Kenny Shiels Rangers in 17 years on 27 November 2011, in a 1–0 victory at Rugby Park, with a Manuel Pascali goal in the 80th minute. After the match, Shiels said a win over Rangers was a "fantastic win" for the club, in addition, stated his opinion that people in Ayrshire, who are Old Firm supporters, are not real supporters for Kilmarnock. He wrote in his Daily Record columns that he was critical of fans would watch the Old Firm, rather than their local team. In the January transfer window, Shiels soon added his son, Dean, and Ben Gordon. He also helped
Dean Shiels to join Rangers. He scored a goal, as well as, setting up two goals in his first appearance, in a Scottish League Cup tie against East Fife on 7 August. A week after he sustained an injury during a match which ruled him out for weeks, On 2 September 2012, Shiels scored his first league goal, as well as setting up a goal, in a 5–1 win over Elgin City. After scoring two goals in three games, Shiels scored against the Scottish Premier League side Motherwell, in a Scottish League Cup tie. Then, in the Scottish Cup, Shiels scored twice