Ross McCrorie has highlighted how pivotal Derek McInnes was in his decision to return to Rangers on July 2, 2026. The 28-year-old defender, who previously played under McInnes at Aberdeen, turned down offers from England to reunite with his former manager at Ibrox.
McCrorie stated, "The biggest thing for me was the gaffer. I had a good few offers in England but as soon as the gaffer got the job here I knew he was the man to take this club forward." This sentiment reflects the strong bond and mutual respect developed during their time together.
Derek McInnes: A Proven Leader
McCrorie's journey with Rangers began at the age of nine, culminating in his debut in September 2017. After making over 50 appearances, he left for Aberdeen in 2020, encouraged by McInnes. He recalled, "The gaffer was the one who gave me that belief to step up and leave Rangers." During his three years at Aberdeen, McCrorie made 115 appearances, showcasing his versatility and leadership as captain.
McInnes, who previously managed Kilmarnock and has extensive experience in the Scottish Premiership, has a reputation as a great man-manager. McCrorie praised him, saying, "He makes you want to run through brick walls for him." McInnes led Hearts to a near-title victory last season, demonstrating his ability to uplift teams.
Rangers' Ambitions Under New Management
Rangers have struggled in recent years, securing only three trophies since McCrorie's departure. Reflecting on this, McCrorie noted, "Watching as a fan, there’s no getting away from it, it’s not been good enough. I want to help create the standards that it takes to make Rangers successful." His return coincides with several new signings, including Ben Godfrey and Ivor Pandur, aimed at bolstering the squad.
McCrorie emphasized the importance of character and unity within the team, stating, "It’s not just about quality, it’s about character as well. We need to have that ruthless edge to us." He believes that the right mentality can significantly impact the team's performance.
Key Players Joining Rangers
Alongside McCrorie, Rangers have made strategic signings to enhance their squad. Key additions include:
- Ben Godfrey - Centre-half
- Ivor Pandur - Goalkeeper
- Lawrence Shankland - Striker
- Dan Neil - Midfielder
McCrorie’s return, combined with these new signings, aims to restore Rangers' competitive edge in the Premiership and beyond.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Football. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
