Derek McInnes expressed his deep connection to Rangers upon being appointed as the club’s new manager, emphasizing that he “belongs” at Ibrox. The 54-year-old took the reins following the departure of Danny Röhl to RB Salzburg, and he outlined his ambition to clinch the Scottish Premiership as swiftly as possible.

Reflecting on his journey, McInnes acknowledged the unexpected nature of the opportunity, especially after nearly leading Hearts to a title last season. Having played for Rangers from 1995 to 2000, he feels a strong sense of duty and excitement about returning to the club he has supported since childhood.

Key points from McInnes' statement include:

• Excitement to begin his managerial role at Rangers, stating:

I feel as though I belong here.

• Acknowledgment of the Rangers fans' long wait for success, having won only one title in the last 15 years.
• A commitment to delivering a team that meets the high expectations of the fans.
• A clear vision for what his Rangers team needs to look like, aiming to restore winning standards.

McInnes described becoming Rangers manager as a long-held dream and expressed confidence in his decision, underscoring that the timing feels right for him to lead the team. As he prepares for the upcoming season, the focus is on revitalizing the club and achieving immediate success.