Ross McCrory signing: The biggest reason for Rangers’ return to defender Derek McInnes

Ross McCrory is adamant Derek McInnes has the qualities to succeed at Rangers, saying the manager is the number one reason he returned to Ibrox.

The 28-year-old defender was an option in England after Bristol City extended his contract but the prospect of a relationship with his old boss again proved decisive.

“The biggest thing for me was the gaffer,” said McCrory, who played three seasons under McInnes at Aberdeen.

“I had a number of offers in England but as soon as the gaffer got the job here I knew he was the one to take this club forward.”

McCrory first joined Rangers aged nine and made his debut in September 2017.

He played over 50 matches before deciding to move to Aberdeen in 2020, with some nods from McInnes.

“The gaffer was the one who convinced me to leave Rangers,” recalled the Scotland international.

“I wanted to be the main man and get games under my belt to unlock the talent I knew I had.

“The Gopher came to my house and convinced me to go to Aberdeen and I had a great three years there.”

McCrory made 115 appearances for the Dons before leaving for Bristol City in 2023, playing in various positions and captaining the side at various times.

Describing McInnes as a “great people-manager” and “a real leader”, McCrory felt “against our world mentality” from his time at Pittodrie.

“He wants you to run through a brick wall for him,” he adds.