DEREK MCINNES has revealed that his conversations with Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh and CEO Jim Gillespie were hugely important in his decision to return to the club as manager.
McInnes was enjoying a family holiday in the United States when he received the call asking whether he would be interested in taking charge of the Light Blues following Danny Röhl’s departure.
Fresh from a memorable season with Hearts, the 54-year-old agreed to a three-year contract at Ibrox, citing the board’s ambition, vision and determination to deliver success as key factors in his decision.
McInnes believes the hunger shown by Cavenagh and Gillespie mirrors his own desire to bring silverware back to Rangers and drive the club forward.
Speaking to RangersTV in his first official interview, he said: “You can see clearly even from the outside looking in, you could see that Rangers were trying to get that connection with the supporters again, I think that was clear.
“The appointment of Jim and Andrew's messaging has been really clear on that of the last wee while.
“We had really good positive conversations, a lot of what they were saying was music to my ears, to be honest.
“Equally, we have to try and make sure whatever money there is to spend, we spend it wisely, and we bring players into the club that meet the demand.
“This isn't an easy place to play; you have got to make sure when you do turn up, every player has got to realise when they sign for Rangers, it is imperative that they realise they are signing to bring trophies here.
“It is not just to come here for financial reasons, or they are on their way to somewhere else, that they are coming here, they are coming to be successful, and I am well aware of that from my time as manager now.
“I am looking forward to meeting the players properly. It is not easy for the players when they are underachieving or being seen as not good enough, and it is my job to try to get the most out of the players that are here currently.
“Bring good players to the club that help us with the challenges ahead. Whatever player signs for the club, you know that they are our players, they are my players, and we will work hard to bring the best out of them.
The new boss admits he feels the opportunity to take charge of the Gers wasn’t going to come around again, having come close to taking over back in 2017.
He continued: “I was in Florida on holiday, I was doing a lot of work for Hearts in the first week or so and getting players over the line, and it kind of came out of the blue.
“For four or five days, it all became pretty hectic in between times. I was up to watch Scotland in Boston, and when I got to Boston, there was no chance of just sinking into the shadows; it was full of Scottish fans.
“I enjoyed the game, but there was a lot going on at that time. I must be honest, I loved my time at Hearts. I have got to say that.
“It was a short time, but it was a brilliant time, and I feel so comfortable being here and arriving at the decision to come.
“Feel the chance had passed? Possibly, I think it is natural to think that. Back then, it was a different set of circumstances, and I don't really want to go into too much, but I am fortunate to be asked again; there is no two ways about it.
“It feels righter than ever this time, I feel as though we have got good ownership, I think my relationship with Jim is going to be so important as well on a day-to-day basis.
“I feel as though I have got a lot of confidence in what we are doing here.
“I am obviously a part of that and a big part of it, but it feels like everything for a reason. I am just delighted for the opportunity.”
The new Light Blues manager gave a message to the club’s fans as he stressed his eagerness to deliver from the off.
He added: “The Rangers fans have suffered a lot in recent seasons, only one title in 15 years isn't good enough, we all accept that.
“For me, it is important that we try to have a team on the pitch that they can get behind.
“A lot of managers have sat here in my shoes and said we are going to do this and that, all I can guarantee is we are going to work hard to deliver a team that is deserving of them.
“We are working hard day to day; the recruitment team is already working hard.
“Jim is working hard; we have had a few conversations in recent days to try and bring players in that we feel can help us be successful, and with that, hopefully we can get off to a good start.
“Try and build a bit of momentum and just get the whole thing going again.”
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