James Tavernier responds to criticism from Rangers fans after banner displayed v St Mirren
James Tavernier has responded to heavy criticism from Rangers fans after they displayed a banner against St Mirren, as he claims the players are aware of their frustrations and will aim to turn things around.
The banner displayed by Rangers supporters read: “Heartless. Passionless. Leaderless. Not fit to wear our colours.” Tavernier claimed he hadn’t seen the banner, but accepted that in his role as captain, he would take the blame.
He has suggested that the players at the club will continue to fight for the badge and stand up despite their struggles, as now is the time for them to deliver the results the club desperately need.
In quotes reported by The Herald after the game on 8 October, Tavernier stated: “I didn’t see it [the banner] to be fair. Obviously the fans are frustrated and we can understand. It’s up to us to wear the shirt with pride and to give them the results that they want.
“We never go out to lose a game but we know that our performances haven’t been the greatest. But we’ve got full belief, we’ve got great characters in that dressing room and it’s about us as men standing up to the badge and delivering.
“I’m always going to be questioned being the captain of the club with the responsibilities. I always try my hardest no matter what.
“I always try to fight for the team and the club and the players. I try to keep working hard and to lead by example.”
Time to stand up and be counted
Now is the time for these Rangers players to stand up and fight for the club. It’s time to show that they have what it takes to represent the blue side of Glasgow. Because any fight has been sorely lacking so far this season.
With Michael Beale now becoming a distant memory, with only his lacklustre summer signings left to remind us of his failed tenure, the responsibility now falls to the players to make the change and get behind any new manager, buy into his ideas, and start getting results.
As Tavernier said, he will need to lead by example and show a relatively new and inexperienced group of players what needs to be done to start impressing the fans at Ibrox.
As frustrations continue to grow amongst the fanbase, the only way to ease that pressure is to perform. The 3-0 victory at St Mirren was a good start, but it’s now about keeping that winning momentum going.
In other Rangers news, face-to-face talks are set to begin with new managers today.