Rangers finished last term third. That single line, buried under the summer of managerial upheaval, is the stark reality facing Derek McInnes as his era kicks off with a Scottish Premiership curtain-raiser at Dundee United on Friday night.
The Ibrox side followed up a reported £40m spending spree with a second successive trophyless season. Their demanding fanbase expects far better. Yet the memories of that collapse are fresh: four straight post-split defeats ended their hopes, leaving former head coach Danny Rohl with no credit banked. Rohl, who replaced the sacked Russell Martin after a troublesome 17-match reign, has since left for Red Bull Salzburg in June, his departure described as a “mutual agreement”.
“Rangers start McInnes era after finishing third following £40m spend and trophyless season.”
Now, McInnes steps in. The 55-year-old turned down interest from Rangers in 2017 but arrives after taking Hearts to within about 10 minutes of a historic Scottish top-flight title. That run unified the view that he is now the right man.
“The timing’s perfect,” former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday told BBC Scotland. “McInnes will probably admit himself he’s now a more well-rounded manager than he was back in 2017. He’s been through a title race, he’s had ups and downs throughout that, so I think he’s in the…”
Halliday’s trailing thought captures the hope – but also the weight. An experienced figurehead, Lawrence Shankland spearheading the attack, further financial backing – the excuse list is empty. The question now is whether McInnes can deliver what the Ibrox faithful demand: a return to the top.