McInnes Reflects on Hearts Departure Ahead of Tynecastle Return

Derek McInnes is set to make his return to Tynecastle, but this time as the manager of Rangers. As he prepares for the match on Wednesday, he admits feeling a sense of "guilt" over his summer departure from Hearts. After nearly guiding Hearts to their first top-flight title in 66 years, only to see it slip away on the final day to Celtic, McInnes feels proud of his accomplishments at the Edinburgh club. He believes that Hearts, now under the guidance of Wouter Vrancken, are very much in the race for the title this season. However, McInnes isn't expecting a friendly reception from the fans. "You hope for some acknowledgment from the crowd, but I know that’s unlikely," he stated candidly. He fully grasps the emotions surrounding his exit. "I loved my time at Hearts. It was brief, but I thought we brought a refreshing style to Scottish football last season. I take pride in what we achieved there, especially without the financial clout of Rangers and Celtic." Reflecting on the previous season, he added, "We felt a real sense of injustice after finishing with 80 points when we came from the bottom six. I understand that my return might not be welcomed, and I get that." Hearts had led the Scottish Premiership for much of the previous campaign, only to fall 3-1 against Celtic in a heartbreaking title race. McInnes recalls, "It felt like we were in mourning after that loss. We were all leaning on each other during the summer, feeling that we should have stuck together. That made my decision to leave all the more difficult." Hearts supporters likely relate to the disappointment McInnes felt when captain Lawrence Shankland announced his own move to Rangers. "When I heard that, I felt let down and flat. So I understand how the fans might feel about my transition, especially making a similar move shortly after." Despite the backlash he expects, McInnes remains firm in his feelings about his time at Hearts. He believes there was a significant injustice in the title race. "I wanted to be the manager to win a title outside of the Old Firm, and with a few controversial decisions going against us, I think we could have done it."