NILS KOPPEN teased the return of old faces to Rangers in his first interview as new Ibrox technical director.
The Belgian’s appointment met a mixed reaction when he was revealed as Ross Wilson and Creag Robertson’s successor last week.
Nils Koppen accepted a promotion at Rangers last week[/caption]
There are still vacancies behind the scenes with John Gilligan (right) only temporary chairman[/caption]
Si Ferry threw names at James McFadden – but the Scotland hero couldn’t see it[/caption]
But his move from head of football recruitment to the top job created another vacancy behind the scenes – and his cryptic line about former faces being back in the fold intrigued a section of the fans and beyond.
Already the likes of Kevin Thomson and Steven Davis – former players and Academy coaches in their own right – have been mentioned by fans.
Alex Rae of course, is already there as part of Philippe Clement‘s backroom staff.
But the option of appointing an ex-Ger as head of recruitment has now been raised.
And according to podcast host Si Ferry there’s only one man for the job.
Speaking on Open Goal show ‘Right in the Coupon’ he discussed the Gers situation with former players Gordon Dalziel and Derek Ferguson, as well as James McFadden.
They discussed the shock links for Philippe Clement to the Belgian national job as well as Nils Koppen’s appointment and the ex-players who could help the club
And Ferry tipped Faddy’s old Everton and Scotland team-mate as director of football.
He said: “What about this – Davie Weir.
“I know he’s at Brighton and it’s a big club but he obviously loves Rangers.
“See the director of football role is that not perfect for Davie Weir?
“Just give him full control?
“If that’s your club I probably would. Got enough money, that’s your club, the opportunity to turn around Rangers? I probably would.”
But McFadden knocked it on the head.
He scoffed and said: “No chance. It is perfect for him, but… no.
“At the minute they’re in a rebuild trying to get rid of players who were on a fortune and bring in young players to kick-start the player trading model.
“That’s a great way of looking at it as a great chance to make it good, but it’s also a great chance to come in and not affect the change you want to change and you taint how the club feels about you and how you feel about the club.
“But if it is a possibility – aye, all day long – go for Davie Weir without doubt.
“I played with him. Unbelievable guy who has worked his way to a great position at Brighton.
“But I can’t see him leaving the place he’s at in Brighton to go to Rangers.”
Derek Ferguson threw another name into the ex-players mix too. One who could aid in the coaching role and broke through the ranks during one of the club’s most storied eras – Charlie Miller.
The 90s starlet runs his own kids coaching courses on the south side of Glasgow with teams entered into the Glasgow youth amateur leagues across the city.
Charlie Miller now runs a coaching school on the southside of Glasgow[/caption]
James McFadden and Davie Weir (left) played 95 times together for Everton and Scotland[/caption]
But his pal reckons he’ll stay where he is at the Seagulls[/caption]
He added: “I’ve been saying that for a number of years.
“There are a lot of guys – Kevin Thomson at the minute but wee Charlie, I’ve said that before. He’s gone down another route.
“These guys are not going to be any better than the existing coaches already in the club. They’re all very good.
“But it’s the DNA of having Rangers players there and parents seeing the ex-players there and having the link with the Academy.”
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