Rangers Fans Want It – Martin’s First Big Ibrox Decision Could Be a Bombshell | OneFootball

If Russell Martin really wants to win over this Rangers support quickly, there’s one move that would send the clearest signal yet – strip James Tavernier of the captaincy and appoint a new leader at Ibrox.

Let’s not sugar-coat it – Tavernier’s time as Rangers captain has come and gone. While no one questions his service, his numbers or his loyalty, far too many fans feel he’s no longer the man to wear the armband. His record in the biggest matches, the ones that truly define this club, is appalling. Under his watch, Rangers have suffered humiliation after humiliation, and there comes a point when enough is enough. As we previously explored in our manager odds analysis, fan patience is already wearing thin.

Martin has a huge job on his hands. Many supporters are already unsure about his credentials. His appointment has not gone down well with large parts of the fanbase, and rightly so – he’s unproven at this level. But make no mistake, changing the captain could instantly change the tone. Appointing a new figurehead would be a statement – it tells the fans, the players and the board that this is a new Rangers, not a continuation of the old failures. Even the Gerrard links raised more hope than Martin’s arrival for some fans.

Let’s not pretend Tavernier won’t be remembered fondly. He’s scored countless goals from right back and always kept himself in top physical shape. But Rangers need more than that now. They need a winner, a battler, someone who drags this team through the mud on the worst days and roars them forward when it matters. Tav has never been that. A fresh captain might just be what this club needs to start healing and progressing. And we’ve seen before in past managerial shake-ups that tough decisions are sometimes the only way forward.

There are options in the squad. Jack Butland is a natural leader, a vocal organiser and someone who commands respect. Dujon Sterling is growing in stature every week. It’s Martin’s call – but it’s one that could define his time in Govan. And as he told the press himself, he’s here to win and challenge Celtic.

We’ve said it before – this club is crying out for a reset. If Martin has the guts to take the armband away from a long-standing fan favourite, it shows he’s not here to mess about. And if he gets it right, he’ll have thousands of fans right behind him, willing to give him the chance to succeed. That’s how you build something. That’s how you lead Rangers.