The new Rangers boss isn’t playing around.
Derek McInnes has introduced three strict rules that all Rangers players must follow as the former Hearts manager prepares for a crucial season at Ibrox.
Rangers are looking to restore their dominance in Scottish football and become relevant again in the title race after a period of inconsistency. The club appointed McInnes in the summer to bring experience, discipline and a winning mentality back to the squad following recent managerial changes.
McInnes, a former Rangers player and lifelong supporter, arrives with a strong reputation after guiding Hearts to a second-place finish last season. He has already begun setting clear expectations as he looks to rebuild the side and challenge Celtic for major honours.
According to reports, McInnes has laid down three strict rules that every player at the club must follow as he looks to create a disciplined and high-performing environment at Ibrox.
McInnes’ three strict rules enforced on the Rangers squad
The first rule pertains to nutrition. McInnes strongly believes that elite performance starts in the kitchen. The role of the club’s nutrition team is no longer simply advisory. Instead, they will set the daily menu that all players must follow, with everything carefully tailored to maximise footballing performance rather than personal preference.
The second rule concerns punctuality. Being late to training will no longer be treated lightly. The punishment for arriving late is now a solitary hour in the gym, completed entirely alone. Players are expected to be present and ready well before the official start of sessions, with the emphasis on personal responsibility rather than financial fines.
Finally, injury recovery must be handled strictly at the club’s training facilities. Outside treatments are off the table for Rangers players. Returning to action after an injury will no longer be left solely to the individual. Recovery will be a more collective process and more closely supervised than before.
McInnes is, above all, focused on building a strong team culture that prioritises unity, discipline and shared standards over individual preferences.
The experienced Scottish manager is known for his demanding approach and clear methods from his previous roles at Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Hearts. At Rangers he is determined to install the same high standards as he looks to push the club back to the top of Scottish football.
With the new season underway, these rules are designed to ensure every player is fully aligned with the manager’s vision for the campaign ahead.
