James Tavernier’s embarrassing comments show he needs to leave Rangers ASAP
Rangers have experienced a terrible start to the season, with Russell Martin roundly considered days away from the sack.
Tensions reached boiling point when Rangers lost 2-0 to Hearts on Saturday, with Lawrence Shankland’s double at Ibrox compounding a miserable start to the Martin era.
The Gers sit 10th in the Scottish Premiership, with Celtic already holding a nine-point advantage at the top of the league.
Andrew Cavenagh has reportedly given Martin his backing, but there is surely only so much pressure that the Rangers hierarchy can ignore.
Martin’s dismal start at Rangers has broken several unwanted records, with Saturday’s loss marking the first time in 47 years that the Gers have failed to win in their first five league games of the season.
James Tavernier opens up on Rangers start
Thelo Aasgaard was confronted by a Rangers fan following the loss to Hearts, underlining what has turned into a dire situation at Ibrox.
Club captain James Tavernier said on Sunday that the start to the season has been the worst in his experience since joining in 2015.
“It’s not good enough,” the defender told the media following Saturday’s game. “Plain and simple, it’s not good enough.
“For all the years I’ve been here, I’ve never had a start to the season like this, so it’s not good enough as a team, as players. We have to do much better than this.
“I’ll always continue to keep fighting, no matter what situation I’m in.”
- Read more: Kevin Thelwell updates 49ers & Cavenagh on what he saw at Ibrox in Russell Martin sack update
Rangers blame also lies at the door of James Tavernier
For all of his words, Tavernier has been just as bad as anyone else in a Rangers shirt this season.
The defender is regularly targeted by the opposition, with wingers getting past on the dribble, or enjoying space in behind the 33-year-old.
Tavernier has already been dribbled past five times this season, and has won just three tackles in five appearances.
In the duel, he has won just 38.5 per cent of the time, with his opposing winger getting the better of him on more occasions than not.
| James Tavernier | Scottish Premiership 2025/26 |
| Cross accuracy | 21.4% |
| Dribble success | 33.3% |
| Fouls won | 1 |
| Tackles | 3 |
| Duels won (%) | 38.5% |
| Possession won in final third | 1 |
| Dribbled past | 5 |
Tavernier was an attacking force for Rangers last season, and often has been during his 10 years at the club.
But this season, the right-back has looked languid and sluggish, lacking in support for his winger and providing very little threat down the right himself.
It is all well and good talking to the media following another loss, but the Rangers captain must take accountability himself in what will likely be his final year at Ibrox.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Rangers news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @ibroxnews247