Published 27 October 2026. Rangers manager Derek McInnes has acknowledged feeling guilty about leaving Hearts during the summer as he prepares for a return to Tynecastle on Wednesday evening.
McInnes guided Hearts to second place in last season’s Scottish Premiership, with the Edinburgh club narrowly missing out on the title to Celtic on the final day. He joined Rangers in June, a decision that disappointed supporters who had hoped he would build on that campaign.
McInnes expects a difficult reception
Speaking ahead of the Scottish Premiership fixture, McInnes said he understood why Hearts supporters may feel hurt by his decision and did not expect a warm welcome on his return. He described his time at the club positively, while recalling the disappointment felt throughout the squad after missing out on the title.
McInnes has also drawn parallels between his own departure and the move of former Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland to Rangers. Shankland and fellow former Hearts midfielder Cammy Devlin are expected to miss Wednesday’s meeting through injury.
Scottish Premiership implications
Rangers go into the match four points behind leaders Celtic, with Hearts another four points further back. Wednesday’s fixture gives both clubs an opportunity to strengthen their positions in the early-season title race.
Fixture: Hearts v Rangers, Wednesday 28 October 2026, 20:00 GMT, Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh.
Reporting note: McInnes’ move to Rangers took place in June. The new development is his comments at Tuesday’s pre-match media conference; no result from Wednesday’s match is being reported.
Reporting sources: STV News / PA Media, 27 October 2026, 16:04; Hearts FC, official June departure statement.