Rangers manager Derek McInnes has admitted to experiencing feelings of "guilt" following his summer switch from Heart of Midlothian to Ibrox, acknowledging that he expects a rough reception when he steps back onto the pitch at Tynecastle on Wednesday. While the 52-year-old expressed hope that an ideal scenario would involve mutual applause between himself and the home supporters, he conceded that such an outcome is not going to happen after leaving the capital club just months ago.
McInnes remains proud of taking a Hearts side that had finished in the bottom six and guiding them to an 80-point campaign, establishing the squad as a "breath of fresh air for Scottish football" despite operating without the vast financial muscle boasted by Celtic and Rangers. Hearts led the Scottish Premiership for the bulk of the season and came within minutes of securing their first league championship in 66 years, only for a dramatic 3-1 defeat at Celtic Park on the final day to hand the title to the reigning champions. McInnes maintained that a few contentious decisions had gone against his team, leaving him with a lingering sense of grievance and injustice.
Reflecting on the painful aftermath of that title race, McInnes revealed that the squad was hurting deeply, describing the atmosphere in the early part of the close season as feeling "almost as if we were in mourning." Having to make a choice between staying and leaving while the group was trying to stick together contributed heavily to his guilt. McInnes added that he fully understands the supporters' frustration with his move, noting that he had felt similarly "flat" and "let down" when Hearts captain and top goalscorer Lawrence Shankland completed his own transfer to Ibrox just a couple of weeks beforehand.
Looking ahead to Wednesday's clash and the rest of the campaign, the Rangers manager accepted that any harsh treatment he receives in Edinburgh might be deserved, but reiterated that nothing will alter his fondness for his time at the "really well-run" club. Going forward, McInnes warned that his former side will remain a major threat at the top of the table, insisting that Hearts are "absolutely title contenders" under the guidance of new head coach Wouter Vrancken.