Lawrence Shankland has expressed that being appointed the captain of Rangers represents a "tremendous privilege" for him. The 30‑year‑old forward, who previously wore the armband at Hearts under manager Derek McInnes, steps into the same leadership position at Ibrox after both he and McInnes joined the club over the summer. Shankland succeeds James Tavernier, who relinquished the captaincy following his departure. In his remarks, Shankland said, "Obviously, it’s a massive honour for me to be named captain of this football club.
I’ve been a lifelong supporter, so simply being here was a dream, but to lead the side as captain is an extraordinary privilege." He added that McInnes had informed him of the decision only an hour earlier. "When I was at Hearts, I was captain, and the only way I learned to conduct myself – both on and off the pitch – was to think and act like a leader.
It wasn’t something I dwelt on heavily, but I have always tried to set a good example in training and to do things the right way around the club," Shankland explained. The striker noted that the responsibility is shared across the squad.
"It isn’t just me. We have signed a number of experienced players – Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey and others – who have been at big clubs and have captained sides before. So it’s about all of us leading by example. For the past two and a half years I’ve only known life as a captain, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed the role.
I embraced the responsibility." He acknowledged that the captaincy brings heightened scrutiny, especially when results dip. "When things get tough, people look to the captain to answer for the team. That’s a weight I’ll have to carry, but the rewards of succeeding as captain at a club of this stature far outweigh any pressure.
I’m really looking forward to the challenge," he said. McInnes had experimented with the armband during pre‑season, handing it to several players – Ross McCrorie, Neil, Godfrey and Dujon Sterling – before settling on Shankland for his first competitive match as Rangers manager, which took place against Dundee United on a Friday night broadcast live on Sky Sports. Speaking about his decision, McInnes said, "When you join a club and need to pick a captain, you always think about the men who have come before you. James Tavernier served this club for a long time and did the job well, so that conversation was inevitable and has been asked of me constantly since I arrived.
I wanted to take the time to look through the whole squad and assess everyone before making a final call." He continued, "The advantage Lawrence had is that I have already seen first‑hand how he runs a dressing‑room, thanks to his experience captaining Hearts for several years. We weighed many factors, but many worked in his favour – his experience, the fact that our dressing‑room is still relatively young, and his background as a Glasgow boy who has supported Rangers and understands what is expected of him, of me and of the team this season.
I also have a strong personal relationship with him, which always helps." The announcement came alongside the upcoming fixture list for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. The club’s next matches include an away game at Dundee United at 8 pm on Sky Sports, a home clash with Hibernian at 4 pm, an away fixture against Aberdeen at 3 pm, a home tie versus Falkirk at 7.45 pm, a home encounter with Motherwell at 3 pm, and a marquee away game against Celtic at noon, also on Sky Sports.
Fans can view the full schedule by clicking the provided link to Rangers’ Premiership fixtures. Beyond the on‑field responsibilities, Shankland’s appointment highlights a broader strategy by the new management team to blend youthful energy with seasoned professionalism. By selecting a captain who has already demonstrated leadership in the Scottish top flight and who shares a personal connection to the club’s heritage, McInnes aims to foster a cohesive locker‑room culture that can translate into consistent performances throughout the season.
The captaincy also carries symbolic weight for supporters. Rangers, a club with a storied history and a passionate fan base, values leaders who embody the club’s traditions while driving modern ambitions.
Shankland’s lifelong fandom, coupled with his experience at Hearts, positions him as a bridge between the past and the future, offering fans a familiar face who also brings fresh perspective. In addition to his leadership duties, Shankland will continue to contribute his goal‑scoring prowess. As a proven striker, his dual role as both a prolific forward and a team leader adds an extra layer of expectation.
The club’s supporters will be watching closely to see how he balances the demands of leading a high‑profile side while maintaining his personal performance levels. Off the pitch, the club is also promoting fan engagement initiatives, including a chance to win £250,000 in the Super 6 competition, which is open for free entry.
The promotion encourages supporters to stay connected with the club’s activities throughout the season. Overall, Lawrence Shankland’s elevation to the captain’s armband is being framed as a significant milestone for both the player and Rangers.
It reflects the club’s confidence in his leadership abilities, his deep-rooted connection to the Rangers community, and his proven track record of guiding teammates. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Shankland to see how he navigates the pressures of captaining one of Scotland’s most iconic football institutions.