Rangers fans have been reacting in their droves on social media after hearing that manager Steven Gerrard has decided to use James Tavernier as the club’s new captain next season.
There is a huge pocket of supporters who are not impressed with the Liverpool legend’s decision to give the armband to the right-back ahead of Lee Wallace, who spent most of the previous campaign sidelined following a groin operation.
The full-back had an impressive season for the most part last term and produced some impressive statistics from the rear, including nine goals and nine assists in a total of 46 games across all competitions.
According to a report in The Scottish Sun back in May, Crystal Palace were keen on landing the defender but he insisted time and time again that he was happy at the club and had “unfinished business.” (source: STV).
Gerrard opted to select Tavernier as captain in the 6-0 thrashing the Gers handed to Bury and when asked whether the right-back would continue in the role, the boss told Rangers TV. “Yes.
“I’m delighted with him. Not just the performances, the character, the man, the leader.
“He’s been through some highs and lows here of late but he’s the one who’s been very consistent.”
Here is a selection of reactions from Rangers supporters in response to the news:
https://twitter.com/Lloyd__72/status/1015235833736126464
https://twitter.com/Grantm1986/status/1015235115570663425
Really? After some of the comments he made last season?
— ???? (@MrBoabs) July 6, 2018
No way, proved he was never a captain last year, in big games he went missing
— Graham Guy (@guyzer28) July 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/Rangersangus72/status/1015271731555168256
https://twitter.com/luigibeag91/status/1015240048227299330
Rotten last year. FFS
— GF4 (@JimWood64) July 6, 2018
Jeez?
— Ainsley_? (@ainsley14_boyd) July 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/StevieC_27/status/1015252423475122176
OPINION:
It is quite surprising to see just how vehemently some supporters have been reacting to Gerrard’s decision to hand Tavernier the armband, particularly after the fine form he showed at times last term. But many were concerned with how he reacted when the going got tough, and against Celtic in particular, the defender went missing – not exactly captaincy material. Tavs will have to step up next season if he is going to prove himself to the Ibrox faithful as a large section of them will seemingly need to be convinced that this is the right choice in a position of the side which is massively important at a club like Rangers.