Derek McInnes 'back where he belongs' and embracing Rangers role

Derek McInnes declared he was back where he belongs and ready to embrace the responsibility of winning trophies as Rangers manager.

The former Gers midfielder turned down the opportunity to take over at Ibrox in December 2017 but seized a second chance after Danny Rohl was head-hunted by RB Salzburg.

After coming within a handful of minutes of leading Hearts to the William Hill Premiership title, McInnes was earmarked as Rangers’ only candidate.

Speaking at his first Ibrox media conference, the 54-year-old said: “Obviously a very special moment for myself, my family, there’s a lot of people I can think of on a day like this.

“But obviously, having known the club for a long time, supported the club, I’m well aware of the responsibility that being the manager brings.

“I feel it’s the right time for me and I feel I’m ready for it. I feel as if I belong here and I’m ready to get going.

“We just want to deliver a team that meets the demand here. I feel as though the Rangers fans, with one title in 15 years, they’ve suffered for a long time and it’s up to us to play a key role in driving the standards and get a winning Rangers team on the pitch more often than not.

“I’ve got an idea of what my Rangers team needs to look like and hopefully it’s something similar to what the Rangers fans want as well. They need something to believe in, they need something real.”

McInnes turned down Rangers during Dave King’s tenure as chairman while he was managing Aberdeen.

“I feel as I was ready for it back then but just a different set of circumstances and there was a lot going on at that time,” he said.

“I was leaving a really secure club in Aberdeen and an enjoyable period at Aberdeen, but at that time I wanted to be the Rangers manager as well.

“But it was a different ownership, different set of circumstances, a different feeling, to be honest, as soon as we got into talks and negotiations.

“Today is about becoming the Rangers manager rather than looking back. I’m just delighted I’ve been given the opportunity to be asked again and I’m just eager to get going.”

When asked if Rangers could win the league next season, McInnes said: “Of course we can. It’s easy to say but the intention is to go and do that. We’ve got work to do but the reason I’m here is because I believe we can.”

McInnes will have the final say on signings in the club’s recruitment structure and will insist on players who can handle the pressure.

“We’re all going to work hard to bring the best players here because it does take more than just being a good player to play for Rangers and deal with what’s expected,” said the former St Johnstone and Kilmarnock boss, who has signed a three-year contract.

“There has to be a lot more under the bonnet to deal with that expectation and I feel that part of my job and the staff’s job is to make the most of the current squad but also add players that can help us be successful.”