Gregory Vignal still in love with Rangers as coach hopes star studded contact list can help him become top boss

AS a mentor, Gerard Houllier was like a second father. And in his absence, he’s always had Rafa Benitez or Alex McLeish on the end of a phone.

On top of that, after a career at the top level in France, England, Scotland and Spain, Gregory Vignal has a network of contacts that most football managers could only dream of. Lyon’s sporting director Bruno Cheyrou and PSG’s Yohan Cabaye are just two of the game's major players he has on speed dial. On his way from Montpellier to Liverpool, to Rangers and to Lens - the Frenchman has collected a wealth of experience.

And now he wants to put it all to good use by becoming a top class coach. For the last couple of seasons, he's worked with Dundee’s reserve side, while picking up every UEFA badge there is. He's helped to develop the likes of youngsters Josh Mulligan, Lyall Cameron and Finlay Robertson, who are tipped to light up the Scottish Premiership next term.

And Vignal believes, if he’s given the right opportunity, that he can flourish as a first-team manager in his own right. Legendary French boss Houllier was a great sounding board for him before he passed away three years ago.

But he knows ex-bosses Benitez and McLeish are only ever a call away. At 41, he feels he’s ready to take the next step on a journey that has led to him calling Scotland home.

In an exclusive interview with Mailsport, he said: “I’ve taken on a lot of good advice from special people in the game over the years.

“I’m talking specifically about Gerard. He was unbelievable with me and was like my second dad.

“Rafa has also been very helpful to me - I spoke to him on the phone just a few ago. Alex has been a big mentor and we’re still really close. He’s a good advisor to me. And also Gordon Strachan at