Rangers are facing one of the most significant rebuilds in their recent history, and Ally McCoist is certain Derek McInnes is the man to rip it up and start again.
The Ibrox legend knows his old team-mate is inheriting a major job after last season’s distant third-place finish, but believes McInnes has already shown he understands exactly what is needed on and off the park.
McCoist said: “Derek needs good people around him and that’s why he’s taken Alan Archibald and Paul Sheerin with him. It’s a comfort zone straight away for Derek. [Scottish Sun]
“There’s been so many false dawns. In my opinion there’s been a softness surrounding the club for many years. We’ve been an easy touch. We need to nip that in the bud and Derek will do that. He knows what is required and this appointment just feels different on so many levels.
“As a Rangers supporter I’m excited now for the new season. I’m excited to see the team Derek puts on the park.”
For McCoist, the timing of the change is every bit as important as the identity of the new manager. The switch in the dugout, following Danny Rohl’s departure for Red Bull Salzburg, has arrived in a window he feels finally gives Rangers the chance to reset properly.
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“To be fair to Derek, I don’t think the timing before was absolutely spot on. It is now," said McCoist. “The last time it’s safe to say the club was still in a bit of turmoil and it didn’t feel right. Clearly now the timing is miles better, and it’s a win-win for all parties involved.
"That’s no disrespect to Danny Rohl. I just think he was going to be under enormous pressure given the way last season ended for everyone. This is a fresh start at exactly the right time because the players haven’t yet reported back from pre-season. Derek will have the whole summer to get them ready.
“For me, it’s a no-brainer. Derek knows the Scottish league better than anyone. He knows the club hands down as well, and he knows exactly what is required to deliver success.”
McCoist is adamant McInnes has had long enough studying Rangers from the outside to know precisely where they have gone wrong over the past decade, and how to fix it. "He’s had a ringside seat for the last ten years. He’s been able to see for himself where Rangers’ problems have arisen from.
“I’m not going to sit here and tell Derek how to do the job because he knows that far better than me. But recruitment is vital, it’s absolutely vital. Derek will know that because, generally speaking, the players that have arrived haven’t been of the standard required to win cups and win leagues.
“Lawrence Shankland is already in the door, but that’s a signing that should have been made a couple of years ago. For me, Rangers have lost their Scottish identity, and I think that’s something Derek will want to address quickly.
“We’ve got to get back to signing the best available Scottish talent. Lewis Ferguson is another obvious one.”
