McInnes admits 'guilt' over Hearts exit for Rangers

McInnes acknowledges Hearts fans' anger at his summer move to Rangers, saying he understands their disappointment after nearly winning the title.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has admitted feeling guilty about leaving Hearts for Ibrox in the summer, ahead of his return to Tynecastle on Wednesday. McInnes guided Hearts to 80 points last season, leading the Scottish Premiership for most of the campaign before losing 3-1 at Celtic Park on the final day, allowing Celtic to retain the title.

Despite his pride in what Hearts achieved—taking a team that finished bottom six to title contenders—McInnes accepts he will not receive a warm welcome from the Tynecastle crowd. He drew a parallel to his own reaction when captain Lawrence Shankland announced his move to Rangers weeks earlier, saying he understands the fans' sense of betrayal during what felt like a mourning period at the club.

"I think taking a team who finished in the bottom six and getting to 80 points, I just felt a real injustice at the end of it all," McInnes said. He believes Hearts remain title contenders under new head coach Wouter Vrancken and expressed regret that contentious decisions cost them the championship.