Introduction
Rangers FC enters the 2026/27 season under fresh leadership, having appointed boyhood fan and former player Derek McInnes as manager following a disappointing campaign under his predecessor. With a major squad rebuild already underway, the Ibrox club is aiming to return to consistent trophy-winning form after years of falling short domestically.
This guide covers Rangers’ history, their new managerial appointment, and how the club is preparing for the new season.
Quick Facts About Rangers FC
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1872 |
| Home Stadium | Ibrox Stadium |
| Location | Govan, Glasgow, Scotland |
| League | Scottish Premiership |
| Manager | Derek McInnes |
| Chairman | Andrew Cavenagh |
| Chief Executive | Jim Gillespie |
| Nickname | The Light Blues / Gers |
A Brief History of Rangers FC
Rangers Football Club was founded in 1872 and has grown into one of the most successful and widely supported clubs in Scottish football history. The club plays its home matches at Ibrox Stadium in Govan, Glasgow, a ground steeped in more than a century of footballing tradition.
Rangers has historically been one half of the “Old Firm” rivalry with Celtic, a fixture regarded as one of the fiercest derbies in world football. Despite this storied history, Rangers has faced a challenging period domestically in recent years, winning the Scottish Premiership title only once since 2011.
Derek McInnes: Rangers’ New Manager
A Boyhood Rangers Fan Returns
In June 2026, Rangers appointed Derek McInnes as their new men’s first-team manager on a three-year deal, replacing Danny Röhl, who departed Ibrox after less than eight months in charge to join RB Salzburg. McInnes arrived from Heart of Midlothian, where he had guided the club to a second-place finish in the Scottish Premiership, agonizingly losing the title race to Celtic on the final day of the season.
McInnes has a personal connection to Rangers, having played for the club for almost five years between 1995 and 2000, appearing in 52 matches and winning the Scottish Cup in 1999 as part of a domestic treble. Speaking about his appointment, McInnes described it as “a real honour” to become Rangers manager, acknowledging that he grew up as a Rangers supporter.
McInnes’ Managerial Background
Before returning to Ibrox, McInnes built an extensive managerial career, including spells at:
- St Johnstone, where he began his managerial career in 2007
- Bristol City, in the English Championship
- Aberdeen, where he spent eight years, winning the Scottish League Cup in 2014 and finishing Scottish Premiership runners-up four times
- Kilmarnock, guiding the club to promotion and later European qualification
- Hearts, where his final season saw the club fall just short of a historic title win
His appointment brings more than 800 matches of managerial experience to Rangers, along with an intimate understanding of the pressures and expectations that come with managing at Ibrox.
Managerial Career Table
| Club | Period | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| St Johnstone | 2007–2011 | Promotion to Scottish Premier League |
| Bristol City | 2011–2013 | Avoided relegation in first season |
| Aberdeen | 2013–2021 | Scottish League Cup win (2014) |
| Kilmarnock | 2022–2024 | Promotion and European qualification |
| Hearts | 2024–2026 | Scottish Premiership runners-up |
| Rangers | 2026–present | New three-year appointment |
Rangers’ Summer Rebuild for 2026/27
Rangers‘ new leadership team, including chief executive Jim Gillespie, executive director Fraser Thornton, and technical director Dan Purdy, has been working closely with McInnes to reshape the squad ahead of the new season.
Key Departures
Rangers said goodbye to several important figures over the summer, most notably club captain James Tavernier, who left after 11 years at Ibrox as the highest-scoring right-back of all time in British football.
Notable Signings
Rangers’ rebuild began quickly, with Scotland international Lawrence Shankland joining from Hearts on a two-year deal with the option of a further year, reuniting him with his former Hearts manager, McInnes. Other additions have included defensive reinforcements as the club looks to strengthen multiple positions before the transfer window closes.
Pundits, including former Rangers striker Kris Boyd, have emphasized that the club needed a significant squad overhaul, suggesting the team required at least five or six new signings to compete effectively in the season ahead.
The 2026/27 Scottish Premiership Season
Rangers begin their 2026/27 Scottish Premiership campaign away to Dundee United on Friday, July 31, marking the first time the two sides have met on the opening weekend of the season in 39 years. McInnes will then make his first home league match in charge against Hibernian the following Sunday.
The first Old Firm fixture of the season against Celtic is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, at Celtic Park, a match that will set an early tone for the season’s title race.
Key Fixtures Table
| Fixture | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dundee United (A) | July 31, 2026 | Season opener |
| Hibernian (H) | August 2026 | McInnes’ first home league match |
| Celtic (A) | September 20, 2026 | First Old Firm derby of the season |
| Kilmarnock (A) | December 26, 2026 | Boxing Day fixture |
| Celtic (H) | January 2, 2027 | Old Firm derby to open 2027 |
Rangers will also compete in the Scottish Cup, the Scottish League Cup, and the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa League, with their European path becoming clearer following the third qualifying round draw in late July.
Why Rangers Fans Have Renewed Hope
Several factors are fueling optimism around Ibrox heading into the new season:
- A manager with genuine emotional investment in the club’s success as a lifelong supporter
- A clear, structured squad rebuild, led by an experienced football operations team
- Proven managerial pedigree, including multiple promotions and cup success at previous clubs
- A high-profile reunion with key players like Lawrence Shankland
FAQs About Rangers FC
1. Who is Ranger FC’s current manager? Derek McInnes was appointed Ranger manager in June 2026, joining from Heart of Midlothian on a three-year contract.
2. Did Derek McInnes play for Ranger? Yes, he played for Ranger between 1995 and 2000, winning the Scottish Cup in 1999 as part of a domestic treble.
3. Why did Ranger change managers before the 2026/27 season? Ranger replaced Danny Röhl, who left Ibrox to join RB Salzburg after less than eight months in charge.
4. Who left Ranger as captain in 2026? James Tavernier departed after 11 years at the club, having become the highest-scoring right-back in British football history during his time at Ibrox.
5. When is the first Old Firm derby of the 2026/27 season? Ranger face Celtic on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the first Old Firm fixture of the new Scottish Premiership campaign.
Conclusion
Ranger FC enters the 2026/27 season with renewed hope, backed by a manager who genuinely understands what it means to represent the club, both as a former player and as a lifelong supporter. With a significant squad rebuild underway and a clear football operations structure in place, Ibrox fans will be hoping Derek McInnes can finally deliver the consistent success the club has been chasing for over a decade.
As the new season begins with a historic opening fixture against Dundee United, all eyes will be on whether this fresh start can restore Ranger to the top of Scottish football.
