Derek McInnes has made a signal of intent with a one-liner ahead of the Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee United on Friday.
The Rangers manager was clear about the importance of getting down to business, speaking at Wednesday’s press conference ahead of the game.
Too often before, Rangers managers have described how the opponents will be difficult to beat, how they need to be respected, or other supposed challenges in the way.
All of that is true to an extent, but it should be about what Rangers do, and that was the message from Derek McInnes when he said “It’s important Dundee United have a tougher game than we do on Friday.”
On the front foot, the way it should be.
Rangers are a work in progress but the objective is the same
Rangers head to the City of Discovery as a work in progress.
The squad is far from complete, with the latest Rangers transfer news confirming Oliver Antman leaving for Anderlecht, while Olwethu Makhanya has arrived as an important defensive option.
Rangers go into this game having not won on the opening day of the season in four years.
Scar tissue or ghosts of the past from Fir Park, Tynecastle, or Rugby Park will need to be exorcised.
Back in 2023, it was Derek McInnes who inspired Kilmarnock’s 1- 0 opening day victory, but now he is tasked with putting down a marker for Rangers in the job he has craved.
Derek McInnes makes Tannadice intentions clear
As he reflected on the club appealing his touchline ban so that he can be in the dugout in Dundee, McInnes spoke about the importance of the opening day.
He then went on to deliver the one-liner that will have been well received by the Rangers supporters.
“You have to feel excited about a new season starting, it’s an opportunity to start as we mean to go on.
“It’s well documented that Rangers haven’t started the first game of the season well for a number of years.
“The fixture list has dealt us a tough opener and you rarely get an easy away game, but it’s important Dundee United have a tougher game than we do on Friday.
“We’ve got to turn up and do our jobs properly. Pre-season friendlies serve their purpose and I’m glad they’re over so we can get down to the real stuff.
“We still have work to do, but I’m delighted with what we’ve managed in terms of signings and the effort the players have put in.
“They’ve worked extremely hard, been very willing to listen and do what we’re asking, and they’ve been first-class in terms of effort.
“As a staff, we need to help them along and winning games helps, especially for a young team. Getting that early confidence, starting with a win at Dundee United away, would be a big step for us, but we know it will be a tough match.”
Three points, please.
Let’s start as we mean to go on and send out a message from the outset of the new campaign.