Derek McInnes: Rangers having Ryan Jack and Ryan Kent back like two new signings
Derek McInnes has revealed he would be open to succeeding Steven Gerrard at Rangers, but admits he is far from being favourite for the job.
The Ibrox outfit lost Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa on Thursday, and a couple of names have been linked with replacing the 41-year-old.
While McInnes would love the chance to manage his old team, he reckons former teammate Giovanni van Bronckhorst is one of the favourites.
The former Aberdeen boss believes whoever gets the gig will be inheriting a squad capable of winning the league, and he believes the return of Ryan Jack and Ryan Kent from injuries will be a huge boost.
McInnes told Scottish Daily Mail: “The squad he leaves has won a title and is capable of winning this year’s Premiership without any more investment.
“There is a lot of scrutiny and talk of how their performances haven’t been at the same level this season but having Ryan Jack and Ryan Kent back will feel like two new signings.
“I think the squad is as strong, if not stronger, than last season. The one he inherited wasn’t capable of winning the title but the squad he leaves should do it again this season.”
“Like every team, there are three or four key players. If the new boss can hang on to them beyond the January window they should be capable of winning the title.
“Any manager, including myself, would love that kind of opportunity. But, as I write this, others look to be leading the running, most notably my old teammate Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
“I do think Rangers can offer so much for any manager. The potential to challenge for trophies every season, European football and 50,000 supporters every second week should be attractive to so many managers.”
Great admission
McInnes has been linked with the job, and it is great to see him admit that he would love to have it.
He does not see himself pipping van Bronckhorst to it, though, and he is just being realistic after seeing what has happened in the last two to three days.
The Dutchman is expected to be appointed anytime soon, and the club will expect him to hit the ground running when he gets to Ibrox.
Having won the Dutch top-flight managing Feyenoord, he also has the experience and quality to take on the Rangers job and make instant impressions.
There is enough quality in the squad to help any manager, and having worked in the league and seen the players many times, it is easy to see why McInnes believes the next boss should not struggle to get going.
Jack and Kent returning are definitely added boosts to the Gers squad, and van Bronckhorst, or whoever gets the job, will not have any excuse if the title slips through their hands this season.
In other Rangers news, The Athletic has shared if billionaire wants to buy the Bears after major development this month.