Key Points
- Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday praised manager Derek McInnes for a shrewd tactical shift involving summer signing James Penrice.
- Penrice, initially brought in as a left-back from AEK Athens, has been utilized in more central positions and central midfield during matches.
- Halliday noted that this positional shift has transformed Rangers into an “excellent”, relentless pressing machine.
- The tactical development follows Rangers’ dominant 4–0 victory over St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.
- Analysts and pundits highlighted how tactical tweaks by Derek McInnes are helping the Ibrox side gather momentum after a slow start to the season.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) October 26, 2026 — Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday has reckoned that a summer acquisition has turned the Ibrox club into a relentless pressing machine to be feared following their recent domestic form. As reported by Andy Halliday via media outlets, the Ibrox side under Derek McInnes are going through the gears after a slow start to the campaign following a resounding 4–0 victory over St Johnstone in their latest Scottish Premiership outing.
James Penrice was signed from AEK Athens during the summer transfer window initially as a left-back. However, manager Derek McInnes has opted to move him inside to a more central position during phases of matches, a tactical tweak that former Ger Andy Halliday feels is working absolute wonders for the team’s overall dynamic.
How has the tactical shift transformed the Ibrox side?
The tactical flexibility introduced by Derek McInnes has drawn widespread praise across Scottish football punditry. As reported by Inside Futbol, Andy Halliday has praised Derek McInnes for his “really shrewd” tactical move to push James Penrice into midfield at key points in games. Halliday stated that this adjustment has unlocked an extra dimension in the middle of the pitch, giving the team greater control and defensive stability.
With additional tactical changes—such as utilizing players like Minsu Kim and Badredine Bouanani effectively in wide areas—the Glasgow outfit has managed to bounce back from earlier dropped points, displaying a much sharper and cohesive style of play.
What did analysts say about the recent 4–0 victory over St Johnstone?
The comprehensive 4–0 win against St Johnstone at Ibrox showcased the effectiveness of McInnes’ tactical setup. Goals from Kevin Kelsy, Ryan Naderi, and substitute Tochi Chukwuani wrapped up a dominant afternoon in difficult weather conditions. As observed by match analysts, the tactical freedom allowed to players tucking inside from wide and defensive positions has created a fluid system that opposition defences are finding increasingly difficult to handle.
Andy Halliday emphasised that the relentless pressing capability instilled in the side stems directly from these intelligent structural shifts, making them a much more formidable proposition in the Scottish Premiership title race as the season progresses.
Background of the Development
The tactical evolution at Ibrox comes in the wake of a managerial transition earlier in the year, with Derek McInnes taking charge in June 2026. Following a sluggish start to the domestic campaign where consistency eluded the squad, the coaching staff sought to maximize the versatility of their summer acquisitions. James Penrice, arriving with European experience from AEK Athens, was identified as a versatile asset capable of slotting into multiple defensive and midfield roles. By experimenting with inverted full-back roles and central midfield rotations, McInnes has managed to revitalize a squad that needed an injection of tactical dynamism and high-intensity pressing to keep pace at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
Prediction
This tactical development and improved squad fluidity are expected to significantly bolster Rangers’ consistency through the grueling winter fixture list. For the supporters and the club, unlocking a relentless pressing system means the team can better break down defensively stubborn opponents, reducing the likelihood of unexpected points drops against mid-table and relegation-threatened sides. If Derek McInnes continues to successfully integrate versatile players like James Penrice into hybrid central roles, the squad will possess the tactical depth and physical resilience required to sustain a serious challenge for domestic silverware, while instilling greater confidence among the fanbase heading into crucial away fixtures against top-six rivals.
