Tavernier Under ‘Great Pressure’ From Martin Following Key Rangers Departure
Glasgow, Scotland — Glasgow Rangers captain James Tavernier finds himself under increasing pressure from manager Russell Martin, as the Scottish giants continue to navigate a challenging period marked by departures, inconsistent performances, and high expectations for the new season.
According to sources close to the club, Tavernier — a long-standing leader at Ibrox — is being asked to shoulder even more responsibility following the departure of key players and Martin’s renewed focus on raising standards across the board.
The recent exit of veteran figures within the squad has left a noticeable leadership void at Rangers. While the identity of the departing player hasn’t been officially disclosed by the club, insiders suggest that it was someone who played a significant role in the dressing room — both on and off the pitch.
With that departure, all eyes have naturally turned to Tavernier, the club captain since 2018 and a figure synonymous with the club’s modern era.
“Tavernier has always been a leader at Rangers, but with the team in transition and expectations sky-high, Russell Martin is looking for even more — more presence, more consistency, more drive,” one club insider told reporters.
Russell Martin, who took over managerial duties amid hopes of restoring Rangers’ dominance, has been vocal about instilling a culture of accountability, discipline, and ambition. Following the club’s disappointing draw against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership opener, Martin didn’t hold back in his post-match assessment.
“Some of our players need to drop their ego,” he said bluntly. “We need to figure out who’s really all in for the club.”
While Martin didn’t single out individuals, the comments sent shockwaves throughout the squad — and sparked speculation that Tavernier, as captain, was now being held to a higher standard than ever before.
There’s a clear message from Martin: leadership isn’t just about wearing the armband — it’s about setting the tone in every match, every training session, and every moment off the pitch.
Tavernier’s legacy at Rangers is already cemented in many ways. Since joining from Wigan Athletic in 2015, he has become one of the most prolific full-backs in Scottish football history, scoring over 100 goals for the club — a remarkable tally for a defender.
He was instrumental in Rangers’ unbeaten 2020–21 Premiership campaign and has led the team to multiple cup finals. But the pressure in Glasgow is relentless, and recent stumbles in big matches — including European fixtures and key league games — have led some fans to question whether he can continue to lead effectively in this new era.
Martin, however, appears to believe that Tavernier still has what it takes — but only if he rises to the challenge.
With new signings arriving and younger players looking to break into the first team, Tavernier now finds himself in a unique position. He must be both the experienced anchor in a squad in flux and the driving force behind the club’s resurgence.
He is expected to mentor emerging talents, maintain peak performance, and navigate growing scrutiny — all while delivering results on the pitch.
Rangers fans have seen this before: legends forged under pressure. Now, it’s Tavernier’s turn to prove that he can evolve as a leader and meet Martin’s expectations head-on.
With crucial domestic and European fixtures ahead, Tavernier’s response to this moment will be pivotal — not just for him personally, but for the club’s immediate fortunes.
A strong performance and vocal leadership could help steady the ship and restore belief in the squad. On the other hand, any signs of decline or continued inconsistency may force Martin to make bold decisions about the team’s leadership structure.
In a club where expectations are as high as Ibrox’s floodlights, there’s no room for complacency. For James Tavernier, the message is clear: lead, deliver, and evolve — or risk being overshadowed in a new era of Rangers football.
Russell Martin has laid down the challenge. Now the captain must answer.
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