Jody Morris has backed Derek McInnes to lead Rangers to the Premiership title, citing controversial VAR decisions that cost Hearts the championship last season. McInnes, who took over at Ibrox earlier this summer, came close to winning the league with Hearts before losing to Celtic on the final day.
McInnes finally lands Rangers job
The former Rangers midfielder spent five years at the club as a player and has now returned as manager. Morris, who played with McInnes at Millwall and later played under him at St Johnstone and Bristol City, said the appointment was long overdue.
“It is long overdue for Derek McInnes to be the Rangers manager. He should have gotten it a couple of times before,” Morris told Boyle Sports. “I know many Rangers fans who are buzzing that he is through the door.”
VAR controversy and title near-miss
Hearts missed out on the title in May after a final-day defeat at Celtic Park. Days earlier, Celtic were awarded a controversial late penalty against Motherwell after VAR official Andrew Dallas ruled Sam Nicholson had handled the ball. McInnes called the decision “disgusting” and was subsequently handed a four-game touchline ban, which Rangers have appealed.
Morris believes McInnes was unlucky not to win the league. “There were some decisions toward the end of the season that were mind-blowing. The fact that he challenged Celtic so closely with Hearts was a phenomenal job,” Morris said.
Best chance to beat Celtic
Morris is backing McInnes to end Celtic’s dominance. “Rangers have their best chance in a long time to finish above Celtic,” he said. “Derek is a proven manager in the league and has done a phenomenal job at Hearts, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen, and St Johnstone.”
Morris also praised Celtic boss Martin O’Neill but made clear his loyalties lie with McInnes. “I am on Derek's side and Rangers' side this year,” he said.
