news-engine

← rangers

Rangers hit by 'big blow' as Derek McInnes 'falls at the first hurdle'

Rangers hit by 'big blow' as Derek McInnes 'falls at the first hurdle' · Mick Brown; Callum O'Connell · 2026-08-17T12:27:42+00:00 · nguồn gốc

Rangers hit by 'big blow' as Derek McInnes 'falls at the first hurdle' Derek McInnes is already facing the pressure of being Rangers manager just weeks after the start of the new season at Ibrox. Despite an impressive 5-1 win against St Mirren last time out, the new boss' first win as Rangers manager, frustrations are lingering amongst the supporters. Rangers were eliminated from the Europa League qualifying rounds by Polish outfit Jagiellonia Bialystok in a significant blow to their ambitions this season. Former Man United assistant manager Mick Brown told Football Insider that McInnes has fallen at the first hurdle in Europe and that has led to new concerns. While Rangers are planning to back the manager, especially after just five games of the new season, they are aware there will be no quick fix for their issues. McInnes has been warned he will have to bare the brunt of the criticism, at least in the short term, while he works to turn things around. Why are Rangers already concerned about Derek McInnes? Brown told Football Insider on 10 August that Rangers are set to back McInnes with a late-window signing spree, despite initial concerns about a miserable start to the season. The 55-year-old was appointed to replace Danny Rohl in June, and has endured a busy summer transfer window as the Ibrox club look to banish last season's demons. However, those major changes have brought inconsistency with them, while there is still a belief that McInnes has a lot of work to do to turn around the club's fortunes. "Rangers are in a very difficult situation at the moment," Brown told Football Insider. "It was a dreadful season for them last time out, but when you look at the trajectory the club has been on in recent years, every manager there has had difficulties. "It's going to take a lot to turn things around, but then when you have results like their one in Europe, that comes as a big blow. "He's fallen at the first hurdle in that respect, they wanted to get into Europe for all of they money it brings in, but they've missed out and now the focus is on the league. "The problem McInnes will have is, the issues at Rangers go deeper than the manager, but ultimately he is the one that has to pick up the bill. "Major changes are going to be needed, and they've already been busy in the transfer market, but they need to be patient and let things develop because they can't just flick a switch. "It needs to be a long-term plan from the top to the bottom of the club, and if McInnes is the one they want to lead that, they have to be prepared to back him despite frustrating results." Why is Europa League elimination such a concern for Rangers? Rangers' elimination from the Europa League qualifying stages has come as a significant blow to their plans, both in the immediate future and also long-term. They will now compete to feature in the Conference League, won last year by Premier League outfit Crystal Palace, where the financial benefits are significantly smaller. Rangers will now take a hit of around £5million compared to recent seasons when they have managed to make progress in Europe. As Brown explained, the brunt of the criticism for that outcome will fall on McInnes, who is already facing questions from frustrated supporters after a slow start to the season. With just weeks left in the transfer window, meanwhile, work is ongoing towards further additions, and those changes could be key to their future success.