Lawrence Shankland named Rangers captain
Lawrence Shankland has been appointed the first‑team captain of Rangers Football Club for the 2026/27 season by manager Derek McInnes, succeeding departing captain James Tavernier. The club announced the decision ahead of the Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee United.
Shankland, a 30‑year‑old lifelong Rangers supporter, arrived from Hearts in the summer transfer window after four seasons under McInnes at Tynecastle. He previously captained Hearts, scoring 16 league goals and providing three assists in the 2025‑26 Scottish Premiership, helping the side finish second. In a press briefing Shankland said it was "a huge honour" to lead the club, and a fan poll showed strong backing, with 79% of respondents favouring his appointment.
Entities: Derek McInnes · Heart of Midlothian F.C. · James Tavernier · Lawrence Shankland · Rangers Football Club
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Lawrence Shankland was appointed Rangers' first‑team captain for the 2026/27 season. (All three articles)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Shankland succeeded James Tavernier as captain after Tavernier left the club. (Article 3)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A fan poll showed 79% support for Shankland as captain. (Article 1)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Derek McInnes made the decision to appoint Shankland as captain. (Article 3)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Shankland said being named captain was a huge honour. (Article 3)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Shankland scored 16 league goals and provided three assists in the 2025‑26 Scottish Premiership. (Article 3)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Shankland previously captained Hearts. (Article 3)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Shankland joined Rangers from Hearts in the summer transfer window. (Article 3)