Dan Neil has reportedly been handed the Rangers captaincy just two weeks after arriving at Ibrox.
Derek McInnes has made his first major leadership decision as Rangers manager, naming a new club captain following the departure of James Tavernier.
The New Skipper
New signing Dan Neil has reportedly been given the captain’s armband after joining Rangers on a free transfer from Sunderland.
The twenty-four-year-old midfielder has only been at the club for two weeks, making the decision a huge statement of confidence from McInnes as he begins a new era at Ibrox.
Kevin Phillips Backs Neil
Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips believes Neil has everything needed to succeed at Rangers.
“He’ll walk into that dressing room and hold his own for sure. He’s got experience. He’s been at a big football club.”
He added:
“I think all players respect each other and he’ll certainly get that. They’re getting a very good player.”
Phillips also highlighted Neil’s Premier League experience as something that will earn immediate respect from his new teammates.
A Bold Decision
If confirmed, handing the captaincy to a player who has only recently arrived would underline McInnes’ belief in Neil’s leadership qualities and his importance to the club’s long-term plans.
Lawrence Shankland and Nico Raskin had also been mentioned as possible captaincy candidates, but McInnes appears to have chosen his leader.
What It Means
Rangers are entering a new chapter under Derek McInnes. Appointing Dan Neil as captain would send a strong message about the direction of the club and the type of leadership expected moving forward.
The Bottom Line
A new manager. A new captain. A new era at Ibrox.
If Dan Neil is officially confirmed as Rangers captain, it will be one of Derek McInnes’ biggest statements since taking charge.
