Lawrence Shankland has expressed that being appointed the new captain of Rangers represents a "tremendous privilege" for him. The 30‑year‑old forward, who previously wore the armband at Hearts under the guidance of Derek McInnes, now steps into the same leadership role at Ibrox after both he and the manager made the move to Glasgow during the summer transfer window.
Shankland succeeds James Tavernier, who departs the captaincy as he leaves the club, and he reflected on the significance of the honour: "Obviously, it’s a massive privilege for me to be named captain of this football club. I’ve been a lifelong supporter, so simply being here was a dream, but being handed the armband is an even greater distinction." He recalled that McInnes had just informed him of the decision, saying, "He (McInnes) told me about an hour ago. When I was at Hearts I was captain, and the only way I learned to conduct myself on and off the pitch was by thinking like a captain and trying to lead the group. It wasn’t something I’d given a lot of thought to before, but I always try to set an example in training and do things properly around the club." Shankland emphasized that leadership is a collective effort, noting the influx of seasoned professionals such as Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey and other former captains who have played for larger clubs.
"It’s not just me. We’ve signed a lot of experienced players – Dan, Ben, and others who have been captains elsewhere. So it’s about all of us setting a standard." He added, "For the last two and a half years, all I’ve known is being captain of a club. It’s something I’ve enjoyed and I’ve taken the responsibility seriously.
Of course, there’s scrutiny when things get tough and people look to the captain to answer for the squad. That’s a duty I’ll have to shoulder, but the rewards of succeeding as captain at Rangers far outweigh any pressure. I’m really looking forward to it." Manager Derek McInnes had experimented with the armband during pre‑season, rotating it among players like Ross McCrorie, Neil, Godfrey and Dujon Sterling.
Ahead of his first competitive match as Rangers boss – a fixture against Dundee United on a Friday night broadcast live on Sky Sports – McInnes explained why he settled on Shankland. "When you join a club and have to pick a captain, you’re always mindful of those who have gone before. James Tavernier served this club for a long time and did so admirably, so that conversation was inevitable and has been asked about a lot since I arrived.
I wanted to take time to look through the squad and see how everyone was before making that call." He continued, "The advantage Lawrence had is that I’ve already seen first‑hand how well he runs a dressing‑room, thanks to his experience captaining Hearts. We had many factors to weigh, but several worked in his favour – his experience, the fact that our dressing‑room is still relatively young, and that he’s a Glasgow native who has supported Rangers all his life and understands what’s expected of him, of me, and of the team this season. I also have a strong relationship with him, which always helps." The announcement comes as Rangers prepare for a busy schedule in the Scottish Premiership, with upcoming fixtures including Dundee United at home (8 pm, live on Sky Sports), Hibernian away (4 pm), Aberdeen away (3 pm), Falkirk at home (7.45 pm), Motherwell at home (3 pm) and a high‑profile clash with Celtic away (12 pm, live on Sky Sports). Fans can view the full list of Rangers’ Premiership fixtures via the club’s official channels.
Beyond the on‑field responsibilities, Shankland’s appointment underscores a broader strategy at Rangers: blending youthful enthusiasm with seasoned leadership to cultivate a winning culture. The club’s recruitment of players with previous captaincy experience is designed to reinforce a hierarchy where leadership is shared and mentorship is encouraged. This approach aims to nurture emerging talent while maintaining the standards expected at a club of Rangers’ stature. In addition to his captaincy duties, Shankland will likely be involved in community outreach, media engagements, and representing the club’s values off the pitch.
Modern captains are expected to be ambassadors, promoting the club’s brand, supporting charitable initiatives, and engaging with supporters. Given Shankland’s lifelong affinity for Rangers, his personal connection to the fan base may enhance these efforts, fostering a stronger bond between the team and its supporters. The role also brings heightened scrutiny. As Shankland noted, captains are often the first point of contact when results falter or controversies arise.
He will need to balance on‑field performance with diplomatic communication, acting as a conduit between the manager, the squad, and the media. His previous experience at Hearts, where he learned to lead under pressure, should serve him well in navigating these challenges. Overall, Shankland’s elevation to captaincy reflects both his personal journey—from a Hearts skipper to a Rangers fan‑boy fulfilling a childhood dream—and the club’s vision for a cohesive, resilient team.
As the season unfolds, supporters will watch closely to see how his leadership influences Rangers’ pursuit of domestic glory and European ambition. For those interested in following the Scottish Premiership action, matches are available to stream via NOW, and live coverage is provided on Sky Sports. Additionally, fans can engage with Rangers’ Super 6 competition for a chance to win a £250,000 prize, with free entry available through the club’s promotional channels.