Derek McInnes reveals 'surprise' phone call that led to Rangers appointment: 'It all kicked off'
Derek McInnes spoke his first words as Rangers boss this Wednesday after being officially unveiled as the Bears' new manager at Ibrox.
It's been a hectic few weeks for Andrew Cavenagh and Co., announcing the first signing of the summer under Danny Rohl in Lawrence Shankland, before a major spanner was chucked in the works.
Austrian side RB Salzburg came in with an approach for Rohl after making the German their top head coach target this summer, turning his head away from Glasgow.
After Rangers chiefs believed the 37-year-old was open to the move, they quickly outlined McInnes as their top target to succeed the former at Ibrox.
The ex-Hearts boss penned a three-year deal with the Light Blues, and work is already underway for him to be handed a title-challenging squad.
McInnes appeared to be in high spirits during his first press conference as the new Rangers manager, making strong and bold claims about what lies ahead.
What did Derek McInnes say in first Rangers press conference?
It is believed that Rangers won't alter their summer transfer plans too much despite the managerial change.
The Bears are closing in on the signing of Bristol City right-back Ross McCrorie, who is seen as the James Tavernier replacement.
The Rangers Review have revealed that the Light Blues have beaten multiple sides to his signature, but the work won't stop there.
McInnes was clear on his vision, and expects Rangers to not only be a force in Scotland, but a challenger once again in Europe.
Speaking in his first press conference as Rangers boss this Wednesday, McInnes said: "The call was a surprise when it came about, because the manager was in place here.
"I was on my holiday, and it all kicked off, it was a busy five or six days, but I feel so comfortable with the decision made."
He certainly came out with the mission to get Gers fans on board from minute one, and that's exactly what he has done for most supporters.
This is the trend McInnes wants at Rangers
McInnes spoke openly about how he wants to challenge for success this season, as it's been revealed that the 54-year-old is keen on instilling an improved mentality.
The Rangers boss said: "The Rangers fans have suffered a long time, and I've got an idea of what my Rangers team needs to look like.
"I'm excited to get going, and becoming Rangers manager is something I also wanted to do."
Shankland and McCrorie are the first two examples of Rangers pushing for more homegrown talent this summer, which will only be stressed even more under the influence of McInnes.
McInnes will want to sign as many Scottish players as possible, with many suggesting the club could be in for Lewis Ferguson this summer.
Dundee FC centre-back Luke Graham has also been linked with a move to Ibrox, as it feels like Rangers are only just getting started with their Scottish revamp this summer.
McInnes explained how he and his staff will liaise with the recruitment team consistently, in what looks to be a very exciting time for the Bears moving forward.