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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Martin McMillan

Derek McInnes relives poignant moment from his past at Rangers unveiling

Derek McInnes. (Image: Robert Perry / Shutterstock)

Derek McInnes relived a moment from his past as he entered the manager's office at Ibrox on Wednesday.

His appointment as Rangers boss, 30 years after first stepping into the iconic stadium as a player, felt like a culmination of his career.

With over 800 matches under his belt and nine years after turning down the job initially, McInnes is now at the helm of the club.

Only two occasions have seen him in this revered office – the day he signed and when he’d done his medical, and now.

McInnes said: "It’s only the second time I’ve actually been in it, the day I signed and when I’d done my medical, as you alluded to.

"When I’d done my medical, I was away for an hour and a half.

"I didn’t do my medical very well because I was always injured.

"I came up the stairs and the gaffer was sitting with my dad (Duncan), with a can of beer, and the two of them were just chewing the fat."

McInnes added: "That day, the gaffer clearly knew it was a special day all round, probably even more so for my dad, and I think he was determined to make that day as good as he could for him."


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The recollection of this day made his return to the office all the more significant.

Memories of the past mixed with the present, reminding him of the history of the club and the responsibility that comes with his current position.

"It kind of flipped back to that day, and you can feel the history there as well," he said.

As Rangers' sixth managerial unveiling in just five years, McInnes brings with him more than just experience.

He brings a connection to the club that extends beyond the pitch.

His appointment as manager, rather than head coach, is a nod to history, and a reflection of the type of Rangers many fans fondly remember.

Having managed Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, Bristol City, St Johnstone, and Hearts, McInnes is no stranger to the corridors of Ibrox, but has often walked them as an opponent.

He admitted he feared this opportunity may have passed him by, but always hoped it would come round again.

He said: "Of course, I feared this opportunity may be gone.

"But I always hoped that it would come round.

"I did say it would probably have to be a different set of circumstances, different owners."

The circumstances are indeed different, and the support from the current ownership gives him confidence in the direction of the club.

"The intention is to try and be a successful Rangers, because it’s not enjoyable here if you’re not winning," he stated.

"My dad and the gaffer and stuff like that, underneath it all, I feel the weight of responsibility, and it’s a responsibility that I’m well aware of, that we need to do our job well here."

His chats with Sir Alex Ferguson, who agreed with his decision to turn down the job in 2017, also played a part in his acceptance of the role this time around.

Now, as he takes on this new role, McInnes is ready to take on the challenge and help Rangers achieve success both on and off the pitch.

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