Lawrence Shankland has expressed that being appointed the captain of Rangers is a "tremendous privilege" for him. The 30‑year‑old forward, who previously wore the armband at Hearts under manager Derek McInnes, will now assume the same leadership duties at Ibrox after both he and McInnes joined the club during the summer transfer window. Shankland steps into the captaincy following the departure of James Tavernier.
In his remarks he said, "Obviously, it is a massive honour for me to be named captain of this football club. I have been a lifelong supporter, and simply being here was a dream come true; being handed the captain's armband makes that dream even bigger." He recalled a recent conversation with McInnes: "He told me about an hour ago that I would be taking the role. When I captained Hearts, I learned early on that the only way to lead is to act like a captain in every training session and to set a standard for the rest of the squad. It never really crossed my mind as a distant ambition – I just tried to lead by example on the pitch and off it." Shankland continued, "I always try to set the right example during training, to do things the proper way, and to encourage my teammates to follow suit.
This isn’t just about me; we have recruited a number of seasoned professionals such as Dan Neil and Ben Godfrey, players who have been at big clubs and have captained sides before. The responsibility is collective – we all need to lead by example." Reflecting on his recent experience, he added, "For the past two and a half years, my identity has been closely tied to being a captain. I have genuinely enjoyed the role and embraced the accountability that comes with it.
Of course, there is added scrutiny when the team faces adversity and the captain is expected to answer for the squad. That pressure is part of the job, but the satisfaction of succeeding as a captain at a club of Rangers' stature far outweighs any criticism. I am truly looking forward to the challenge." Manager Derek McInnes explained his decision during the pre‑season, noting that he had experimented with the armband on several players – Ross McCrorie, Neil, Godfrey and Dujon Sterling – before settling on Shankland for the first competitive match as Rangers boss, which took place against Dundee United on a Friday night broadcast live on Sky Sports. McInnes said, "When you arrive at a club and need to select a captain, you always consider the legacy of those who have worn the armband before.
James Tavernier served the club admirably for many years, so his contribution was always part of the conversation, and I was asked about the decision repeatedly after taking the job. I wanted to assess the entire squad carefully before making a final call." He went on to praise Shankland’s suitability: "The advantage Lawrence brings is that I have already seen how he manages a dressing‑room, given his experience captaining Hearts. Several factors worked in his favour – his leadership experience, the relatively young age of our squad, and his deep connection to the club as a Glasgow native who has supported Rangers his whole life.
He understands the expectations placed on him, on me, and on the team this season. Moreover, I have a strong personal rapport with him, which always helps in building a cohesive unit." The announcement coincided with a busy fixture schedule for Rangers, including matches against Dundee United (away, 8 pm, live on Sky Sports), Hibernian (home, 4 pm), Aberdeen (away, 3 pm), Falkirk (away, 7.45 pm), Motherwell (home, 3 pm) and a high‑profile Old Firm clash with Celtic (away, 12 pm, live on Sky Sports).
Fans can view the full list of Premiership fixtures via the club’s official channels. Beyond the on‑field responsibilities, Shankland highlighted the broader impact of his captaincy: "Being a captain isn’t just about leading during matches; it’s about fostering a culture of professionalism, supporting younger players, and being a bridge between the manager’s vision and the squad’s execution.
I intend to use my experience to mentor the emerging talents, help them adapt to the pressures of top‑flight football, and ensure that the dressing‑room remains a positive, focused environment." He also addressed the media scrutiny that comes with the role: "The press will always analyse our performances, and the captain often becomes the focal point. I’m prepared to take that scrutiny in stride, answer tough questions, and keep the team’s morale high regardless of the headlines." In summary, Shankland’s appointment reflects both his personal journey – from a Rangers fan boy to a seasoned professional leader – and the club’s strategic aim to blend youthful energy with experienced guidance. As the new captain, he pledges to uphold the standards set by his predecessors, to inspire his teammates, and to strive for success in every competition Rangers enters this season. Fans eager to engage further can also participate in the club’s Super 6 promotion, offering a chance to win £250,000 at no cost.
The campaign underscores Rangers’ commitment to connecting with its supporters both on and off the pitch.