and I saw him there. But we'll speak when the time is right.[LNB]"I'm quite happy. I just want to do the right thing. I don't need the security of a contract. I'm not that type of person. That's not the priority for me."[LNB]However, he appreciates the security of a new deal is vital to others - Kris Boyd, Kirk Broadfoot, Nacho Novo, DaMarcus Beasley and Steven Smith - who are out of contract this month and some of whom are already resigned to leaving the Scottish champions.[LNB]Weir said: "It's different for them. I'm older and I'm maybe being a wee bit flippant about my situation.[LNB]"But their situation is different, these lads are younger, they've got families and they've not been in the game as long.[LNB]"It will be more difficult for those lads so that's a factor.[LNB]"Hopefully, for Rangers as well, we can get these boys sorted out and playing for Rangers because they have all done great for Rangers.[LNB]"I know one or two will probably end up leaving but hopefully the vast majority of them will stay."[LNB]A potential takeover at Rangers has again dominated the headlines in recent days, with chairman Alastair Johnston admitting he was "sceptical" about property developer Andrew Ellis' interest in the club and accusing him of twice backing out of meetings to discuss a prospective buy-out.[LNB]Ellis then hit back by saying he was surprised and unhappy at the comments and that his interest in Rangers remained ongoing.[LNB]Weir said: "Everything is in the public domain, I think that's the way of the world now and I don't think Rangers are going to be any different.[LNB]"It isn't really a factor for me to be honest. I just want to do the right thing for me and for the club.[LNB]"Regardless of whether that is two days or two weeks or whatever it may be, we will take it as it comes. It doesn't really affect me as a player.[LNB]"It didn't affect us last season and I don't think we will be using it as an excuse in the future."
