Smith and Weir to ponder Ibrox future

(PA)

Having collected his ninth title as manager of Rangers under immense budgetry pressure – he has not bought a player for two years – Walter Smith will take a few days out to consider if he can face doing it all again next season.

Smith and David Weir, his captain, have a combined age of 101 and their immense experience has been telling in Rangers' triumph, yet neither may be at Ibrox when the next campaign kicks off. Smith has been working without a contract since January, while Weir is on a year-by-year deal.

"That's a decision for Walter and I'm sure he'll make it in the few days to come," said Martin Bain, the club's chief executive. "I think that depends on a number of factors. I think [that is the case] not just for Walter, but for many others at the football club."

Weir said: "We've only just won the title. We'll enjoy it for the next couple of days and start thinking about things like that later on."