So that’s that then, after months of speculation and apparent bids from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and suchlike, Rangers captain James Tavernier seemingly stays at Rangers and will be the undroppable soul at right back next season just like he has been for 8 years.
460 appearances, 125 goals, 129 assists, with stats that shine if he was a winger.. but as a defender… not so much.
We all know how vulnerable he is without Ryan Jack, and the loss of that man since 55 has played a big big role in how many goals Rangers have conceded in the past 3 years on Tavernier’s side.
Connor Goldson has also moved onto pastures new, not that he was much of an insurance for Tavernier in fairness, but the reality is that Rangers, unless a major bid arrives for the captain or Trabzonspor up their previous offer, will not be losing the services of the club’s RB.
So, where does this leave us?
Rangers’ defence now looks like this:
James Tavernier, Dujon Sterling, Adam Devine, Leon Balogun, John Souttar, Robin Propper, Ben Davies, Clinton Nsiala, Robbie Fraser, Jefte, and Ridvan Yilmaz.
We are not including Robin Propper till it’s announced. Assuming it does get announced. (EDIT: IT DID)
Until then, it’s going to be a four of Tavernier, Souttar, Davies and Ridvan.
Probably.
It’s an absolutely terrible defence, and as long as Tav remains in it, Rangers will continue to concede soft and stupid goals. Davies isn’t much better and falls well short of Rangers levels, but at least he does actually try to defend.
Hearts? They’ve made a lot of signings and they’re off the back of a very good campaign, and few Rangers fans, personal feelings aside, believe Steven Naismith isn’t a promising manager there.
So Tavernier’s place in Rangers’ defence doesn’t really assure us that Hearts on their patch will have their work cut out on Saturday – Lawrence Shankland will also be all out to prove Rangers wrong not to make the move for him (yet).
Unfortunately, this is our lot. Tav remains first pick and captain and first name on the sheet.
That’s that.