Andy Newport has voiced strong criticism of Philippe Clement’s decision not to strip James Tavernier of the Rangers captaincy, suggesting that the manager “bottled” it despite evident concerns within the club about the leadership on the pitch.
Tavernier has been a focal point for criticism following Rangers’ dismal 3-0 defeat to Celtic at Parkhead on Sunday, 1 September.
The 32-year-old right-back, who retained the captain’s armband this season despite rumours of a potential transfer, found himself in the spotlight for his role in the first of Celtic’s goals.
The defeat has only intensified scrutiny on his leadership, especially as he was greeted by a hostile reception from angry supporters upon returning to Ibrox.
Speaking on the Daily Record’s Hotline Live on 2 September, Newport didn’t mince his words when assessing Tavernier’s qualities as a captain.
“Is he [Tavernier] a great leader? No, I don’t think so. Is he your traditional archetypal Rangers captain? No, I don’t think so. But that’s not his decision to make; it’s up to the manager to give him the armband week after week.”
Newport went on to reveal that there were significant concerns within the club regarding the strength of the leadership group.
“If there is a feeling that there’s a leadership issue at the club—and I know that there was, I know that there were certain people at the club who had major reservations about how strong the leadership group was—they’ve bottled that this season. If they really feel that James Tavernier isn’t the best leader, then you simply have to take the captaincy off him.”
The criticism of Tavernier comes at a time when Rangers are under immense pressure to rebuild and remain competitive.
The summer transfer window saw a significant turnover in the squad, with a clear emphasis on youth and future prospects. However, as Newport points out, the challenge for Rangers is to stay competitive while undergoing this transition.
The first Old Firm Derby of the season was supposed to be an opportunity for Clement’s new-look side to make a statement.
The likes of Connor Barron and Robin Propper, both new to the Old Firm experience, were expected to rise to the occasion. But instead, they, like the rest of the team, were overwhelmed as Celtic cruised to a 3-0 victory, barely breaking a sweat.
Propper, in particular, has come under fire for his debut performance in the derby, with Neil McCann leading the chorus of criticism on 1 September. The defender’s underwhelming display has only added to the sense of disarray within the Rangers camp.
Newport’s harsh assessment reflects a growing anxiety among Rangers supporters that the club is failing to close the gap with their fierce rivals.
If Clement is unable to inspire a turnaround in form, Rangers could be facing another long and disappointing season, with Celtic once again marching towards the title unchallenged. The pressure is mounting on both the manager and the players to prove they have what it takes to lead the club out of its current malaise.