The Captaincy Crisis at Ibrox
Just weeks after Lawrence Shankland was handed the Rangers armband, Derek McInnes is already facing mounting pressure to rethink his decision.
The 31-year-old striker was appointed captain following James Tavernier’s departure. But with Rangers sitting on just one point from two league games, a 2-1 home defeat to Hibernian, and trailing Jagiellonia Bialystok in their Europa League qualifier, the captaincy decision that was supposed to usher in a new era is now at the centre of a growing storm.
And sources close to Ibrox suggest McInnes may already be considering a change.
The Candidates to Replace Shankland
Several players have been touted as potential successors, with McInnes having rotated the armband among multiple candidates during pre-season.
Dan Neil — The Vice-Captain Waiting in the Wings
McInnes has already confirmed Dan Neil as Rangers’ vice-captain. The midfielder has worn the armband in Shankland’s absence, with McInnes stating: “Dan is vice captain and he will take the team out tonight”.
Neil has been a revelation since joining and already appears to be the natural successor.
Ross McCrorie — The Boyhood Ranger
The return of Ross McCrorie from Bristol City has added another leadership option. He was previously described as a “potential future Rangers captain” by former boss Steven Gerrard.
Ben Godfrey — The Experienced Premier League Voice
The former Everton defender brings Premier League experience and has been part of the leadership conversation throughout pre-season. However, a recent hamstring injury has sidelined him for four weeks.
Dujon Sterling — The Unexpected Contender
Sterling became the fifth man to wear the armband during pre-season after a goalless draw with West Ham. His versatility and energy make him a dark horse candidate.
Why the Change Is Being Considered
Shankland’s start to life as Rangers captain has been nothing short of disastrous.
On his debut against Dundee United, he completed just 76 per cent of his passes, had only one shot on target, and won just 13 per cent of his aerial duels. He was anonymous in the 2-1 defeat to Hibernian, leaving fans raging at more dropped points.
McInnes himself admitted he “really wanted to look throughout the squad” before making his initial decision, and had several candidates in mind. Now, with results spiralling, a rethink is on the cards.
What the Manager Has Said
McInnes has previously warned that Shankland cannot be the only leader in the dressing room.
“I saw it a lot with James Tavernier in the past where he’d get rolled out after every sore defeat and I always thought it was a bit unfair,” McInnes said.
“We need to share that load and responsibility. Leaning on a lot of his team-mates, key players within that”.
He has also confirmed he is still discussing the leadership structure with his staff — a clear indication that nothing is set in stone.
The Tavernier Question
The decision to move on from James Tavernier after 11 years at Ibrox is already being questioned. The Hall of Fame full-back remains a free agent, and some are asking whether Rangers made the right call.
Connor Goldson’s words from 2023 have resurfaced: “This football club won’t appreciate James Tavernier until James Tavernier’s not here.”
With Rangers struggling at right-back — using Ross McCrorie, Dujon Sterling, and others in the role — the decision to let Tavernier go looks increasingly questionable.
The Verdict
Rangers are at a crossroads. The captaincy decision that was meant to define McInnes’s tenure is now under serious threat.
Shankland was appointed as the man to lead Rangers into a new era. But with the team in crisis and the captain struggling, a change may already be on the cards.
Whoever wears the armband next will inherit a club desperate for success. And time is running out.
What do you think? Should Rangers stick with Shankland or make a change? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
