Ex-Rangers Star Backs Derek McInnes Title Charge in Glasgow 2026

Key Points

• Former Rangers defender Michael Ball admitted he initially felt “sorry” for close friend Derek McInnes following a difficult beginning to his tenure at Ibrox.
• Rangers have since turned their fortunes around, stringing together an impressive 11-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
• The sequence of positive results includes two morale-boosting victories over arch-rivals Celtic within the space of eight days back in mid-September.
• The Glasgow club has also successfully secured a coveted place in the Scottish League Cup final, bringing major silverware back into immediate sight.
• Rangers currently sit second in the Scottish Premiership table, trailing league leaders Celtic by four points while retaining a game in hand.
• Michael Ball believes the squad is finally fine-tuning its tactical identity under Derek McInnes, emphasizing front-foot intensity and collective responsibility.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) November 6, 2026 – As reported by Chris Burton of GOAL, former Rangers star Michael Ball has revealed that he initially felt sympathy for manager Derek McInnes during a testing opening phase at Ibrox, but a surging 11-game unbeaten streak has transformed expectations into a genuine Scottish Premiership title challenge.

Why Did Michael Ball Initially Feel Sorry for Derek McInnes?

As detailed by Chris Burton of GOAL, the 55-year-old manager—who previously enjoyed a playing career at Ibrox—came agonizingly close to delivering a remarkable title triumph for Hearts during the previous campaign. Rather than continuing his project in Edinburgh, Derek McInnes opted to take up the mantle with perennial Scottish contenders.

However, the initial transition period presented significant hurdles. As noted in reporting by Chris Burton of GOAL, Michael Ball admitted regarding his close friend’s early struggles:

“I felt sorry for Derek because of how tough things were starting out, but the turnaround has been remarkable.”

How Did Rangers Turn Their Form Around Under Derek McInnes?

As chronicled by Chris Burton of GOAL, the turning point for the Ibrox club arrived in mid-September when Rangers secured two morale-boosting victories over arch-old firm rivals Celtic in the space of just eight days. Those defining performances served as the catalyst for an extensive 11-game unbeaten run across all domestic fronts.

In addition to closing the gap at the summit of the domestic table, this consistency has propelled the team into the Scottish League Cup final, ensuring that major domestic silverware is firmly back on the agenda.

Are Rangers Now Real Contenders for the Scottish Premiership Crown?

As highlighted by Chris Burton of GOAL, Steven Gerrard remains the last manager to successfully guide Rangers to Scottish Premiership glory back in the 2020-21 season. Now, however, the current squad is beginning to chase down that elusive top-flight standard once more.

Rangers currently occupy second place in the Scottish Premiership standings, sitting four points behind league leaders Celtic while maintaining a crucial game in hand. Evaluating the tactical shift and squad mentality required to maintain this trajectory, Michael Ball told GOAL:

“It’s got to be on the front foot, you’ve got to win your battles, but you’ve got to show you’ve got the ability to put that shirt on, and they’re finally fine-tuning that now. With Derek behind them, fingers crossed he can go all the way.”

What Lies Ahead for Rangers Before the International Break?

As outlined by Chris Burton of GOAL, Rangers are scheduled to head into the November international break following an upcoming fixture away against St Mirren on Saturday. That league encounter provides the squad with another immediate opportunity to protect their momentum, preserve their unbeaten run, and reinforce collective belief in their capability to secure a championship.

Background of the Particular Development

The resurgence of Rangers under Derek McInnes follows a period of substantial managerial and structural transition at Ibrox. Following the departure of previous leadership figures and a competitive 2025-26 campaign where challengers like Hearts pushed established boundaries, the Glasgow club sought an experienced domestic operator to restore stability and winning standards. Derek McInnes, who built a strong reputation for maximizing squad potential during his stints in Scottish football, inherited a squad in transition. Early season friction and tactical adjustments led to dropped points, prompting outside scrutiny. However, a watershed fortnight in September—highlighted by consecutive victories over Celtic—galvanized the squad, validating the board’s appointment and establishing the defensive solidity and attacking directness required to compete on multiple fronts.

Prediction

This sustained 11-game unbeaten run and progression to the Scottish League Cup final directly impacts the Rangers fanbase, squad, and the wider Scottish Premiership landscape. For the supporters and players, the psychological shift from transitional rebuilding to active title contention revitalizes belief that the club can bridge the gap to Celtic. If Derek McInnes can maintain this tactical discipline and momentum through the winter fixture congestion—starting with the fixture against St Mirren—Rangers will not only solidify their position as serious challengers for the Premiership trophy but also place immense pressure on the league leaders, injecting high-stakes drama into the remainder of the 2026-27 domestic campaign.