Derek McInnes is on the verge of becoming the next manager of Rangers, almost nine years after his first attempt to take the helm dramatically collapsed. The Hearts boss appeared to be on the brink of accepting the Rangers job in 2017, but a late U-turn saw him remain with Aberdeen.
Keith Jackson's Insight
Chief sportswriter Keith Jackson, who broke the story that McInnes was in talks with Andrew Cavenagh to succeed Danny Rohl, has offered a fascinating insight into one of the most dramatic managerial chases in recent memory. Jackson stresses that McInnes's decision was not a slight on Rangers, but rather a rejection of then-chairman Dave King after a late shift in contract talks. This led to caretaker Graeme Murty landing the job for the rest of the 2017/18 season.
The Role of Walter Smith
Speaking on Hotline LIVE, Jackson said: "He didn't turn down Rangers, he turned down Dave King. I think it is a really important distinction. I think what people need to remember, out there, is he did so after seeking the advice of Walter Smith. The guy he always considered to be a managerial mentor."
Jackson added: "It is worth pointing out as well that Walter Smith always wanted Derek McInnes to become the manager of Rangers Football Club. If Walter Smith thinks it's a good idea then, I think the Rangers fans, if there are any who haven't got on board with it, I think if they know Walter Smith always believed Derek McInnes had everything required to be a successful manager of Rangers, then they should take some comfort in that."
McInnes's change of heart after learning of the inner workings at Ibrox under King's leadership sparked an infamous statement and appeared to end the 54-year-old's bid to manage the club he represented as a player with distinction. But now, all these years later, McInnes is all but certainly heading back to Rangers.
