Derek McInnes, the freshly appointed boss of Rangers, has made it clear that he expects his side to aim for the Scottish Premiership crown this season. "I don't see why we can't have the ambition to win a title this season," he said, signalling a determined mindset after the club’s disappointing final‑day showdown with Hearts last year. At 55, McInnes arrives at Ibrox with a reputation for galvanising teams and a belief that the trophy can be reclaimed, ending the three‑year drought that began after the 2021 triumph. The new campaign kicks off on Friday evening when Rangers travel to face Dundee United, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
McInnes is eager to make an immediate impact and has stressed the importance of a strong start. "It's important that we get off to a good start," he told Sky Sports News ahead of his debut competitive fixture.
He reflected on recent seasons, noting that Rangers have not consistently begun campaigns with the momentum they once enjoyed. "We've not had that for a few seasons at Rangers, particularly that opening game.
I think building confidence, gaining some early momentum and belief is crucial, and the fans are desperate to get behind something that feels positive," McInnes explained. The manager highlighted the need to earn the trust of the supporters through solid performances. "We've got to earn that trust with performances we can eke out. 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," he added.
His comments came alongside a reminder that the Scottish Premiership can be streamed on NOW and watched live on Sky Sports, underscoring the high profile of the league and the expectations placed on Rangers. Rangers have undergone a significant 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 inject fresh firepower into the attack.
At the same time, long‑time stalwarts such as former captain James Tavernier and goalkeeper Jack Butland have departed, signalling a clear shift in the squad’s composition. McInnes acknowledged that every club and manager is still seeking key additions to fine‑tune their rosters.
"Every team and every manager is still looking for some key additions," he said, but he also praised the work already done by the incoming players. "From the terms of four weeks back, the players have approached our work brilliantly.
Everybody just looks for that first game properly. I'm glad the pre‑season friendlies are over with. Friendlies are friendlies for a reason and the first game on Dundee United on Friday is the important one." Physical readiness, according to McInnes, is largely in place, though he admits there is still a "wee bit of work" to be done as a unit. He highlighted specific areas where the squad shows promise and where improvements are needed.
"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 remarked, pointing to a need for greater defensive solidity while maintaining attacking depth. The manager’s remarks reflect a broader strategic vision for Rangers.
He wants the team to develop a resilient defensive structure, ensuring that the back line can cope with the league’s physical demands. Simultaneously, he aims to nurture a versatile midfield capable of controlling games and supplying the forwards. By blending the experience of new signings like Shankland—who brings a proven goal‑scoring record—with the youthful energy of emerging talents, McInnes hopes to create a balanced squad that can sustain pressure throughout the season.
Beyond tactics, McInnes emphasised the psychological component of a title challenge. He believes that confidence, once sparked by early positive results, can become a self‑reinforcing cycle. "If we start winning, the belief grows, the fans get behind us more, and the players feed off that energy," he said. This mentality, he argues, is essential for a club of Rangers' stature, where expectations are high and the appetite for silverware is insatiable.
Looking ahead, the manager is realistic about the competition. The Scottish Premiership features strong rivals, and the path to the top will require consistency, depth, and the ability to win crucial fixtures, especially against direct challengers.
However, McInnes remains optimistic. "We have the talent, we have the drive, and we have the support of a passionate fan base. If we keep improving week by week, there’s no reason we can’t lift the trophy," he concluded. In summary, Derek McInnes has arrived at Rangers with a clear message: ambition is not optional, it is required.
By combining strategic signings, a focus on defensive improvement, and a belief‑building approach, he aims to steer the club back to the summit of Scottish football. The upcoming clash with Dundee United will be the first test of his ideas, and Rangers supporters will be watching closely, hopeful that the new era under McInnes will finally deliver the long‑awaited league title.