With the huge rebuild set to take place at Ibrox this summer following the takeover, there are huge expectations from the support regarding a proper squad overhaul, one with direction, identity and, above all, purpose.
For years, Rangers have been patching holes and assembling squads with the remnants of different managerial eras, each with its own conflicting vision. The result has been a bloated, inconsistent team trying to piece together cohesion that simply hasn’t existed.
This summer, however, marks a turning point. With a Head Coach now operating under Kevin Thelwell and Dan Purdy, the club has a chance to build smartly and with intent.
We’re all excited about potential incomings, but perhaps more importantly, there’s hope we can finally move on from the dead wood and failed signings that have held us back.
But among the uncertainty, one name looms large: James Tavernier.
Tavernier’s legacy at Rangers is already written in many ways, a decade of service, record-breaking goals for a defender, and leadership through multiple rebuilds. Yet, somehow, he remains underappreciated by sections of the support. For all his flaws, and yes, there have been defensive lapses, it’s fair to ask: where would we have been without him?
However, for some supporters Tavernier is seen as a reminder of a decade of failure, rightly or wrongly he is judged for the teams that surrounded him during his time at Ibrox, despite more often than not being one of few bright sparks amongst them.
That’s the dilemma facing Russell Martin. The new Head Coach in has already stated: “He's been the captain for a very long time. I don't see any reason to change that.”
That suggests Tavernier will remain part of the plans, and retain the armband, for the final year of his deal. But how can we maximise what he brings, without exposing what he no longer can?
Last season, injuries saw Tavernier deployed as a right-sided centre-back in certain matches, including a testing European away tie at Old Trafford. And to many people’s surprise, he excelled. It begged the question: could a more conservative, tucked-in role be the key to extending his usefulness?
Moving him into a hybrid centre-back role, either as part of a back three or as a tucked-in full-back, could mirror the transformation of players like Kyle Walker.
His technical quality, composure in possession, and intelligence make him suited to a deeper position in a team expected to dominate the ball domestically. It would also help mask some of the defensive vulnerabilities that have emerged when he’s caught high up the pitch.
But not everyone believes a positional shift is necessary. Scott Bradley, a journalist and well-known Rangers supporter, remains steadfast in his belief that Tavernier should continue playing in his natural position at right-back.
Speaking to Inside Ibrox, Bradley said: “James Tavernier is most definitely still an asset to Rangers. He’s always fit, reliable and never injured - he is the ultimate professional.
“Tavernier showed last season that he’s versatile and did a fine job when he played RCB. I’m not saying Tavernier should start every single game because he is getting a bit older, but to think he’s finished is ridiculous.”
Bradley is clear on one point: “Rangers most definitely need to get another right-back to prepare for life after Tavernier, no question.
“But it’s weird the fact some Rangers fans are so bloodthirsty for him to go, he’s carried the team for years!”
He added: “Steven Gerrard, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Barry Ferguson, all great leaders have rated Tav as captain. That just shows how good he is.
“This might be his last season, and he deserves to go off with another league title.
“We’ll never see another right-back like Tavernier in Scottish football again. He’ll go down as the best right-back to ever grace the Scottish game.”
That level of loyalty and passion is understandable. Tavernier has embodied Rangers through some of the toughest modern chapters. But the club’s focus now must be on transition, not nostalgia. As Bradley himself concedes, competition is healthy.
“It’s healthy and good to have competition and Rangers obviously need another right-back,” he said. “But to think Tavernier is a problem at Rangers is delusional.”
And that’s where the balance lies. Managing his minutes. Evolving his role. Planning for the future, but not discarding the present and embracing the past, even the less successful periods.
For too long, Rangers have tried to build squads around individual talents. That era must end. We now need to build a squad with structure and identity, one where every player has a clearly defined role.
Tavernier can still be part of that. But only if this new regime truly means business, and treats legacy players not as problems, but as assets to be deployed wisely.