Derek McInnes has often been linked with the Rangers managerial post whenever it has become available in recent years.
Since rejecting the opportunity to join Rangers in 2017, the former Aberdeen boss has regularly been mentioned as a candidate whenever the Ibrox hot seat has opened up. Even Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers once described McInnes as “outstanding” and backed him to manage Rangers in the future.
However, the current situation is notably different. McInnes is now on the verge of agreeing terms with Hearts—a move that hasn’t gone down well with his current club, Kilmarnock.
Kilmarnock react to McInnes’ Hearts agreement
Kilmarnock have announced that Derek McInnes will not be in the dugout for their final match of the season, as he has reached an agreement to join Hearts—who happen to be Killie’s opponents this weekend.
McInnes’ presence would have added extra intrigue to the final Scottish Premiership fixture, but Kilmarnock issued a pointed statement explaining that it was in everyone’s best interest for him to sit out the match. Former Rangers winger Chris Burke, part of the current backroom staff, will help lead the team.
“It has been agreed between our Board of Directors, Derek McInnes and his staff that the best approach would be if they were not in charge for the final match of the season,” the club said.
“Paul Sheerin and Alan Archibald will also not be involved – first team preparation and matchday duties will be undertaken by Chris Burke and Craig Clark. We look forward to a strong turnout from the blue and white army to give the players the send-off they deserve. Further updates will follow.”
Ex-Rangers forward in frame for Kilmarnock job
As Kilmarnock look for McInnes’ replacement, former Rangers and Hearts striker Steven Naismith has emerged as the leading candidate.
Backed by incoming investment of nearly £10 million from Brighton owner Tony Bloom, Hearts are now seen as a more ambitious project than Kilmarnock. According to the Daily Record, Naismith is the frontrunner for the Rugby Park role.
Naismith, who spent five years with Rangers between 2007 and 2012, has been out of work since departing Hearts in September 2024.
McInnes took charge of Kilmarnock in 2022, steering them to promotion from the Championship in his first season and securing an impressive 4th-place finish in the 2023/24 Premiership campaign.
