Derek McInnes, Manager of Hearts during the Hearts vs Falkirk Scottish Premiership match at Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh

Derek McInnes swapped Hearts for Rangers this summer.Imago

Sources: Derek McInnes rejected Premier League approach before Rangers appointment

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

25 Jun 2026, 5:44 pm

Derek McInnes turned down an approach from Ipswich Town before being appointed by Rangers, Football Insider understands.

The Premier League new boys were in search of a new manager after Kieran McKenna stepped away from Portman Road and football, and the then-Hearts boss was on their radar.

Gary O'Neil was appointed at the end of last week but sources can reveal that McInnes, 54, spoke to Ipswich but rebuffed their advances in favour of staying in Scotland.

He was announced as the next Gers manager on 17 June, a few weeks after the club had already signed Lawrence Shankland on a free transfer from Hearts.

There is the potential for other stars to follow him across to Ibrox, such as Cammy Devlin, Claudio Braga and Alexandros Kyziridis, though interest has cooled.

Football Insider first revealed earlier this month that McInnes was in contention for the job at Portman Road as they began their search for a new manager following McKenna's departure.

Why Derek McInnes was always destined to choose Rangers

The majority of those at Ibrox would not have been concerned by the interest in their manager, and for very good reason.

It is no secret that McInnes grew up a Rangers supporter, and he also played for the Gers for a portion of his playing career between 1995 and 2000.

After taking the job, he admitted that he'd "always wanted" the role at Ibrox, having previously turned it down in 2017 to stay at Aberdeen.

He clearly felt that now was the right time to prove himself at his boyhood club, having taken the last few years to build his knowledge and reputation.

Derek McInnes was 'always tempted' by Rangers, but he's making a 'mistake' now - ex-Aberdeen chief

Rangers turn attention to offer for third summer signing after agreeing Ross McCrorie terms

Who could the Gers sign next this summer?

Adding Shankland to the strikeforce so early was a good move from the Gers, and it would appear that Ross McCrorie is set to join him.

The Bristol City wing-back worked with McInnes during their time together at Aberdeen, and since moving south of the border, he's made 89 appearances for the Robins.

Many believe that the centre-midfield, centre-back and winger positions need to be upgraded before next season, but very few names are cropping up right now.

John Souttar, Nico Raskin, Bojan Miovski and Nedim Bajrami could all be sealing exits, and the second of those names really need to be replaced if that is the case.

Cameron Devlin