‘Philippe Clement is axing James Tavernier after Rangers fans unrest’
Philippe Clement is axing James Tavernier from his starting XI amid growing unrest from the Rangers supporters at Ibrox.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who remains well-connected within the game, explained that the right-back’s form has dipped along with the team’s performances.
As a result, he expects them to remain patient with him while he regains form, although there is growing uncertainty over his long-term future.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 11 November that the club are already considering replacements for the captain after his declining performances.
Sources say there is a growing feeling at Ibrox that the time for both parties to part ways is drawing closer, with the 33-year-old facing stick from the crowd.
Tavernier was benched for the Europa League clash with Olympiacos and the SPFL victory against St Mirren, as Clement experiments with dropping him from the side.
However, he has still been in the first XI for the majority of Gers’ games this season and Robinson has insisted he is still an important part of their plans.
James Tavernier faces Rangers axe amid Ibrox pressure
The home supporters at Ibrox have grown frustrated with their captain’s consistency and performances, with calls for his departure continuing to grow.
However, Robinson has insisted that the club will not force him out after one bad run of form, and he remains an important presence behind the scenes.
“No, it absolutely isn’t time to let him go,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s a top-quality player and he’s the most influential player they’ve got at the club.
“Yes, he’s having a difficult run of form. The manager’s taken him out of the side and there’s nothing wrong with that.
“But just because he’s not played well for five or ten games, whatever it is, you don’t immediately look to move him on off the back of that.
“He got 24 goals and 12 assists last season, that’s from a right-back.
“So yes, he’s having a dip in form, but so are Rangers.
“He’s contracted until 2026 and at the moment you need players like him around the dressing room. You need your characters and you need your leaders.
“I can understand the unrest for Rangers fans with his performances, but if you give him an opportunity, you don’t get rid of one of your best players at the first sign of decline.
“He’s not playing well, but the team’s not playing well. Look at his stats last season and the season before, you need to get him back to his best.
“That’s up to the manager to do that. Plus, you have to ask how much it would cost to replace him.”
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