Derek McInnes Appointed Rangers Manager After Rohl Departure

Derek McInnes has been confirmed as Rangers’ new manager on a three-year deal from Hearts, handing the 54-year-old responsibility for restoring the Scottish Premiership title to Ibrox. The former midfielder takes over less than a year after Russell Martin and Danny Rohl also held the permanent role.

McInnes arrives from Hearts, where the team missed the Premiership crown on the final day of last season. Rangers now turn to a manager with strong domestic knowledge and previous connections to the Glasgow club, as pressure grows to match long-term ambitions on and off the pitch.

The new manager is tasked with ending Rangers’ wait for a Scottish Premiership title, which stretches back to the 2020-21 triumph under Steven Gerrard. McInnes will be Rangers’ third permanent appointment in 12 months, underlining the instability that has followed that championship success.

During a previous spell as a Rangers player, McInnes made 34 appearances in midfield. Rangers had tried to bring McInnes back to Ibrox in December 2017 while McInnes was Aberdeen manager, but that approach was rejected at the time. McInnes now follows Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland in moving to Rangers this summer.

Rangers confirmed that Alan Archibald, Paul Sheerin and Craig Clark will join the backroom staff as assistants. The club highlighted the combined domestic experience of the group, which is expected to support McInnes as Rangers seek more consistency in league and cup competitions over the coming seasons.

Speaking to the club’s media, McInnes underlined personal ties to Rangers and the demands of the position. "It is a real honour to become the manager of Rangers Football Club, McInnes told Rangers' official club website. 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. The demands here are clear, and our supporters rightfully have high expectations. It is up to me, my staff and my players to meet those expectations, and have this club performing as it should. There ishard work ahead, but already the preparations have begun, and I am looking forward to meeting the current squad in the coming weeks and welcoming some new faces."

The appointment was announced shortly after confirmation that former Rangers manager Danny Rohl had completed a move to Austrian side RB Salzburg. Rohl’s departure ends a brief tenure at Ibrox and clears the way for McInnes to shape a fresh technical team around Rangers’ existing squad.

RangersChairman Andrew Cavenagh underlined the board’s confidence in the appointment. "I am delighted to welcome Derek to Rangers, RangersChairman Andrew Cavenagh added. He is someone we have always rated highly, and we believe he is exactly what this club needs at this moment in time. His deep Scottish and Rangers experience are important for us. He knows how to win in this league, and he is coming off an extremely strong season with Hearts."

With the new coaching unit confirmed and preparations already under way, Rangers move into the upcoming campaign with a manager familiar with Ibrox expectations and recent Premiership trends. McInnes’ record with Hearts and earlier roles sets a clear benchmark as Rangers seek a sustained title challenge.