"I don't see why we can't have the ambition to win a title this season," declared the newly appointed Rangers boss Derek McInnes, making clear his intent to prevent another Scottish Premiership crown from slipping through his fingers. The 55‑year‑old manager, fresh from a disappointing final‑day showdown with Hearts, has now taken the helm at Ibrox and is convinced he can steer the club back to the summit for the first time since the 2021 triumph. Rangers kick off their new campaign on Friday night against Dundee United, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. McInnes is eager to stamp his authority on the side from the very first competitive fixture.
"It’s vital that we start the season on a positive note," he told Sky Sports News ahead of the encounter. "We haven’t seen that kind of opening win in a few seasons at Rangers, and it’s something the supporters are craving." He continued, "Building confidence, generating momentum and fostering belief are all crucial.
The fans are desperate to rally behind a team that shows promise. If we can grow our self‑belief as the weeks go by, I see no reason why we cannot set our sights on the title this season." The club has undergone another summer of reconstruction.
So far, eight new signings have arrived at Ibrox, among them the striking duo from Hearts – Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin – who are expected to inject fresh firepower into the forward line. At the same time, long‑serving captain James Tavernier and goalkeeper Jack Butland have departed, leaving a mix of experience and potential that the manager must blend quickly. "Every side and every manager is still hunting for those key pieces," McInnes observed.
"But looking back over the past four weeks, the players have responded to our work brilliantly. Everyone is focused on that first match.
I’m pleased the pre‑season friendlies are behind us – they serve their purpose, but the real test begins on Friday at Dundee United." He added that the squad feels physically prepared, though there is still “a wee bit of work to do” tactically. "We have solid options in certain areas of the pitch. Defensively we are a little light, but we have strong numbers in midfield.
Up front we have good centre‑forward choices, yet there’s room for improvement there as well." McInnes’ philosophy centres on creating a resilient, attacking side that can dominate games while maintaining defensive discipline. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach: "We want to be proactive, to press high and win the ball back quickly, but we also have to be organised at the back. The modern game demands that we can transition from defence to attack in a heartbeat." The manager also highlighted the importance of the supporters in the club’s quest.
Rangers’ fan base, known for its passion and loyalty, has endured a period of frustration as the team fell short of expectations in recent seasons. "The fans are the lifeblood of this club," McInnes said. "Their energy at Ibrox can lift the players, and we intend to give them something to celebrate." Looking ahead, McInnes outlined a roadmap for the season. The first objective is to secure three points against Dundee United, establishing a solid foundation.
Subsequent fixtures against the league’s traditional powerhouses will test the squad’s depth and tactical flexibility. "We’ll assess our performances game by game, making adjustments as needed," he explained. "The aim is to keep building momentum, not just for a single match but for the whole campaign." In terms of recruitment, the manager hinted that the transfer window remains open for strategic additions. "We’re always looking for players who fit our style and can raise the overall quality of the team," he noted.
"If the right opportunity arises, we won’t hesitate to act." The Scottish Premiership itself promises a competitive landscape, with clubs like Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts all eager to challenge for the title. McInnes is aware that Rangers cannot afford complacency.
"Every opponent will be motivated, and we have to bring our best every single week," he warned. "Consistency will be the key differentiator." Off the pitch, the club is also focusing on fostering a strong locker‑room culture.
McInnes believes that unity and mutual respect among players are essential for sustained success. "When the squad believes in each other, it translates onto the field," he said. "We’ll work on building that camaraderie through training sessions, team‑building activities, and open communication." The upcoming match against Dundee United will be broadcast on Sky Sports, and fans can also follow live coverage via the NOW streaming service. The club encourages supporters to stay connected through Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, video highlights, analysis and more.
In summary, Derek McInnes arrives at Rangers with a clear message: ambition is not optional, it is required. By combining fresh talent, a solid physical base, tactical adaptability, and the unwavering support of the Rangers faithful, he believes the club can reclaim the Scottish Premiership crown. The journey begins this Friday, and the manager’s confidence suggests that if the team can harness that early momentum, the title race could very well be within reach.