Rangers captain James Tavernier has broken his silence on the shocking exit of manager Russell Martin, becoming the first player from the club to publicly speak about the situation that has rocked the Ibrox dressing room. And as expected, Tavernier didn’t mince his words — his comments have got every Rangers fan talking.
The news of Martin’s departure earlier this week sent shockwaves through Scottish football. The Englishman’s short tenure at Rangers had been filled with promise, as well as tension, following a string of inconsistent performances and behind-the-scenes disagreements reportedly linked to tactical decisions and player management. While most of the squad remained quiet, Tavernier — who has been the club’s leader both on and off the pitch for nearly a decade — finally addressed the issue after Rangers’ weekend training session.
Speaking to the media, the skipper said, “It’s never easy when a manager leaves, especially someone who came in with clear ideas and strong beliefs. But in football, results speak louder than intentions. We all take responsibility for what happened, not just him. Russell had his vision, and we tried to follow it. Sometimes things just don’t click the way you hope.”
The Rangers captain’s comments were seen by many as measured yet revealing. While he didn’t directly criticize Martin, Tavernier’s words seemed to underline the disconnect between the dressing room and the manager’s methods. Reports in recent weeks had suggested that Martin’s high-possession, build-from-the-back approach was not fully embraced by several senior players, especially during crucial matches when the system left the team exposed defensively.
However, Tavernier didn’t stop there. He went on to express what many fans have been feeling, saying, “This club demands winning football. It’s about pride, it’s about standards, and it’s about playing for that badge. Whoever comes in next has to understand that — it’s not just about style; it’s about results and mentality.”
That particular line — “it’s not just about style; it’s about results and mentality” — has since gone viral among the Rangers fanbase. Supporters took to social media to praise their captain’s honesty and leadership, interpreting his statement as a clear message to the club’s hierarchy and the incoming manager. Some fans believe Tavernier’s comments reflect the frustration that’s been brewing within the squad after a disappointing start to the campaign.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Tav said it all. We’re tired of experiments. Rangers is about winning — nothing else.” Another added, “Respect to the captain for saying what needed to be said. Too many have been quiet, but Tav always steps up.”
While some supporters appreciated his candidness, others questioned whether the captain should have said less publicly, arguing that internal matters should remain inside the dressing room. Nevertheless, there’s no denying that his words have once again positioned him as the emotional voice of the club — a player who never hides when times get tough.
Tavernier also took a moment to show respect to Russell Martin personally, saying, “He’s a good man, and he worked hard for this club. I wish him nothing but success in whatever comes next.” But even with that touch of diplomacy, the overarching tone of his message was clear: Rangers must get back to winning ways quickly, no matter who takes over.
As the search for Martin’s successor intensifies, Tavernier’s remarks will likely echo through the corridors of Ibrox. His statement serves both as a wake-up call and a reminder of what Rangers football is built upon — passion, resilience, and an uncompromising desire to win.
For now, fans are rallying behind their captain, hoping his words spark a much-needed resurgence. Russell Martin’s chapter at Rangers may have ended, but James Tavernier has made sure it won’t be forgotten quietly. And judging by the reactions online, his honesty has reignited a fire that could yet define the rest of Rangers’ season.
