Derek McInnes has stated that Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with his appointment as the new manager of Rangers. McInnes, who accepted the role after previously turning it down in December 2017, believes the late Walter Smith would also have approved of his decision this time.
McInnes recounted a conversation with Ferguson, who he has been in regular contact with. Ferguson, according to McInnes, was pleased to hear of his new role and understood his reasons for taking it, especially after Ferguson had previously enjoyed watching McInnes's team at Hearts. The new manager also mentioned that Ferguson had reminded him of their past discussions about the Rangers job.
In 2017, McInnes hesitated to take the managerial position at Ibrox due to the club's instability at the time. He consulted with both Walter Smith, who had signed him as a player for Rangers in 1995, and Sir Alex Ferguson. Both advised against the move then, citing the prevailing circumstances. McInnes feels that the situation has changed significantly, citing confidence in the new ownership and management structure, including CEO Jim Gillespie and the board.
"I think there’s a real togetherness, and a real idea of what we’re trying to be off the pitch and on the pitch, and it’s up to me to try and deliver the on-pitch stuff as best I can," McInnes said.
The appointment carries emotional weight for McInnes, who visited the manager's office at Ibrox, a place he had only been once before as a player. The memory of his father, Duncan, a passionate Rangers fan, being present on that day with Walter Smith stirred deep emotions. McInnes recalled his father sharing a beer with Smith in the office while he completed his medical.
"I think both of them would be proud of me now becoming Rangers manager," McInnes reflected. "I’ve thought about both of them a lot since getting the job and I’m sure both would be delighted for me. I got a nice message from the Smith family as well."
McInnes acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with managing Rangers and the pressure to succeed, particularly given the club's recent history. "My intention is to try and be a success at Rangers, because it’s not enjoyable here if you’re not winning," he stated. "So going back to the whole emotional thing, with my dad and the gaffer and stuff like that, underneath it all is that I feel the weight of responsibility, and it’s a responsibility that I’m well aware of, that we need to do our job well here."