Gregory Vignal 2004-05
Greg spent season 2004/05 on loan from Liverpool and it would prove to be a positive move for both Club and player.
He would have somewhat of a nomadic career, in addition to his stint in Scotland he would also have loan spells in his homeland (Bastia & Rennes) and Spain (Espanyol) whilst still a Liverpool player.
Although never quite establishing himself as a first team regular with the Anfield side, he did make a late substitute appearance as Liverpool came from behind to win the FA Cup in 2001, defeating Arsenal 2-1 in Cardiff. An unused substitute, Greg won the UEFA Cup that same 2000/01 season with future Gers management duo Steven Gerrard and Gary McAllister both on target during a 5-4 win over Spanish side Alaves in Dortmund. Vignal was also on the bench as Gerard Houllier’s side clinched the 2001 UEFA Super Cup with a 3-2 win over Bayern Munich in Monaco.
An athletic, attacking left fullback, the Frenchman would add to his medal haul winning both the League Cup and League Championship during his short spell at Ibrox under Alex McLeish.
Greg’s personal highlights in Scotland included the decisive strike during the penalty shootout victory over Maritimo (UEFA Cup), a goal in an Old Firm win at Parkhead, and a double in a crucial win at Motherwell as the title went to the wire on Helicopter Sunday.
Rangers appeared keen to extend Vignal’s stay in Glasgow but the player would eventually sign for Portsmouth before returning to France with Lens. It seemeed to be a case of new season, new Club. A loan spell in Germany with Kaiserslautern was followed by a return to the South Coast with Southampton. He would then be reunited with Alex McLeish at Birmingham City during 2009/10.
A lack of stability or place to call ‘home’ was possibly a factor in Gregory not fulfilling the promise Liverpool had recognised as a teenager. Capped by France at Under-21 level, he was also part of their 2000 European Championships winning squad at Under-18’s.
Whilst it was not possible to turn Vignal’s move into a permanent transfer, Greg did later return to Ibrox where he undertook various coaching roles at Auchenhowie. This included a spell as Head Coach of Rangers WFC as the Club entered a new professional era for the Women’s team. He has publicly spoken of his ambition to return again in some capacity. For the time being, he is part of the staff at Latvian side, FC RFS, based in Riga.
by Rick Plews
