Terry Butcher believes Derek McInnes has the opportunity to make a major impact at Rangers this season, with the former Ibrox captain offering his old friend a straightforward piece of advice: keep collecting victories.

Butcher, who has managed several Scottish clubs during his coaching career, has already contacted McInnes to wish him well following his appointment at Ibrox. He now hopes the Rangers boss can maintain his side’s recent momentum and put pressure on Celtic manager Martin O’Neill.

The former England international could even find himself offering O’Neill some consolation if Rangers manage to finish the campaign ahead of their Glasgow rivals.

McInnes endured a difficult introduction to life at Ibrox, but his fortunes have changed considerably in recent weeks. The 55-year-old has guided Rangers to seven consecutive victories, helping to restore confidence among supporters after a disappointing start.

Their winning streak briefly lifted them to the top of the Scottish Premiership last Saturday. However, Celtic responded with a victory over Motherwell, allowing O’Neill’s side to reclaim their position at the summit.

Rangers will have another opportunity to apply pressure this weekend when they travel to Dundee, with Celtic scheduled to host Hearts the following day.

Butcher understands the challenges that come with managing in Scottish football and is particularly keen to see McInnes enjoy a more successful experience at Rangers than the one he endured at Hibernian.

The former defender managed Hibs in 2013 and 2014, but his time in Edinburgh ended in relegation. During that difficult spell, McInnes reached out to offer encouragement, although Butcher joked that the gesture did little to change his fortunes.

Speaking about their relationship, Butcher recalled the support he received from McInnes during his struggles at Easter Road.

He explained that the pair had spoken on several occasions during their managerial careers and that McInnes had sent him messages wishing him well. Despite the disappointing outcome of his Hibs tenure, Butcher appreciated the gesture.

He has now returned the favour by contacting McInnes following his appointment as Rangers manager, expressing his hope that his former rival can enjoy a successful spell at Ibrox.

Butcher believes the key to achieving that lies in establishing a consistent run of results and allowing confidence to grow throughout the squad.

He also drew comparisons with his conversations with O’Neill when the Northern Irishman took charge of Celtic in 2000.

Butcher knew O’Neill well through their previous connections with Norwich City and their experiences in football. The pair also worked together on radio coverage during Euro 2000, when O’Neill asked whether he had made the right decision in moving to Celtic.

Butcher encouraged him to embrace the opportunity, explaining that success could build progressively as a team started winning matches.

According to Butcher, O’Neill later acknowledged that the advice had proved accurate, with positive results creating a snowball effect that strengthened the team.

That is the same principle he believes McInnes must follow at Rangers.

Butcher feels that victories need to become a regular occurrence, with unbeaten stretches helping to improve understanding between players, strengthen dressing-room relationships and build belief in the team’s ability.

He hopes McInnes can turn his current run into something more substantial, while joking that his own good-luck message might prove an unlucky omen.

The Rangers manager certainly had plenty to overcome during his opening weeks in charge. Dropped points against Dundee United and Hibernian were followed by disappointment in Europe, with Rangers suffering two continental exits.

Injuries to strikers Youssef Chermiti and Lawrence Shankland added to the difficulties, raising questions among supporters about whether McInnes could deliver the progress expected of him.

However, consecutive victories over O’Neill’s Celtic side have helped transform the mood around Ibrox, with Rangers now enjoying a spell of results that has brought renewed optimism.

Butcher, who won three league titles and two domestic cups during his time at Rangers, believes winning is fundamental to creating a positive environment at a club of that stature.

He acknowledged that supporters of Rangers, Celtic and the leading teams in English football expect more than simply picking up points. They also want to see convincing performances and comfortable victories.

Nevertheless, Butcher stressed that opponents frequently treat matches against the Old Firm as the biggest occasions of their seasons, making victories far more difficult to secure than supporters might expect.

He warned that smaller clubs can gain confidence from positive results against Rangers or Celtic, making it even more important for the Glasgow giants to maintain consistency.

For Butcher, building a successful side requires more than tactical preparation. He believes McInnes must establish strong leadership within the dressing room, with experienced players helping to set standards and guide their team through difficult periods.

The players themselves must also demonstrate the commitment required to turn promising performances into sustained success.

Butcher remains deeply attached to Rangers, having been one of the first significant signings made during Graeme Souness’s transformation of the club. His time at Ibrox continues to hold a special place in his career, and he understands the emotions that come with representing the club.

He believes there is a unique satisfaction in climbing the league table, lifting trophies and experiencing the celebrations that accompany major victories. Those achievements, he suggested, are impossible to replicate through anything other than success on the pitch.

Butcher also admitted that he would love to see Rangers experience another dramatic title triumph similar to the events of 2005.

That season, his Motherwell team defeated Celtic on the final day of the campaign, allowing Rangers to win the league title in one of Scottish football’s most memorable finishes, commonly known as Helicopter Sunday.

He would welcome another such outcome, even if it meant seeing his friend O’Neill finish second in the Premiership.

Despite their rivalry, Butcher spoke warmly about the Celtic manager, describing him as one of the nicest people he has encountered in football. He made it clear that he holds considerable affection for O’Neill, although he would prefer to see Rangers emerge on top this season.

For now, Butcher’s focus is on McInnes and the challenge facing Rangers. If the Ibrox side can maintain their winning form, he believes they have an opportunity to make the title race increasingly competitive and potentially deliver a memorable campaign for their supporters.

Butcher is also patron of Combat2Coffee, a mental health advocacy organisation that supports members of the armed forces community.