Rangers boss Derek McInnes on his St Mirren family links ahead of Paisley return 40 years after crossing bitter divide

IF Alex Smith had his way, Derek McInnes would have become a St Mirren player. Instead the Rangers boss signed for their deadly rivals. Tomorrow McInnes takes his side to Paisley, the town where he was born and brought up.…

By Gareth Law · The Scottish Sun

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 12:44 PM

Key Things to Know

Derek McInnes reflected on his St Mirren family links ahead of taking Rangers to play in Paisley.
McInnes revealed St Mirren hesitated to sign him at 16, leading him to join rivals Greenock Morton.
Rangers are four points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic with a game in hand.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Rangers manager Derek McInnes discussed his Paisley roots and family connections to St Mirren ahead of his team's upcoming match against the Buddies. Born and raised in Paisley, McInnes signed with local rivals Greenock Morton at age 16 after St Mirren hesitated to secure him, despite multiple relatives including his uncle and father-in-law supporting the club.

Rangers enter the fixture following a Premier Sports Cup semi-final victory over Aberdeen that extended an unbeaten stretch to 11 games. Sitting four points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic with a game in hand, McInnes emphasized staying focused on league duties before the upcoming international break.

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