Rangers manager Philippe Clement will soon need to make a decisive call on the role of team captain James Tavernier, according to Rangers Review journalist Chris Jack. Jack argues that while it may be premature to write off the 33-year-old captain, his contributions must be managed carefully to avoid an abrupt end to his time at Ibrox.
In the recent Scottish League Cup semi-final against Motherwell, Tavernier was substituted for Dujon Sterling and watched from the sidelines as Rangers rallied to secure a win. Jack believes this move hints at a need for a larger discussion about Tavernier’s role.
“At some point, Clement will need to address the Tavernier question in a fuller, deeper manner,” Jack wrote on 6 November. “Tavernier cannot be asked to play as regularly as he has in previous seasons over the coming months. He looks like a player and a person that needs a break, and Clement must do the best thing for Tavernier and for Rangers by taking him out of the firing line.”
Jack suggests that the aging captain’s contributions should be managed with respect rather than rushing towards an abrupt career change. “If Tavernier’s decline must be managed at present, then it should be done in a manner that continues to give him a chance to contribute rather than hurtling towards an abrupt end to his Rangers career,” he continued.
The journalist noted that Tavernier, who has proven his critics wrong before, could still do so with the right support. “Dropping the captain is a decision that always resonates more than any other, but no individual is more important than the collective,” Jack stated.
According to Jack, Clement’s upcoming statements on Tavernier’s role and form will be “indicative and interesting,” but his actions will speak louder.