Derek McInnes has never been far away from the next Rangers manager discussion whenever it has reared its head in recent seasons.
Since McInnes turned Rangers down in 2017, any time the role has become vacant the former Aberdeen boss has been positioned by several as a potential Rangers manager.
Even Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers tipped the ‘outstanding’ McInnes to one day take the reins at Rangers.
But this time around things are decidedly different with Derek McInnes set to agree terms with Hearts. It’s something that’s not gone down well with his current employers.
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Kilmarnock take Derek McInnes Hearts decision
Kilmarnock have confirmed that Derek McInnes will not take charge of the club’s final game of the season after agreeing terms with this weekend’s rivals Hearts.
Killie are set to welcome the Jambos to Ayrshire for the final game of the Scottish Premiership season this weekend and the presence of McInnes obviously added an extra dimension to the game.
But in a salty statement, Kilmarnock have confirmed that it’s ’for the best’ if McInnes misses out this weekend with ex-Rangers winger Chris Burke amongst the backroom staff who will take charge.
“It has been agreed between our Board of Directors, Derek McInnes and his staff that the best approach would be if they were not in charge for the final match of the season,” reads the statement.
”Paul Sheerin and Alan Archibald will also not be involved – first team preparation and matchday duties will be undertaken by Chris Burke and Craig Clark.
”We look forward to seeing the blue and white army out in force this weekend as we give the players the send off they deserve. More information will follow in due course.”
Ex-Rangers striker ‘frontrunner’ for Kilmarnock job
Kilmarnock are reportedly turning to former Rangers striker Steven Naismith as they look to replace Derek McInnes at Rugby Park.
Hearts have much headier ambitions than Kilmarnock in Scottish football, with Brighton owner Tony Bloom set to invest nearly £10m into the Jambos this summer.
According to the Daily Record, ex-Hearts manager Naismith is the frontrunner to replace McInnes at Rugby Park.
Naismith – who spent five years at Rangers as a player between 2007 and 2012 – has been without a job since leaving Hearts in September 2024.
Derek McInnes has been in charge of Kilmarnock since 2022, guiding the club back from the Scottish Championship in his first season and finishing an impressive 4th place in 23/24.
