GREGORY VIGNAL played his part in one of the most famous days in Rangers’ recent history as he helped Alex McLeish’s side clinch the title on Helicopter Sunday.

Now the Frenchman is determined to inspire the next generation of Light Blues kids that are aiming to write their names in Ibrox folklore for years to come.

Vignal spent just one season in Glasgow as he made the loan switch from Liverpool but his time north of the border proved to be a successful one as he lifted a league and cup double.

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His return to these shores a few months ago came out of the blue. It was a move he was more than happy to make, however, after taking up a coaching role within the Auchenhowie Academy.

Vignal said: “I had a meeting with Mark Allen around October or November. We decided just to start and work with the academy as a coach.

“I will be here until June and then we will see what happens. I am doing the under-14s and sometimes the under-17s as well.

“I used to coach in France and I was an assistant manager from July to September before I came here. I have just passed my UEFA Licence and I have decided to coach.

“We have a lot of good young players but they have to keep working hard every day. It is good the way the academy is right now and hopefully we can see a few young boys making into the first team next season.

“When I used to play here I didn’t have a lot of interaction with the academy. But you see now that the academy and the first-team work closer together.

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“We have had a few young boys round training with the first team and that is great for their development. The young players see some of their team-mates getting to work with the first-team squad and it gives everyone a lift. They can see they can get there as well.”

Vignal is one of a number of former Light Blues stars that are now working with kids of all ages at the Rangers Football Centre.

The 36-year-old is still in the early stages of his coaching career as he looks to make the transition onto the touchline.

He has already gained valuable experience, though, and his sessions could have a continental flavour in the coming months.

Vignal said: “The way we work in France is different to the way it works in Scotland. The French academy is very good, but so are the Scottish ones and they have introduced the Project Brave scheme now as well.

“That could be good for the whole of Scottish football. I am hoping to bring some new ideas that I have learned in France with me here and help some of the younger boys develop. I can’t tell you what they are, it is a secret, I will keep them for just the people at the club.

“I was 19 when I went to Liverpool from Montpellier. I worked with Gerard Houllier, Phil Thompson and Sammy Lee and I learned a lot from them.

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“Even when Rafa Benitez came in for pre-season I was very impressed by the way he used to manage things and his training was always very good.

“I learned a lot from some top managers and I think that can help me in my own coaching career.

“It is my target to be a manager – I am just starting my career as a coach and I will take it step by step. Hopefully it will happen – it may take time but I want to do it.

“I started my badges in 2008 and have my UEFA licence and my target is Pro Licence.

“Hopefully one day you will see me on the bench at Rangers helping the team win as a coach.”

*Gregory Vignal was speaking as he promoted the Rangers Youth Development Company and their £8k in 2018 Lotto campaign. £10 million in prizes has already been won in recent years and it costs just £1 to play. Full details on RYDC and their portfolio of products can be found at www.rydc.co.uk