Rangers manager Derek McInnes has admitted to feeling a sense of guilt regarding his departure from Hearts during the summer transfer window. The Scottish coach is bracing himself for a hostile reception from the home supporters when he returns to Tynecastle for the first time on Wednesday since taking over at Ibrox.
McInnes enjoyed an impressive tenure in Edinburgh, guiding the team to within minutes of securing their first top-flight league title in 66 years. Despite falling agonisingly short on the final day of the campaign behind Celtic, the manager expressed immense pride in transforming a side that previously finished in the bottom six into genuine contenders.
Anticipating a Difficult Return
Speaking ahead of the midweek fixture, McInnes acknowledged that he does not expect any warm acknowledgements from the stands given the manner of his exit. The manager compared his departure to the feeling of disappointment he experienced when former captain Lawrence Shankland moved to Ibrox earlier, noting that he fully comprehends the frustration felt by the club’s fanbase.
- McInnes guided Hearts to 80 points during an impressive domestic campaign last season.
- The manager admits to feeling guilt after leaving the club shortly after the title miss.
- Hearts led the Scottish Premiership for the majority of the previous season before faltering at Celtic Park.
- The boss believes his former squad remains serious title contenders under new leadership.
Title Ambitions and Current Form
Reflecting on the dramatic conclusion to the previous season, McInnes pointed to a lingering sense of injustice over how the championship race finished. He maintains that his former team played an exciting brand of football that challenged the traditional dominance of the Old Firm. Meanwhile, Hearts enter the upcoming fixture under the guidance of new head coach Wouter Vrancken, looking to maintain their competitive edge in the domestic standings despite dealing with ongoing injury concerns.
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