Derek McInnes has set out his early vision as Rangers manager after officially taking charge at Ibrox, speaking publicly for the first time since replacing Danny Rohl in the hotseat.
The former Hearts boss expressed pride, ambition and a clear understanding of the scale of the task ahead, insisting he feels “ready” to lead the club into a new era.
“Yeah, obviously a very special moment,” McInnes said.
“For myself, my family, there’s a lot of people I can think of on a day like this. But having known the club, the responsibility that being manager brings, I’m so excited to get going.
“I feel as though it’s the right time for me and I feel I’m ready for it. I feel as if I belong here and I’m ready to get going with it and looking forward to just getting started.”
McInnes made clear that his immediate priority is rebuilding standards and restoring consistency at Rangers after a difficult period for the club.
“We just want to try and deliver a team that meets the demand here,” he said. “The Rangers fans, we’ve won a title in 15 years or whatever.
“They’ve suffered for a long time and it’s up to us to try now and play a key role in driving the standards and get a winning Rangers team on the pitch more often than not.
“I’ve got an idea of what my Rangers team needs to look like and hopefully something similar to what the Rangers fans want as well.”
He revealed the Rangers opportunity came unexpectedly but ultimately proved impossible to turn down.
“Becoming Rangers manager is something I always wanted,” he admitted.
“The call was a surprise when it came about because the manager was in place here. I was on holiday and things kicked off. It was a busy five or six days.
“I had a lot to consider but becoming Rangers manager is something I’ve always wanted. I feel so comfortable with the decision and being here feels right.”
Looking ahead, McInnes acknowledged the pressure and expectations that come with the role at Ibrox, stressing that success will ultimately be measured in trophies.
“Rangers managers are only really judged on the number of trophies they win,” he said.
“It’s easy to say things but a lot harder to get it done.
“There’s work to be done, but the intention is to make sure recruitment is already being done for next season. We’re going to work hard to bring the best players here.
“I know if we don’t win trophies, it’ll be somebody else sitting here before too long. But I come here with confidence. With the infrastructure and support in place, this should be a winning Rangers team.”
McInnes concluded by emphasising belief in both his own methods and the club’s resources, stating that Rangers represents the best possible environment for him to succeed.
“Rangers give me the best chance to win,” he said.
“I know what I can do without Rangers, but equally I know what Rangers can give me.”
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