Derek McInnes Navigates Tumultuous First 100 Days as Rangers Manager

Derek McInnes has reached the 100-day mark as manager of Rangers, a period marked by significant squad overhauls, early-season struggles, and a dramatic turnaround in form. Appointed on June 17, McInnes inherited a club he grew up supporting and had previously declined a management opportunity with.

The initial weeks were challenging. The season kicked off with a 1-1 draw against Dundee United on July 31, a result McInnes described as "not good enough to win." This was followed by a 2-1 defeat in their Europa League qualifying match against Jagellonia Bialystok on August 6, with McInnes citing self-inflicted errors for the loss. The trend continued with a 2-1 home defeat to Hibernian on August 9, which also saw striker Youseff Chermitti suffer an ACL injury. McInnes acknowledged the fan frustration, stating, "We're not as bad as people think," but conceded, "I share the frustration."

European dreams ended abruptly on August 13 with a penalty shootout loss to Jablonec, marking Rangers' exit from the competition and ending their European participation for the first time in a decade. McInnes called the performance "embarrassing."

However, a turning point appeared on August 16 with a decisive 5-1 victory over St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup, securing the team's first win under McInnes. This was followed by a return to winning ways in the league on August 30, with a penalty from Shankland securing a victory at Pittodrie, McInnes' former ground.

September saw a significant shift in momentum. After a 2-1 win at Falkirk on September 5, which was overshadowed by an injury to captain Shankland, Rangers secured a dramatic late 1-0 victory against St Mirren on September 9, moving them into second place in the Premiership. The team continued their ascent with a crucial 2-0 victory over Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals on September 13. This was followed by another league win against Celtic on September 20, with a goal from Naderi securing a 1-0 victory and closing the gap on their rivals.

Following the team's turnaround, former Rangers interim boss Barry Ferguson commented on the squad's developing togetherness. "I think you're starting to see a team that's got a real togetherness. That's the biggest thing for me," Ferguson said, noting the team's ability to find ways to win even when not playing at their best. McInnes himself expressed optimism after the second Celtic victory, stating, "I like putting my name to this team at the minute and I think we've got a good thing going."