Derek McInnes Unveiled as Rangers Manager: First Press Conference Live

Derek McInnes has been officially unveiled as the new Rangers manager, facing the media for the first time since taking charge at Ibrox. The 54-year-old replaces Danny Rohl, who left for RB Salzburg, and begins the task of ending Celtic's dominance in Scottish football.

McInnes' Opening Address

McInnes, a lifelong Rangers fan, famously turned down the club in December 2017 to remain at Aberdeen. However, with the Glasgow giants under new ownership, he accepted the role this time. He said: “It is a real honour to become the manager of Rangers Football Club. It is no secret that I grew up a Rangers supporter, and I am convinced this is the right time to take on this prestigious role given the club’s structure, and leadership from Andrew, the Board, and Jim.”

The former Hearts boss came agonisingly close to winning the Scottish Premiership last season, only for two late Celtic goals on the final day to hand the title to Martin O'Neill's men. Now, McInnes aims to bring silverware back to Ibrox.

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Transfers and Squad Plans

McInnes is expected to reunite with Ross McCrorie, whom he once described as a "dream" signing at Aberdeen. He also follows Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland down the M8. The new manager will face questions on transfers, his plans for the current squad, and how he intends to restore Rangers to the summit of Scottish football.

First Fixtures and Potential Sideline Ban

McInnes will make his Ibrox bow when Rangers host West Ham in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, July 26. However, he faces a potential touchline ban for the opening Premiership games after being hit with a notice of complaint for describing a penalty decision as "disgusting." The incident occurred when Celtic were awarded a last-gasp spot-kick at Motherwell, scored by Kelechi Iheanacho, which kept the defending champions within a point of Hearts before they won the title on the final day. McInnes said: “Having seen it, it's disgusting.” His disciplinary hearing is scheduled for July 16.