Hugh Keevins describes the harsh reality Derek McInnes is already facing at Rangers as ‘shocking.’

New Rangers Boss Faces Enormous Expectations

Derek McInnes arrives at Rangers fully aware that the standards expected at Ibrox are among the highest in Scottish football. However, one thing working in his favour is that recent managers have struggled badly to meet those expectations.

The 54-year-old steps into the role knowing that surpassing several of his predecessors may not be as difficult as it initially appears.

Over the past decade and a half, Rangers have experienced a series of managerial appointments that have failed to deliver sustained success. While some coaches arrived with impressive reputations and ambitious plans, very few managed to translate those ideas into consistent silverware.

McInnes now has the responsibility of changing that trend and restoring the club to the dominant position supporters believe it should occupy.

Recent Rangers Managers Failed to Deliver

Danny Rohl was one of the latest managers to attempt to guide Rangers back to the top.

Although there were signs of progress during his spell at Ibrox, the German coach eventually departed for RB Salzburg without winning a trophy. His tenure showed glimpses of potential but ultimately ended without tangible success.

Before Rohl, Russell Martin endured an even more disappointing period.

The former Southampton boss lasted only three months in charge and oversaw one of the poorest runs of results in the club’s recent history. His reign quickly unravelled and ended in dismissal before he could make any meaningful impact.

Michael Beale also struggled to live up to expectations after arriving with a strong coaching reputation.

Despite initial optimism surrounding his appointment, he was unable to guide Rangers to major achievements and eventually joined the growing list of managers who fell short of the standards required.

Philippe Clement managed to secure a Scottish League Cup during his time in charge, providing supporters with at least one piece of silverware.

However, even that achievement was not enough to satisfy the demands that come with managing Rangers. Expectations at Ibrox stretch far beyond a single domestic cup triumph.

Steven Gerrard Came Closest to Success

Among Rangers’ recent managers, Steven Gerrard undoubtedly enjoyed the greatest success.

The former Liverpool captain guided the club to an unforgettable unbeaten Premiership title-winning campaign, ending Celtic’s domestic dominance in remarkable fashion.

That “Invincibles” season remains one of the most celebrated achievements in the club’s modern history.

However, despite that memorable league triumph, Gerrard’s overall trophy haul remained relatively modest.

Many supporters expected that title success to become the foundation for a prolonged period of dominance, but that never fully materialised before his departure.

As a result, even Gerrard’s spell is viewed by some as an opportunity that could have produced more.

The Shadow of Walter Smith Still Looms Large

The challenge facing McInnes becomes even greater when viewed against the backdrop of Rangers’ most successful eras.

Many supporters still compare modern managers with legendary figures such as Walter Smith, who delivered sustained success and established a winning culture throughout his time at the club.

Since Smith’s era, Rangers have struggled to achieve the same level of dominance domestically.

That is the reality McInnes now inherits.

The expectation is not simply to win occasionally but to build a team capable of competing for every trophy season after season.

Achieving that level of consistency has proven difficult for every manager who has followed in Smith’s footsteps.

Rangers’ Recent Trophy Record Under Scrutiny

Veteran journalist Hugh Keevins believes Rangers need to confront some uncomfortable truths about their recent history.

Writing in the Daily Record, Keevins argued that the club’s achievements over the last 15 years fall far short of what should be expected from an institution of Rangers’ size and stature.

According to him, Rangers have spent much of that period operating well below the standards traditionally associated with the club.

Keevins highlighted the fact that Rangers have secured only three major trophies across the last decade and a half.

For a club with such resources, support and expectations, he described that return as both remarkable and deeply concerning.

His assessment serves as a reminder of just how much work remains to be done if Rangers are to reclaim their place at the summit of Scottish football.

McInnes Brings Something Different

Despite the challenges ahead, many believe McInnes possesses qualities that some of his predecessors lacked.

Unlike several recent appointments, McInnes has a strong personal connection to Rangers.

Not only did he play for the club during his career, but he also grew up supporting them.

That background gives him a deeper understanding of what Rangers represent and what supporters expect from the team.

The new manager understands the pressures, traditions and demands that come with the role.

Many fans believe that connection could prove invaluable as he attempts to rebuild the squad and establish a stronger identity.

Focus on Scottish Talent and Homegrown Energy

Under the ownership of Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers-backed group, Rangers have made it clear that they want to place a greater emphasis on Scottish talent and homegrown development.

The club’s leadership believes that strengthening the squad with players who understand Scottish football could help create a stronger culture and identity.

One of the clearest examples of that strategy is the arrival of Lawrence Shankland from Hearts.

The striker joined Rangers shortly before the World Cup and is expected to play a major role under McInnes.

Having worked with Shankland previously, McInnes knows exactly how to maximise the forward’s strengths and will likely rely heavily on him throughout the campaign.

Players with that type of character, experience and understanding of the Scottish game are viewed as important pieces in the club’s rebuilding process.

Learning From Previous Mistakes

There is also a growing feeling that Rangers may have complicated matters in recent seasons by focusing too heavily on reputation rather than practicality.

Several signings arrived with significant expectations but failed to make the desired impact.

One example often highlighted is Andreas Skov Olsen.

The winger arrived with an impressive reputation and considerable excitement surrounding his signing.

However, his performances failed to justify the hype, and he struggled to make a meaningful contribution during his time at Ibrox.

Experiences like that have encouraged Rangers to reassess their recruitment strategy.

Instead of chasing big names, the club now appears more focused on signing players who fit the culture, mentality and demands of Scottish football.

A New Era Begins at Auchenhowie

McInnes believes success will come through hard work, discipline and reconnecting Rangers with their traditional strengths.

The focus is now on creating a squad capable of delivering consistent performances rather than relying on individual moments of brilliance.

Supporters are desperate to see a return to regular silverware and sustained success.

The journey toward achieving that goal begins when the squad returns to Auchenhowie for pre-season preparations.

From that moment onward, McInnes will begin implementing his ideas and setting the standards he expects.

The task ahead is enormous, but Rangers fans will hope that this latest appointment finally provides the stability, identity and winning mentality needed to restore the club to the top of Scottish football once again.