Ross McCrorie insists Derek McInnes has what it takes to thrive at Rangers, saying the manager was the primary reason he came back to Ibrox.
The 28-year-old defender had opportunities in England after Bristol City activated an extension, but the chance to reunite with his former boss proved decisive.
“The biggest thing for me was the gaffer,” said McCrorie, who worked with McInnes at Aberdeen for three seasons.
“I had a few strong offers in England, but as soon as the gaffer took this job I knew he was the one to take the club forward.”
McCrorie joined Rangers at nine years old and made his senior debut in September 2017.
He featured in over 50 games before moving to Aberdeen in 2020, a switch he says McInnes helped persuade him to make.
“The gaffer was the one who gave me the belief to take that step and leave Rangers,” the Scotland international recalled.
“I wanted to be a mainstay, rack up minutes and unlock the potential I knew I had.
“He even came to my house to convince me to head to Aberdeen, and I had a brilliant three years there.”
McCrorie made 115 appearances for the Dons, playing multiple roles and occasionally captaining the team, before departing for Bristol City in 2023.
Calling McInnes a “great man-manager” and “a real leader,” McCrorie also recalled an “us against the world” mentality during their time at Pittodrie.
“He makes you want to run through brick walls for him,” he added.