Pundit Slams Former Rangers Captain And Legend: Was His Departure Right For The Club?

Pundit Slams Former Rangers Captain And Legend: Was His Departure Right For The Club? Rangers have started a new chapter under Derek McInnes after a summer of major squad changes, with a strong recent form (barring one blip) restoring belief in their Scottish Premiership title challenge. Back-to-back victories over Celtic have strengthened that momentum, while the 4-0 win against St Johnstone showed the side’s improved defensive organisation. One significant change came at right-back, where long-serving captain James Tavernier ended his 11-year spell at Ibrox and joined Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv. His departure removed one of Rangers ‘ most productive attacking defenders, although McInnes has since reshaped the position to meet different tactical demands. Ross McCrorie offers defensive reliability and positional flexibility, while Kosta Nedeljković provides an energetic alternative on loan from Aston Villa. Their roles show us McInnes’ preference for a more balanced backline, particularly as Rangers pursue domestic silverware and seek greater defensive security without sacrificing attacking intent. Tavernier, meanwhile, has struggled to convince everyone in Israel. According to a Glasgow Times report by Martin McMillan, former Israeli international Maor Kandil has criticised the 35-year-old’s early performances for Maccabi Tel Aviv, describing him as “overrated” and arguing that the public has been reluctant to challenge the hype surrounding his arrival. Kandil questioned the full-back’s contribution, claiming he had seen no convincing one-on-one dribbling, key passes, important tackles or assists. Tavernier has made five appearances in the 2026/27 campaign, starting each match across 415 minutes. He has scored once from the penalty spot, recorded no assists and completed 82.9 per cent of his passes. Kandil said: “This is an opinion that people are afraid to express, but James Tavernier is overrated. “They gave him a build-up here when he signed. “But I don’t see him taking on players one-on-one, I haven’t seen a key pass from him, I haven’t seen him make an important tackle, I haven’t seen him make an assist. “So what does he bring to the team? He’s nothing special. “Sorry, but I am just not seeing enough from Tavernier at the moment.” Did Rangers make the right decision by letting Tavernier leave? GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 13: James Tavernier of Rangers acknowledges the fans prior to the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers and Hibernian at Ibrox Stadium on May 13, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Rangers had legitimate reasons to move on. Tavernier’s attacking record over 11 years at Ibrox made him an influential figure, but his forward runs could leave space behind him, placing extra pressure on the centre-backs and midfield. McInnes’ approach demands greater positional discipline from his full-backs, making the change understandable from a tactical perspective. McCrorie and Nedeljković give the manager different options at right-back, while Lawrence Shankland adds another experienced voice to the dressing room. Tavernier’s departure also created room to review the wage bill. Kandil’s criticism concerns Tavernier’s early performances, not an entire career. Rangers should recognise their former captain’s contribution without treating his past achievements as proof that keeping him would have suited McInnes’ plans. His record at Ibrox deserves respect, even if the manager’s current system calls for a different profile.