Analysis: Derek McInnes' playing years at Rangers
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
A look back at Derek McInnes' time at Rangers: debut in 1995, competition in midfield, loans, notable goals in 1996-97, and statistical reports before his departure for England in 2000.
Derek McInnes joined the Rangers squad in the mid-1990s from Greenock Morton and recalled the impact of fierce competition in the Scottish club's midfield. His first match in a Gers jersey dates back to December 9, 1995: he started at Ibrox in a 1-0 Scottish Premier Division success against Partick Thistle, wearing the number eight that day usually reserved for Paul Gascoigne, who was absent for the match.
The road to a starting spot was narrow. McInnes came up against internationals Paul Gascoigne, Ian Ferguson and Stuart McCall, and the battle for roles in midfield became even more intense with the subsequent arrivals of Jörg Albertz and Jonas Thern, as well as the emergence of Barry Ferguson.
Despite the competition, McInnes was part of the club's collective successes: he contributed to league victories in his first season and the following. His most prolific period on a personal level came in 1996-97, a season in which he scored all four of his goals for Rangers. They included an important Champions League qualifying goal against Alania Vladikavkaz, as well as goals in the League Cup-winning campaign against Ayr United and Dunfermline Athletic, and a league goal against Hearts.
The arrival of Dick Advocaat at the head of the team in 1998 further strengthened the competition in the middle, with players like Giovanni van Bronckhorst then Claudio Reyna who came to thicken the squad, while Barry Ferguson was established as a starter. McInnes enjoyed a loan spell at Stockport County in 1998, but returned to be a surprise addition to the line-up in the 1999 Scottish Cup Final, a match in which Advocaat led Rangers to a domestic treble.
The following season also offered McInnes some notable moments in the European Cup: he notably came on as a substitute in the 4-1 victory at Ibrox against PSV Eindhoven in the group stage of the Champions League. Subsequently, he was loaned to Toulouse before signing permanently in 2000 with West Bromwich Albion.
In total, Derek McInnes played 52 games for Rangers, scoring four goals and winning team awards, including being among the winners of the 1996-97 Scottish Premier Division and the 1999 Scottish Cup.