Derek McInnes can bring Rangers’ identity back | OneFootball

If there is one thing Rangers fans crave, it is a return to identity. Derek McInnes could be that man. He carries many of the same traits that made Walter Smith the heartbeat of Ibrox for decades. McInnes builds strong dressing rooms, drills structure, and values defensive unity. In many ways, he mirrors what made Walter so successful at Rangers, which is why many fans now see him as the natural modern-day Walter. The question is whether that same foundation can still win in today’s game.

A natural modern-day Walter

McInnes has always focused on the collective. His teams play with grit, organisation, and spirit. They are compact, disciplined, and never easy to beat. It is not flashy football, but it is effective. Walter Smith built his own empire on similar values. He demanded loyalty, commitment, and a relentless will to win. McInnes has shown that same control over his players, turning limited squads into competitive sides. Like Walter, he builds trust through consistency and honesty. That has earned him respect across Scottish football and beyond.

The winning mentality Rangers need

Walter Smith’s greatest quality was his authority. Players listened because they believed. He created standards that never slipped. The Guardian once noted his modest greatness. McInnes does not yet have the same aura, but he has the same focus on discipline and detail. He studies opponents, prepares his teams meticulously, and never leaves them unorganised. Every player understands their role. This mentality could be exactly what Rangers need after years of chaos. While modern football often demands flair, the truth is that winning still comes from structure and character. McInnes has both in abundance.

Can it still work in the modern game?

Football has evolved, but its foundations have not. BBC Sport highlighted Walter Smith’s old-school discipline. Organisation and leadership still decide big matches. McInnes understands that balance better than most. His teams can defend deep, but they can also break fast when needed. The Scotsman praised Smith’s ability to adapt and inspire. McInnes has learned to adapt without losing his core values. That is something Walter Smith mastered long before analytics or data dashboards. The real question for Rangers is whether fans have the patience for a return to substance over style. McInnes may not deliver wild scorelines, but he could restore identity and pride.

If Rangers want a manager who understands the club’s DNA, Derek McInnes might be the closest figure to Walter Smith that Scottish football has left. He shares the same philosophy, the same belief in standards, and the same devotion to the badge. Whether that can still conquer the modern game remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Rangers would once again stand for something real.