GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Sheyi Ojo of Rangers FC acknowledges the crowd after the UEFA Europa League group G match between Rangers FC and Feyenoord at Ibrox Stadium on September 19, 2019 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Rangers have confirmed that new manager Derek McInnes will make his first appearance as Ibrox boss when West Ham visit Glasgow on Sunday, July 26.
The pre-season friendly kicks off at 4pm and marks a landmark moment for McInnes, who grew up supporting the club he now leads.
McInnes was headhunted by Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh to take charge at Ibrox, replacing the departed Danny Rohl in the dugout.
The former Rangers player has managed at Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, and Hearts, bringing a wealth of Scottish football experience back to his boyhood club.
Fans will get their first proper look at McInnes in his new role, with the West Ham fixture offering a glimpse of his tactical plans for the season ahead.
West Ham, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, arrive at Ibrox preparing for life in the English Championship after suffering Premier League relegation last term.
The match against the West London club gives both sides a competitive pre-season workout before their respective domestic campaigns begin in earnest.
Rangers are expected to confirm additional friendly fixtures in the coming days as the club builds its pre-season schedule around the new management team.
The club had been scheduled to travel to Austria for an eight-day training camp starting July 10, though the departure of Rohl has cast doubt on those arrangements.
Rangers will begin their Premiership campaign on Friday, August 31, when they travel to Tannadice to face Dundee United in an evening fixture.
McInnes will be eager to hit the ground running, using the pre-season period to instil his ideas and build momentum ahead of what promises to be a demanding campaign.
The appointment has generated significant excitement among the Rangers support, and the West Ham fixture is expected to draw a large crowd to Ibrox for the occasion.
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