National Teams

The former Aberdeen star rejected English clubs to return to Rangers

Ross McCrorie has returned to Rangers with support from manager Derek McInnes, stressing the need for higher standards and unity within the squad after a long spell without silverware.

Jul 4, 2026, 12:51 AMManuel Castro4 lượt xem

Ross McCrorie has returned to Ibrox without any fanfare, a return that usually speaks volumes in Glasgow. At the age of 28, this defender understands the environment, understands the requirements and knows that Rangers need more than warm feelings if they want to restore lost form. For McCrorie, the reason for returning is clear. Coach Derek McInnes is the driving force behind his return, the one who convinced him to leave Rangers in search of regular playing opportunities and is now the one who convinces him that Ibrox is the right place to return.

“The biggest thing for me is the manager,” said McCrorie, who worked under McInnes for three seasons at Aberdeen. "I had a number of offers in England, but as soon as the manager took the job here, I knew he was the man who would take this club forward."

It's not a simple compliment. McCrorie saw McInnes from close range and his description of the coach feels familiar to anyone who has followed Scottish football over the past decade. According to McCrorie, he is a "great manager" and "a true leader", a coach capable of building trust in the dressing room and strengthening team spirit. "He makes you want to run through walls," he added.

McCrorie first joined Rangers as a nine-year-old and made progress in the first team in September 2017. More than 50 appearances later, he chose a different path in 2020, moving to Aberdeen after strong persuasion from McInnes. "The manager was the one who gave me the confidence to step up and leave Rangers," McCrorie recalls. "I wanted to be a key player and have a lot of games to develop the talent I knew I had. The manager came to my house and convinced me to go to Aberdeen and I had three great years there."

His years at Pittodrie shaped him. McCrorie made 115 appearances for Aberdeen, taking on a variety of roles and sometimes even wearing the captain's armband. It was a lesson in responsibility as well as position. Bristol City is the next destination in 2023, and there are many options to stay in England, but McInnes and Rangers have emerged as stronger options. That clearly shows the task that the Ibrox Club is facing. Rangers scored well in the Premiership last season, but their defense lacked the solidity of the champions. They have conceded more goals than Celtic, Hearts and Motherwell, a statistic that goes straight to why the likes of McCrorie, Ben Godfrey and goalkeeper Ivor Pandur have been brought in.

McCrorie doesn't shy away from the issue. Rangers have won just three trophies in the six years since he left, and for such a big club, that leaves a bitter taste. "Watching as a fan, there's no denying it's not good enough," he said. "I want to help set the standard that will lead the Rangers to success."

Under McInnes, expectations will be clear and unwavering. McCrorie knew exactly what to expect. "He knows the league very well," McCrorie said. "He's all about standards. If you play for Rangers, whatever competition you play in, you want to win. That's the aim. It's all about winning. You have to live and breathe it."

There is also new support around him. Lawrence Shankland and Dan Neil have joined the rebuilding effort, bringing character along with ability. For McCrorie, however, the central requirement is clear. “It's not just about quality, it's also about character,” he said. "We need to be sharp. You need to have a quiet confidence to be able to compete with anyone on match day. You need to create unity. Brotherhood in the dressing room can go a long way."

At Ibrox, this language will be welcomed. The Rangers had heard enough of the promises. What they crave now is strength, discipline and a team that can endure the noise. McCrorie might be a good place to start.