"I don't see why we can't have the ambition to win a title this season," declared Derek McInnes, the freshly appointed boss of Rangers, as he set out his vision for the club’s upcoming campaign. The 55‑year‑old manager, who arrived at Ibrox after a disappointing final‑day showdown with Hearts, is resolute about preventing another Scottish Premiership crown from slipping through the club’s fingers. McInnes’ first test will come on Friday night when Rangers travel to face Dundee United, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. He is eager to make an immediate impression and to signal a fresh start for a side that has not enjoyed a strong opening fixture in recent seasons.
"It’s important that we get off to a good start," McInnes told Sky Sports News ahead of his inaugural competitive appearance in charge. "We haven’t had that for a few seasons at Rangers, particularly that opening game." The new manager stressed the need to build confidence, momentum and belief among both the players and the supporters.
"The fans are desperate to get behind something," he noted, emphasizing that the club must earn the trust of its fanbase through solid performances on the pitch. "If the team can get confidence as we go along, then I don’t see any reason why we can’t have that ambition to go and win a title this season." Rangers are undergoing a summer overhaul.
So far, eight new signings have arrived at Ibrox, most notably the striking duo from Hearts—Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin—who are expected to add firepower to the attack. At the same time, long‑time captain James Tavernier and veteran goalkeeper Jack Butland have departed, creating space for fresh talent and new leadership dynamics. McInnes acknowledged that every club and manager is still on the lookout for additional key pieces to strengthen the squad. "But from the terms of four weeks back, the players have approached our work brilliantly," he said, indicating that the recruitment process is progressing smoothly.
He also highlighted the distinction between pre‑season friendlies and competitive fixtures. "Friendlies are friendlies for a reason and the first game on Dundee United on Friday is the important one," McInnes explained. He praised the team’s physical readiness, while conceding that there is still a “wee bit of work” to be done to fine‑tune the squad’s cohesion. "We’ve got good options in certain areas of the pitch.
We’re a wee bit light defensively and we’ve got good numbers centrally. We’ve got good options at centre‑forward, but I do think that’s an area we can improve on," he added.
The manager’s remarks underline a clear tactical philosophy: a balanced approach that solidifies the defensive line while exploiting the creative potential in midfield and attack. By bolstering the back four and adding depth to the striker positions, McInnes hopes to create a more resilient unit capable of grinding out results against both top‑six rivals and lower‑ranked opponents.
Beyond the immediate tactical tweaks, McInnes is keen to instill a winning mentality throughout the club. He believes that ambition must be backed by consistent, hard‑working performances.
"We’ve got to earn that trust with performances we can eke out," he said, suggesting that even narrow victories or hard‑won draws will be stepping stones toward a larger goal. The manager’s confidence is not unfounded; Rangers have a storied history of bouncing back from setbacks, and the squad’s recent acquisitions bring a blend of experience and youthful exuberance that could prove decisive.
Fans have responded positively to the manager’s frankness and optimism. After a season that saw the club fall short of expectations, supporters are eager for a clear plan and a sense of direction. McInnes’ emphasis on building belief aligns with the supporters’ desire to see the team fight for every point and to reclaim the glory that has eluded them since their last title in 2021. The upcoming match against Dundee United will serve as a litmus test for McInnes’ ideas.
A strong start could galvanize the squad, boost morale, and set the tone for the months ahead. Conversely, a shaky performance would highlight the areas needing immediate attention. Either way, the manager is prepared to adapt and refine his strategies as the season unfolds. In the broader context of Scottish football, Rangers are not the only club seeking to refresh their roster and revamp their tactics.
Competitors across the Premiership are also engaged in summer rebuilds, making the race for the title more unpredictable and fiercely contested. McInnes is aware of this landscape and insists that Rangers must not only improve internally but also stay ahead of rivals in terms of preparation, scouting, and match‑day execution.
As the kickoff approaches, McInnes remains focused on the long‑term vision while acknowledging the importance of each individual game. "We’ve got to be as ready as we can be," he concluded.
"Physically, I think we are. As a squad, we’ve still got a wee bit of work to do, but I’m confident that with the right attitude, we can turn ambition into tangible success and bring a championship back to Ibrox." The stage is set, the fans are listening, and the new manager’s challenge is clear: translate ambition into results, and make the 2024‑25 season a memorable chapter in Rangers’ illustrious history.