Has James Tavernier been made a scapegoat for his side’s lack of goals, have his “legs gone” to such an extent his “time is up”, or are manager Philippe Clement and fans showing a lack of respect for a club legend?
Whatever their opinion, Rangers fans were initially left aghast on Thursday as the team to face Olympiakos in the Europa League was read out minus the captain’s name.
The Englishman was instead dropped to the bench, with Clement explaining that he needed to manage the record-breaking goalscoring right-back’s game time now that he has turned 33.
When the Belgian also went on to say that he also needed more than one captain in his squad, many read into it that Tavernier is coming to the end of Rangers career in his testimonial year.
We asked for your reaction and, while the response was mixed, most seem to have backed Clement’s decision.
‘Weak link’ or ‘richly deserves testimonial’?
Allan: James Tavernier has been a great asset for Rangers for a good number of years. He has been an exceptional captain and inspiration for the club. It is obvious that he now doesn’t have the legs to go up and down the touchline like he has done for years.
Anon: One of Rangers’ best players since he signed. Carried the team for much of his 10 years. Supposed fans abusing him outside the ground is simply moronic and indicative of modern society. Have some respect for what he achieved and being Britain’s all-time top-scoring defender. Richly deserves his testimonial.
Davie: Tavernier has often been criticised for his defensive frailties, but his impact offensively have kept him a first pick. I think he’s a weak captain and probably should have been replaced with a real leader long before now. His contribution to the side through a long difficult time though has been immense. Sadly, though, his time is up.
Matthew: I’ve always been quick to defend Tav, but the demands of leading our club for nine years would take its toll on anyone who comes under criticism this often. It’s time for a successor to come forward. Our finishing is dreadful, but Tav has papered the cracks for a long time. We’ve often asked “where would we be without his goals?” We’re now finding out.
Andrew: Clement is delusional. It’s not about Tavaners current form, it’s simply about finding someone who can score a goal.
Liam: Granted, his attacking influence has been less effective, but is that because the manager has told him to stop making the forward overlapping runs? You don’t just stop making these runs as an attack-minded player. Rangers have struggled without his attacking presence and need it now more than ever with the lack cutting edge up front.
Ronnie: If Tav isn’t scoring goals or making assists then he quite literally isn’t worthy of a starting position.
Anon: Tavernier should have been moved on two years ago. His ego and arrogance far outweigh his ability. He always got away with his weaknesses because he was such a goal threat. Those days are long gone and even his crossing ability has become a case of hit and hope rather than the accuracy of old. Also, he has never, ever been a leader.
Alasdair: Clement has finally realised that, despite his match-winning performances, he’s not a good defender and is a weak link in the team targeted by opposition teams. His forward play and probing crosses has declined significantly this season, so I think it is time to play someone else in right-back position.
Stephen: Tavernier may be suspect defensively, but his goals scored and assists are staggering. What other player has provided so much? Yet Rangers fans consistently get on Tavernier’s back. If it wasn’t for his goals and assists, where would Rangers be? If I was Tavernier, I’d have left in the summer for a fresh start.
Gary: Tavernier has given so much to Rangers over the last nine years, but his time at the club is up unless he can be prepared to be just a squad player from now on and help the younger players in team. With age, you decline and that’s been evident the past season or or so.
Anon: Tav should have been phased out 16 months ago. It’s what we brought Dujon Sterling in for. A combination of Sterling’s versatility, squad weakness in other positions, injuries, Tavernier’s captaincy and Sterling’s “fitness” has contributed towards Tav being exposed in his testimonial year when, in reality, we should have let him go.
Blue Eck: Tav has shown over the years he knows what it takes to be a Ranger and especially a Rangers captain. I would call for him to be shown respect, but the man himself maintains his dignity and does his all for the team. Remember, he has almost single-handedly dragging this team out of tough spots. Respect!
Anon: Tav has never been a good defender and should have been played further forward in the past. However, he has looked like a shadow of himself since start of the year. Sterling looked far better option against Olympiakos.