Tavernier refuses to back Rangers manager Russell Martin | OneFootball

After last night’s Bruges collapse Rangers find themselves in familiar territory. Soul-searching. Blame-shifting. Excuses. But one of the biggest bombs came not from Russell Martin, but from his captain. James Tavenier was asked directly if he backed his manager. He dodged it. He gave a bland line about the team needing to improve. What he did not do was endorse Martin. That silence spoke volumes as James Tavernier refuses to back Russell Martin.

PLG

For the first time since Barry Ferguson stood up to Paul Le Guen in 2006 a Rangers captain has effectively opposed his own manager. History has repeated itself. And yet, unlike back then, this one does not come with the same conviction. Tavenier’s motives look murky. Reports suggest he has had heated words with Martin in the dressing room. We hear the row came close to blows. But while many fans back him for finally challenging the boss, we are not so sure.

We do not forget that Tavenier has rarely shown true captaincy in nearly a decade at Rangers. He has been paid handsomely, and critics have long accused him of being entitled. He has offered flashes of leadership, but nowhere near the consistency Rangers need. His defence yesterday looked as shambolic as the manager’s tactics. That makes us cautious about painting him as a saviour. Self-interest may be driving him more than a deep love for the badge.

No faith

Still, the end result is the same. The captain has failed to endorse Martin. The squad has no faith in him. The fans have lost every ounce of patience. The “give him time” brigade is gone. You will struggle to find a single Rangers supporter who still believes in the so-called Curtains boy. The only thing standing between Martin and the sack is ownership.

That is the true issue. The board must decide whether to act or continue dragging this club deeper into the mire. For now, Rangers are stuck with a manager nobody backs and a captain whose motives are questioned. Both men may soon be gone. But until the ownership faces reality, we remain trapped in limbo amid James Tavernier refuses to back Russell Martin.