Derek McInnes is confident he can meet the demands of Rangers supporters after being confirmed as the club’s new manager.
McInnes has left his position with Hearts and last night agreed terms on a three-year deal at Ibrox.
The 54-year-old was installed as an immediate replacement for Danny Rohl, whose departure for Red Bull Salzburg was made official yesterday.
Rangers insist there was no shortlist of replacements for Rohl as McInnes was always viewed as the outstanding candidate.
The former Ibrox midfielder admits it is a dream come true to finally take charge of his boyhood club — and insists he is ready to tackle the challenge head-on.
‘It is a real honour to become the manager of Rangers Football Club,’ said McInnes, who will take assistants Alan Archibald and Paul Sheerin with him from Hearts.
Derek McInnes has revealed his determination to become a success at his boyhood 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.
‘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 is a lot of hard 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.’
McInnes came agonisingly close to winning the league with Hearts last season, but was pipped by Celtic on the final day.
Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Derek to Rangers. 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.’
McInnes has been linked with Rangers in the past but believes the time is now right to take over
Meanwhile, Rohl has defended his decision to quit Ibrox to join RB Salzburg.
Rohl made a quickfire exit having only taken charge last October, with Rangers receiving around £1.5million in compensation from the Austrian club.
Rohl had been under huge pressure at Rangers after the way they collapsed in the title race towards the end of last season. They lost four of their five post-split fixtures, with Andrew Cavenagh sticking to his guns and publicly backing the under-fire boss.
But the German head coach was keen on making the move to Salzburg once contact was made, having served previously in the Red Bull coaching setup at Leipzig.
‘I think the task in Glasgow was difficult,’ said Rohl, whose backroom staff have also made the move with him to Salzburg.
‘I stand for bold decisions, I stand for bold football, and that’s why Red Bull Salzburg is exactly the right fit for me, for us, for my team.’
On his spell at Rangers, Rohl added: ‘I had a great time. My time in Glasgow was relatively short, but I’m only looking ahead.
Danny Rohl insists he is only looking forward after his move to Salzburg was confirmed
‘As I’ve said before, there’s a connection when you’ve worked for Red Bull for nine years, and I was fortunate enough to see some fantastic Champions League matches here in Salzburg.
‘It was always a spectacle, a showcase, not just in Austria, but throughout Europe. It is a club that has produced many young, highly talented players in top leagues, and of course coaches as well, and I’m happy to be part of it now.’
Rangers chairman Cavenagh said: ‘I would like to thank Danny for his service and commitment to Rangers.
‘He and his staff put in a significant amount of hard work during his time in charge, which we are greatly appreciative of. We wish them the best of luck moving forward.’
