Smith to sit down with Weir

Gers boss would be happy to see skipper sign new deal

Last updated: 8th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Smith to sit down with Weir

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Rangers boss Walter Smith has admitted he will hold contract talks with David Weir at the end of the season.

The veteran defender, who will be 40 in May, shows no sign of slowing down and Smith has hailed his club captain as a 'perfect professional'.

He sees no reason why Weir should not prolong his career at Ibrox and has revealed that he will be only too happy to sit down and talk terms.

"As we have done for the last three years we will speak at the end of the season," said the Gers boss.

"That's the agreement that we have and that's what we will do again this year.

"He has not only exceeded expectations, he has exceeded the length of time that he would be here.

Terrific

"I hoped he would come in for the remaining period of the first season for four or five months and, at a stretch, the following season.

"The two years extra that he has had have been terrific.

"Whatever awards he receives, he deserves. His form has been terrific for Rangers this season.

"He brings a great deal to our club and he is well-respected by everyone around the place for his attitude and his manner.

"I know he will hate me saying this, but he is as close to a perfect professional as you will get.

"The players see him every day in training, they see his attitude towards everything and his desire to win is there for everybody to see within our dressing room.

"I know from my spell at Everton and with the national team that he is respected in every team that he plays."

Credit

There is mutual respect between Weir and his boss, with the experienced centre-half full of praise for the job Smith has done since returning to Ibrox in 2007.

The Gers have struggled under financial strain over recent years, but Weir insists the players have been shielded from the turmoil by their hard working coach.

"Nothing has changed for the players," he said.

"We've got the same working environment. Everybody enjoys coming to work, it's a fabulous place to work, and that's never changed.

"That's great credit to the manager, that it's never affected us.

"We've got no excuses for going out and not performing. It's been great credit to him that he's provided that environment."