Guilty Rangers manager expects no warm welcome at former club Hearts

McInnes returns to Hearts as Rangers manager on Wednesday, still haunted by last season's title collapse on the final day.

Derek McInnes left Hearts this summer to become Rangers manager, just weeks after his side lost the Scottish Premiership title on the final day with a 3-1 defeat to Celtic. Despite Hearts' impressive campaign that nearly ended Celtic and Rangers' 66-year dominance, McInnes departed for Glasgow alongside captain and striker Lawrence Shankland, leaving the club in mourning.

McInnes has admitted the decision still weighs on him. "We had it very difficult at Hearts last season. It was almost as if we were in mourning," he said. "I feel somewhat guilty that I was faced with the choice to stay or leave." He believes Hearts deserved the title and that controversial decisions cost them, but accepts he will not receive a warm reception when Rangers visit Tynecastle Park on Wednesday.

Hearts, now managed by Wouter Vrancken, sit four points behind Rangers after ten matches. McInnes understands the hostile reception awaiting him but remains proud of what he built at his former club.