Derek McInnes announces new Rangers captain for the 2026/27 season.

Rangers have officially confirmed that Lawrence Shankland will serve as the club’s new captain for the 2026/27 campaign, marking a significant milestone in the striker’s career. The announcement comes following the departure of long-serving skipper James Tavernier, who left Ibrox earlier this summer after his contract came to an end.

Shankland’s appointment signals the beginning of a new leadership era under manager Derek McInnes, who has entrusted the Scotland international with leading the team into what promises to be a demanding domestic and European season. The decision highlights the confidence McInnes has in both the striker’s leadership qualities and his influence within the dressing room.

Derek McInnes has named Lawrence Shankland as new Rangers captain (Image: Luke Nickerson/Rangers FC/Shutterstock)

A Dream Becomes Reality

Speaking after the announcement, Shankland admitted that being named Rangers captain represents one of the proudest moments of his football career.

The striker explained that simply joining Rangers had already fulfilled a lifelong ambition because of his connection with the club as a supporter. To now be handed the captain’s armband, he said, was an even greater privilege and one he would never take for granted.

Shankland also revealed that McInnes informed him of the decision only shortly before the official announcement was made public. The unexpected conversation gave him advance knowledge before supporters and the media learned of the club’s decision.

Reflecting on the responsibility ahead, Shankland acknowledged that wearing the armband naturally brings additional pressure. However, he emphasized that the opportunity to captain Rangers far outweighs any challenges that come with the role, viewing it as an honor rather than a burden.

The End of James Tavernier’s Leadership

Shankland succeeds James Tavernier, who captained Rangers for eight years after first receiving the armband in 2018.

Throughout his spell as captain, Tavernier became one of the club’s most influential figures, leading Rangers through several memorable domestic and European campaigns. His departure this summer created an important vacancy that McInnes needed to fill before the start of the new season.

Rather than delaying the decision, the Rangers manager has chosen to establish clear leadership before competitive football begins, ensuring the squad enters the campaign with a defined captain.

Several Players Were Considered

During Rangers’ pre-season preparations, several senior players wore the captain’s armband as McInnes assessed leadership options within the squad.

Ross McCrorie, Lawrence Shankland, Ben Godfrey, Dujon Sterling, and Neil all took turns leading the team in friendly matches, suggesting the coaching staff carefully evaluated multiple candidates before reaching a final decision.

Ultimately, McInnes decided that Shankland was the right individual to guide the squad through the upcoming campaign.

The appointment reflects both the striker’s standing among his teammates and the trust placed in him by the club’s coaching staff.

Leadership Changes Continue at Ibrox

Shankland’s promotion comes during a period of significant transition within the Rangers squad.

Goalkeeper Jack Butland, who occasionally captained the side during last season, has already departed the club this summer, removing another experienced leader from the dressing room.

Meanwhile, defender John Souttar, who has also worn the captain’s armband during various stages of his career, appears increasingly likely to leave before the transfer window closes.

Souttar is entering the final year of his contract, and Rangers are actively exploring a potential transfer as interest in the defender continues to grow.

Souttar Attracting Championship Interest

Several clubs are monitoring Souttar’s situation as negotiations continue over a possible move.

Both Swansea City and Leicester City remain in discussions with Rangers regarding the experienced defender, while other clubs are also keeping a close watch on developments.

If an agreement can be reached, Souttar may leave Ibrox before the transfer deadline, further reshaping McInnes’ squad ahead of the new season.

Ross McCausland Also Linked With Exit

Souttar is not the only Rangers player attracting outside interest.

Young winger Ross McCausland has also emerged as a transfer target, with Luton Town among the clubs monitoring his availability.

Like Souttar, McCausland has entered the final year of his current contract, increasing speculation surrounding his future at the club.

Whether Rangers decide to sell or retain the winger remains to be seen as the transfer window progresses.

Oliver Antman Closing in on Anderlecht Move

Elsewhere, Rangers appear close to completing another outgoing transfer involving Oliver Antman.

The Finnish international is reportedly on the verge of joining Belgian side Anderlecht in a deal that would allow Rangers to make a modest profit on the €4.5 million they paid Go Ahead Eagles to secure his services last summer.

The transfer would represent another piece of business as McInnes continues reshaping the squad ahead of his first full campaign in charge.

Competitive Action Begins This Week

Attention will soon shift away from transfer activity and back onto matters on the pitch.

Rangers are preparing to begin their Scottish Premiership season with an away trip to Dundee United on Friday evening.

The match will carry extra significance as it marks Derek McInnes’ first competitive fixture since taking charge of the club.

Supporters will be eager to see how the team performs under its new manager, while Shankland will experience his first official match as Rangers captain.

Injury Concerns Ease Before Season Opener

McInnes has received encouraging fitness news ahead of the opening league fixture.

Both Thelo Aasgaard and Cammy Devlin are expected to be available despite picking up minor injuries during Rangers’ recent friendly against West Ham United.

Their anticipated return provides an important boost as Rangers prepare for a demanding run of fixtures across multiple competitions.

Europa League Challenge Awaits

Following the league opener, Rangers will quickly switch their attention to European football.

The Scottish club are scheduled to travel to Poland for the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round, another important test early in the campaign.

With domestic and continental ambitions both high, McInnes will rely heavily on Shankland’s leadership as Rangers aim to make a strong start on every front.

The appointment of the striker as captain represents one of the manager’s first major decisions ahead of the new season, and it reflects a clear belief that Shankland possesses the personality, experience, and commitment required to lead one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.

As Rangers enter a new era following Tavernier’s departure, all eyes will now be on Shankland to see how he embraces the responsibility of captaining his boyhood club while helping McInnes pursue success in the Scottish Premiership and Europe during the 2026/27 season.