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Derek McInnes’ expected appointment as Rangers manager is already being viewed as a move that could reshape the balance of power in Scottish football, with suggestions it may weaken Hearts’ ability to challenge near the top end of the Premiership.
Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino believes Rangers supporters will welcome the arrival of McInnes at Ibrox and sees the move as one that could restore the club’s standing among Scotland’s dominant forces.
McInnes enhanced his reputation last season after guiding Hearts into an unlikely title challenge that remained alive until the closing stages of the campaign. Although they ultimately fell short, their consistency and ability to disrupt the established order earned widespread praise.
Cascarino was particularly impressed by the job done at Tynecastle and believes the departure of McInnes, combined with the loss of key figures, could leave Hearts facing a difficult task to repeat those levels next season.
Rangers have already moved for former Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland this summer, and with McInnes now expected to follow him through the door at Ibrox, there is growing belief that the Glasgow club are putting together a squad capable of mounting a stronger title challenge.
Cascarino suggested the move may mark a return to the more familiar landscape of Scottish football, where Rangers and Celtic dominate the race at the top.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Cascarino said: “Derek McInnes did an incredible job at Hearts last season and Shankland going there to Rangers as well, I’m sure Rangers fans will be delighted.
“The sad thing is that the one team that’s come out of the pack in Scottish football, it’s always been Rangers and Celtic and there’s been a team that’s dented that this year, even though Celtic won it.
“It’s back to the powerhouse of what Rangers and Celtic can do. Martin O’Neill and Derek McInnes.”
With pre-season approaching, attention will now turn to whether McInnes can translate expectation into results at Ibrox.
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