Kris Boyd shares what Rangers and Derek McInnes 'need' as fixtures released
Rangers are preparing for a more prosperous 2026-27 season, with the fixtures now announced.
Last season would end disastrously, with the Gers losing four consecutive matches heading into the final day.
As a result, they would be blown out of title contention, while rivals Celtic snatched the league on the final day from Hearts.
Jambos boss at the time, Derek McInnes, now finds himself in the Rangers dugout, following the surprise departure of Danny Rohl this week.
After galvanising a downtrodden group last October, the German has moved on to RB Salzburg, despite the groundwork being put in for him to lead the side next term.
With the situation solved and McInnes in charge, Kris Boyd has earmarked what Rangers need if they are to succeed under the former midfielder.
Kris Boyd outlines Rangers expectations as 2026-27 start nears
With the fixtures announced ahead of the new term, Rangers know that they will travel to Dundee United to open their season on July 31.
Rounding off August with a trip to Aberdeen, Rangers will be looking to make an early statement.
Former forward Boyd backed this up with his comments on Sky Sports on Thursday afternoon.
"It will be a difficult fixture," he said on Dundee United. "Jim Goodwin, you'd imagine, will have a rebuild on his hands this summer. I think for Derek McInnes, it'll be a good game, so I'm sure he's looking forward to it."
"You have to play everybody at some stage. I think going away to Dundee United is a good opening game, Hibs at home, St Mirren at home - two home games, a chance to build some momentum before you travel to Aberdeen.
"Then Falkirk and Motherwell, and the next fixture is the Celtic game, so I think for Rangers, it's an opportunity to get some points on the board, and we are back to saying this again, Rangers need to start the season well."
After a dismal start to the season under Russell Martin last term, the Gers simply have to start well, because it is unlikely that the title will require such a low points tally again, and they need to be up there at the crunch point.
What are Rangers' plans heading into 2026-27 season?
While no official date has been confirmed, Rangers' website mentions that the squad will return for pre-season training later this month.
With this in mind, they will then discover their opponents for the third round of Europa League qualification on Monday, July 20.
As has been the case for a while with Scottish sides, the early stages of the season will be disrupted by European qualifiers, with the first and second legs of the third round taking place either side of the clash with Hibs on 9 August.
With McInnes now at the helm, the goal will be to get the majority of the recruitment done before the start of the season, ensuring there is enough time to get sufficient minutes in the legs before what is hopefully a strong start.