Rangers: Derek McInnes has the job he really always wanted

He took Aberdeen to Hampden so many times it was almost like a second home. League Cup Final in 2013–14, 2016–17, 2018–19 and Scottish Cup Final in 2016–17.

Celtic were his nemesis, and nobody could blame him for losing to them, but McInnes lost cup ties to Dundee United, Hibs, St Johnstone, Dundee, Hearts, Motherwell, Hearts again, St Mirren, Motherwell again and United again.

Since he last won a trophy with a Premiership club, St Johnstone, Inverness, Hibs, St Johnstone again and Aberdeen have all won the Scottish Cup and Ross County, St Johnstone and St Mirren have won the League Cup.

There is a long list of managers outside the Old Firm who have done it – Tommy Wright, John Hughes, Alan Stubbs, Callum Davidson (twice), Jimmy Thelin, Jim McIntyre and Stephen Robinson.

There is still a touch of the almost human about McInnes. His fight with Martin O’Neill at Celtic and whoever ends up at Tynecastle will be mandatory.

Harts became a stepping stone, the job he wanted at the time, the job he never wanted forever. He now has the opportunity, which he has been waiting for.