Tavernier addresses Rangers criticism of his position

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Tavernier addresses Rangers criticism of his position
DUMBARTON, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 20: Rangers captain James Tavernier is seen prior to the Dumbarton v Rangers - Scottish Cup at Dumbarton Football Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Dumbarton, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rangers captain James Tavernier has certainly faced the pressure (what pressure, pressure’s for tyres) lately as his position and captaincy came under major scrutiny, but the RB has dismissed it all in the same way his manager did, albeit slightly more diplomatically.

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Philippe Clement yesterday suggested that in the event of a loss, fans naturally blame the captain (at any club) and while this appeared to mildly gaslight Rangers supporters, Tavernier put it in a touch more gentle language.

He said:

“It’s been fine, I know the position I am in. I am on the frontline so I am going to get the criticism but I can fully take it. I have been here a long time. It’s just about me putting in the performances and trying to lead by example.”

In fairness to Tav, he did not blame fans for having a go at him, but instead accepted that as captain, he will take it on the chin more than most, and didn’t try to pin that on fans.

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Of course, this isn’t entirely accurate, the man is not in great form and hasn’t been for some time, while also arguably not exactly being a fit captain either, and when we look back at the past, we don’t ever recall this ignominy before about a Rangers captain before Tavernier got the armband.

So the criticism at Tavernier isn’t because he’s captain, it’s because he shouldn’t really be, and his football isn’t great either.

But the point is that usually Rangers’ captains are big men, strong, capable of handling any abuse and standing tall – Tavernier hasn’t really struck us as being of that ilk – he did at least take that question on the chin however.

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But his manager’s way of putting it did seem to slightly blame the fans for targeting Tavernier, and he increased his support for Tav tenfold.

While fans still do want the RB dropped, it’s never going to happen, and he’s keeping his slot for as long as the eye can see, really.

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