NafisaRangers’ new era under Derek McInnes may only be one competitive game old, but it has already sparked fierce debate across Scottish football.
The Light Blues left Tannadice with just a point after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Dundee United, and while much of the post-match discussion focused on the controversial late penalty appeal involving Mohamed Diomande, another talking point has quickly emerged.
McInnes’ animated reaction at full-time caught plenty of attention.
The Rangers boss stormed onto the pitch to confront referee Nick Walsh after the final whistle, convinced his side had been denied a crucial decision in the closing moments. He later admitted he should not have approached the official on the field, although he maintained Rangers should at least have been awarded a corner.
His passionate response has divided opinion.
Some supporters praised the new manager for showing the emotion and fight they believe has been missing from the dugout in recent years.
Others, however, believe McInnes may already be taking things a step too far.
Speaking on talkSPORT alongside former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday, Celtic-daft presenter Shebahn Aherne questioned whether McInnes’ approach could eventually become a problem.
She said:
“Dropping points already in this opening game will be frustrating for McInnes, but I have to say he is box office – having somebody like McInnes up at Rangers.
“Because you see him up at the end of the game, already up in the referees and the officials faces – not agreeing with decisions being made.
“But for me sometimes it comes across that Derek McInnes can seem like always cheated, never just defeated – he has got the attitude about him, this presence.
“Is that what the guys need, or does he need to simmer down this season?”
Halliday, however, believes there is far more strategy behind McInnes’ behaviour than many people realise.
The former Rangers midfielder argued that the Ibrox boss has consistently used the same management style throughout his career, attempting to create a mentality where his squad feels everyone is against them.
Responding to Aherne, Halliday said:
“I think he is a shrewd operator, and I think he has done this at every club he has been at – create almost this siege mentality, that every other club in the country is against them.
“And that’s worked on occasion. He tried that at the end of last season with Hearts before they fell at the last hurdle. He has always been someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, and I think the Rangers fans respond to that.
“I think they have been quite frustrated with Danny Rohl and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and how they spoke in press conferences. But, Derek McInnes is going to be box office.”
Whether supporters view McInnes’ fiery touchline personality as a strength or a distraction, one thing is already becoming clear.
Just one Premiership match into his Rangers reign, the 55-year-old has ensured there will rarely be a dull moment at Ibrox this season.
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