NafisaExcitement is building rapidly around Ibrox just days before Rangers kick off their new Scottish Premiership campaign, and the club have now made an announcement that has supporters celebrating across social media.
With Derek McInnes preparing for his first competitive match in charge against Dundee United on Friday night, speculation had been growing over who would inherit one of the biggest responsibilities at the football club following James Tavernier’s departure.
After weeks of debate and several senior players wearing the armband during pre-season, Rangers have now officially ended the suspense.
The Light Blues announced on their official social media channels that Lawrence Shankland has been appointed the club’s new captain, handing the lifelong Rangers supporter the honour of leading his boyhood club into the 2026/27 season.
The decision has been warmly welcomed by many supporters, who believe Shankland’s experience, leadership and connection to the club make him the ideal choice to guide the team into a new era under McInnes.
Speaking after the announcement, the striker admitted becoming Rangers captain is a dream he never imagined would come true.
“Obviously, it’s a huge honour for me to be named captain of this football club.
“I’m a lifelong supporter. It was a dream to be here in the first place but to be captain is a huge honour.
“He (McInnes) just told me about an hour ago! When I was at Hearts, I was captain and the only way I’ve learned to behave and in my training has been to act as a captain and try to be a leader in the group.
“It hadn’t been something I’d thought too much about.
“But I always look to myself to set examples on the training pitch and do things properly around the place.
“That’s not just myself. We’ve signed a lot of experienced players like Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey, guys who have been around big clubs and been captains.
“So it’s about all of us setting an example.”
Shankland also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with wearing the captain’s armband at Rangers but insisted he is ready to embrace the challenge.
“For the last two and a half years, all I’ve known is being captain of a club.
“It’s something I’ve enjoyed. I took the responsibility.
“Of course, there’s scrutiny when things get difficult and people look to the captain to answer up for the squad.
“That’s something I’ll need to be responsible for but the flip side is the rewards of being a successful captain at this club outweigh it by miles.
“So it’s something I’m really looking forward to.”
McInnes revealed he deliberately took his time before making the decision, explaining that Shankland’s proven leadership at Hearts, combined with his experience and understanding of what Rangers demands, ultimately made him the standout candidate.
“When you come into a club and have to pick a captain, you’re always mindful of the ones who have gone before.
“James Tavernier has served this club for a long time and served it well, so that discussion was always going to be there.
“I wanted to take time to look right through the squad and see how everybody was before making that call.
“The advantage Lawrence had is that I’ve already seen first-hand how well he runs a dressing room.
“We had a lot to consider, but plenty went in his favour – his experience, the fact we’re still quite a young dressing room, and that he knows the club as a Glasgow boy who has supported Rangers and understands what’s expected of him.”
The announcement comes at the perfect time for Rangers, with confidence continuing to grow ahead of Friday night’s league opener against Dundee United.
For Shankland, leading Rangers onto the pitch as captain of the club he has supported since childhood marks another unforgettable milestone in what has already been a remarkable summer at Ibrox.
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