Derek McInnes ‘definite live contender’ for Rangers job as Kilmarnock boss tipped to be ‘right at the top of the list’
Derek McInnes is a “definite live contender” for the Rangers job after putting together a “great body of work” at both Aberdeen and Kilmarnock, according to Roger Hannah.
The Scottish Sun journalist suggested on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on 2 October at the former Gers midfielder could be well in the running to replace Michael Beale, with Kenny Miller agreeing he is likely to be a prime option if the Ibrox board look to Scotland.
The BBC pundit suggested McInnes would be “right at the top of the list” in terms of current SPFL options, with St Mirren’s Stephen Robinson also in the frame.
Miller said (1h 51m 10s): “In our game, if you’re looking not too far from home, Derek McInnes definitely falls into the category alongside Stephen Robinson, guys that have actually done good jobs with multiple teams.
“He was at Aberdeen for a number of years, they were second, third, they was European football, there has been cup finals and trophies.
“Listen, we’ve talked about it before, Derek ticks the boxes of the Rangers connection, he’s been a player through a wonderful era that brought a lot of success to the football club.
“So, if the Rangers board are looking to seriously consider someone close to home then obviously Derek’s name is going to be right at the top of that list.”
In the frame
Some fans would be underwhelmed at the prospect of a manager from within the SPFL such as McInnes but the club have to consider all the options at a point like this.
There are definitely worse routes to take, and plenty would now consider Beale to have been one of them after the former assistant was handed the reins just 22 games into his managerial career.
McInnes has the benefit of having already proven he can overcome either side of the Old Firm this season, and has won a trophy in his career.
Three more final appearances with Aberdeen indicate it is probably worth at least thinking about what he might be able to do as Rangers boss.
His record probably doesn’t stand up against some of the other candidates such as three-time Belgian title-winner Philippe Clement, but with Frank Lampard becoming increasingly prominent seemingly based on name alone the Scot would seem a safer bet.
There is no obvious candidate this time around, and while each will have their merits there are bound to be those who are disappointed by the direction the club eventually go.
They can’t simply be blinded by name recognition or supposed Rangers DNA when they make the appointment and need the decision to be based on something tangible if they are to stand a chance of rescuing the campaign.
In other Rangers news, one European option is “very interested” with the fans unimpressed by an early front runner.