Lawrence Shankland has expressed that being appointed the captain of Rangers is a "massive privilege" for him. The 30‑year‑old forward, who previously captained Hearts under the guidance of Derek McInnes, steps into the same leadership position at Ibrox after both he and McInnes transferred to the club during the summer window. Shankland succeeds James Tavernier, who departs the armband, and he explained: "Obviously, it is a huge honour for me to be named captain of this football club.
I'm a lifelong supporter. It was a dream to be here in the first place but to be captain is a huge honour. He (McInnes) just told me about an hour ago! When I was at Hearts, I was captain and the only way I've learned to behave and in my training has been to act as a captain and try to be a leader in the group.
It hadn't been something I'd thought too much about. But I always look to myself to set examples on the training pitch and do things properly around the place. "That's not just me.
We've signed a lot of experienced players like Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey, guys who have been around big clubs and been captains. So it's about all of us setting an example. For the last two and a half years, all I've known is being captain of a club. It's something I've enjoyed.
I took the responsibility. Of course, there's scrutiny when things get difficult and people look to the captain to answer up for the squad.
That's something I'll need to be responsible for but the flip side is the rewards of being a successful captain at this club outweigh it by miles. So it's something I'm really looking forward to." McInnes, who rotated the armband among several squad members during pre‑season – including Ross McCrorie, Neil, Godfrey and Dujon Sterling – clarified his decision ahead of his inaugural competitive match as Rangers manager against Dundee United, broadcast live on Sky Sports. He said: "When you come into a club and have to pick a captain, you're always mindful of the ones who have gone before. James Tavernier has served this club for a long time and served it well, so that discussion was always going to be there and it's something I've been asked about a lot since I took the job.
I wanted to take time to look right through the squad and see how everybody was before making that call. "The advantage Lawrence had is that I've already seen first‑hand how well he runs a dressing room, with his experience captaining Hearts for a few years. We had a lot to consider, but plenty went in his favour – his experience, the fact we're still quite a young dressing room, and that he knows the club as a Glasgow boy who has supported Rangers and understands what's expected of him, of me and of the team this season. I've also got a strong relationship with him, which always helps." Shankland's appointment reflects a broader strategy at Rangers to blend youthful enthusiasm with seasoned professionalism.
The club has recently bolstered its ranks with players such as Dan Neil, a versatile defender with Premier League pedigree, and Ben Godfrey, a former England international accustomed to high‑pressure environments. Both have previously captained sides or held senior leadership roles, providing a supportive network for Shankland as he assumes his new duties. Beyond the on‑field responsibilities, the captaincy at a club of Rangers' stature carries significant off‑field expectations. Shankland will be the primary liaison between the manager and the playing group, the public face during media engagements, and a key figure in community outreach programmes that Rangers traditionally champion.
His lifelong allegiance to the club, having grown up in Glasgow and supporting Rangers from a young age, is likely to resonate with supporters who value authenticity and passion. The role also entails managing the inevitable scrutiny that follows a high‑profile team. When results dip or controversies arise, the captain is often the first person the press and fans turn to for answers.
Shankland acknowledges this pressure, noting that while the responsibility can be intense, the personal and collective rewards of guiding Rangers to success far outweigh the challenges. Rangers' upcoming schedule underscores the importance of strong leadership.
The team faces a series of fixtures, beginning with the away clash against Dundee United at 8 pm, followed by a home match versus Hibernian at 4 pm, and subsequent games against Aberdeen, Falkirk, Motherwell and the Old Firm rivals Celtic, some of which will be televised live on Sky Sports. Maintaining consistency across this demanding calendar will test Shankland's ability to inspire cohesion and resilience within a relatively youthful squad.
In addition to the competitive fixtures, Rangers continue to engage fans through various media platforms, including streaming options for the Scottish Premiership via NOW and live coverage on Sky Sports. The club also promotes community initiatives, such as the Super 6 competition offering a chance to win £250,000, encouraging supporter participation beyond the matchday experience.
Overall, Lawrence Shankland's elevation to the captaincy symbolizes both a personal milestone and a strategic move by Rangers to cultivate a leader who embodies the club's heritage, possesses proven leadership experience, and can bridge the gap between seasoned veterans and emerging talent. As the season unfolds, his performance in this expanded role will be closely watched by fans, pundits, and the broader football community, all eager to see whether his tenure as captain can help Rangers achieve their ambitions on domestic and European stages.