Rangers fans all say the same thing as Jack Butland 'could replace' James Tavernier as new captain

Rangers fans are convinced that James Tavernier is OFF this summer after it emerged Philippe Clement has a successor in mind.

It's been reported tonight that boss Philippe Clement will hand the armband to Jack Butland if Tavernier moves on. Tavernier, 32, has skippered the club since 2018 but has lifted just one league title, Scottish Cup and League Cup during a period of dominance by Celtic.

The highest goalscoring British defender of all-time has been heavily linked with a reunion with ex-boss Steven Gerrard at Saudi Pro-League side Al-Ettifaq. And if Tavernier brings the curtain down on his nine year career at Ibrox, Clement will put his trust in experienced shotstopper Butland.

A section of the Rangers faithful have been clamouring for a change of leadership over the last few years and, judging by social media, the potential appointment of Butland would go down extremely well. One fan wrote: "Massive statement from Clement. The end is nigh for James Tavernier at Rangers."

Another commented: "It was beyond time and I think the typical collapse at the end of last season was the final nail in the coffin for the much fabled “leadership group”. We need a total reset and that includes a new captain and vice-captain IMO."

This punter said: "If this is true then can only imagine its cause Tav is moving on however if Tav stays then this is a big call from Clement but a change has been needed! Our captain has lacked the mentality needed to take us to the next level!"

A fourth added: "Well... I don't think there could possibly be a bigger indicator to Tavernier's time being up than Butland receiving the armband. This is a monumental call."

A bargain £250k signing from Wigan Athletic in 2015, Tavernier has undoubtedly been a terrific servant for Rangers, registering a remarkable 125 goals and 129 assists over his nine seasons. And some fans were quick to point that out.

One insisted: "If James Tavernier is moving on it needs to be done in a dignified way." A second sighed: "If Tav is away it will be a sad, sad end to an illustrious Rangers career."

However, this punter took a different view as he told title-winning boss Gerrard that all would be forgiven for his abrupt exit to Aston Villa in 2021 if he stumps up cash for Tavernier and vice-captain Connor Goldson. He joked: "If Stevie G throws money at us for Tav and Goldson to help this rebuild then I think that will be me head over heels in love with him again."