Kris Boyd’s Resolute Backing May Not Speak For All Rangers Fans | OneFootball

Kris Boyd has never exactly been short of an opinion. The former Rangers striker built a second career off the back of his punditry, often calling it as he sees it regardless of who gets offended. But his recent support for James Tavernier remaining as Rangers captain and Russell Martin taking over as manager has raised serious questions about where Boyd’s true loyalties lie these days. Ibrox Noise recently covered Boyd’s backing of Martin as a surprise contender.

Once upon a time Boyd was the mouthpiece of the fanbase. When Rangers fans were frustrated Boyd echoed their thoughts in the press. He would call out weak managers poor performances and a lack of fight. But now with the fans furious at Tavernier and sceptical about the managerial candidates being touted Boyd is saying the complete opposite. He’s publicly backed Tavernier to keep the armband and spoken positively about managerial links that most fans are rejecting outright. Ibrox Noise previously exposed one of Boyd’s more ridiculous takes.

This shift in tone has not gone unnoticed. Even external sources have picked up on Boyd’s softened stance. Where he used to reflect the supporters’ views now he seems to be defending decisions that fans do not want. His recent dismissal of criticism towards Tavernier as overblown feels like he is protecting the player rather than assessing the situation objectively. It smacks of agenda.

The truth is Boyd seems to have become too close to the club he is supposed to comment on. Whether it is personal friendships with players or fear of losing his media slots if he upsets the wrong people something has clearly changed. Ibrox Noise has even called out Boyd for ridiculous suggestions before and this latest defence of the captain and manager options reeks of PR.

It is hard not to conclude that Boyd has become something of a club puppet. No longer the strong voice of reason or passionate fan in the media he now resembles a figure of compliance. Supporting the board’s narrative and smoothing over the cracks instead of confronting them head on.

Ibrox Noise sees through this change. And while Boyd’s legacy as a player remains intact his voice in the media is starting to sound a lot more like a mouthpiece than a maverick.