Philippe Clement accused of bottling James Tavernier decision at Rangers amid leadership concerns

Andy Newport believes Philippe Clement “bottled” the decision to take the Rangers captaincy off of James Tavernier despite many at the club having concerns over the leadership in the team.

Tavernier came under criticism from some pundits for his role in the first of Celtic’s goals in the humbling 3-0 defeat at Parkhead on Sunday (1 September).

The 32-year-old retained the armband this season despite having been linked with a move away in the transfer window and was greeted by angry supporters back at Ibrox after the Celtic defeat.

Speaking on the Daily Record’s Hotline Live (2 September), Newport shared his view on Tavernier’s leadership skills, saying: “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.

“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.”

Jams Taverniere needs to pick up the form of his Rangers team

It was well documented that a rebuild of sorts was going to be needed this season but the issue is that you simply have to remain competitive at a club like Rangers as you go through that process.

There were plenty of changes in the summer transfer window, with a focus on youth prospects. A sound tactic but in the meantime the Gers have to keep winning games.

And the early evidence is that the gulf to Celtic still remains vast, a situation that just cannot be allowed to continue.

The first Old Firm Derby of the season was the time for Clement and his men to set a statement, especially as the likes of Connor Barron and Robin Propper were both experiencing their first derby as Gers players.