Jim Gillespie slipped up in Derek McInnes' unveiling with hint about next Rangers manager after him

Jim Gillespie didn't cover himself in glory as Rangers unveiled Derek McInnes as their new manager.

The former Hearts boss faced the media at Ibrox for the first time since his appointment on Wednesday.

He discussed everything from his reason behind the move to transfer business ahead of his first campaign in charge.

That has certainly gotten the Bears faithful excited for what is to come beyond this summer.

An element of hope was dashed somewhat by Gillespie as he tripped over his own words.

The Chief Executive Officer in G51 may have been discussing McInnes, but pointed towards potential future manager appointments.

Derek McInnes might be irked by Rangers press conference blunder

This is arguably the most exciting manager hire that the Gers have made in a long time.

The likes of Danny Rohl and Russell Martin didn't exactly bring hope to Govan, but the ex-Aberdeen man certainly has.

That saw upwards of 35,000 fans tune in as McInnes spoke to the media for the first time as Rangers boss on Wednesday.

He may have said some positive things for supporters to hang their hat on, but he made it clear that he isn't targeting any Hearts players.

The Scot said: "As it stands, we're not looking to go and get anybody from Hearts."

Gillespie was quick to cut across the new boss, but it was his hint about taking a coach from other clubs that caught the eye.

The CEO bizarrely added: "I would never give any club any assurances that I'll never buy a player for them - or a coach."

Saying "or a coach" just hints towards having your next manager appointment already in mind, showing that the current boss is expendable before he's even properly moved into his new office.

That sort of slip up hardly looks good on what should have been a great day for the Light Blues.

How long could McInnes last as Rangers manager?

If Gillespie already has a new coach on his mind, it may not bode well for McInnes.

The Gers haven't been shy about sacking managers in recent years, with Philippe Clement the only one to last over a year since 2023.

Martin was sacked after 122 days, while Rohl decided to leave after 240 days, but had been linked with an exit beforehand.

McInnes himself only lasted one season at Hearts, but has typically spent many years at a club before moving on.

His eight years at Aberdeen and three at Kilmarnock were some of the best of his career and allowed him to show what he's all about.

That is the kind of output Rangers will want to see, but not if Gillespie is already thinking about the next manager hire.

Doing that only brings negativity to Ibrox at a time where positivity is on the up and needs to be maintained.

If he follows suit with recent quick sackings, further difficulties could be on the horizon in Govan.