Is the McInnes era giving Rangers fans fewer fears of failure?

It seems bizarre that only a year ago Russell Martin had just started his troubled 17-match reign as Rangers head coach, now at Leicester City. After Martin was dismissed and Rohl left for Red Bull Salzburg in June, the club's poor end to last season (four consecutive defeats) left little goodwill for the new manager.

Derek McInnes, who turned down Rangers in 2017, is now seen as the right man after nearly leading Hearts to a historic Scottish top-flight title. Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday says McInnes is a more complete manager now. McInnes knows the club from his playing days (1995-2000) and 'gets it' in Old Firm terms.

His only major honour as manager is the 2014 League Cup with Aberdeen, won on penalties. Fans will need results to be convinced. The club has signed Lawrence Shankland and Ross McCrorie (both Rangers fans) and brought back Allan McGregor as goalkeeping coach. Shankland, a proven Premiership scorer, is expected to net at least 20 goals.

McInnes must navigate a tough start: six league games before the first Old Firm match against Celtic. Halliday stresses it's crucial to win all six to avoid pressure. With a new US consortium backing the club, excuses are wearing thin.