ANOTHER SIGNING FOR RUSSELL – Tavernier Reacts to Rangers Summer Overhaul and an INCOMING DEAL for Another Player

James Tavernier Welcomes Rangers’ Transfer Drive as Russell Martin Stamps His Authority

James Tavernier has shared his thoughts on Rangers’ summer of change as new manager Russell Martin wastes no time reshaping the squad at Ibrox.

Tavernier, who has become nothing short of iconic in Govan, knows what it takes to navigate an evolving dressing room. Now 33, he remains the club captain and spiritual anchor as the club aims to wrestle back domestic dominance.

Martin’s appointment earlier this summer signalled the board’s intent to back a fresh approach. And the club has already moved quickly to bolster the squad with a string of signings targeting both immediate impact and long-term stability.

Speaking after the latest arrivals were confirmed, Tavernier struck a balanced note between excitement and responsibility.

“It’s always good to see the club pushing forward,” he said. “As players, we want to be competing at the highest level, and to do that, we need competition for places and new ideas.”

Rangers’ recruitment under Martin has focused on adding depth in key positions, with an emphasis on high-energy, technically comfortable players suited to his possession-based style.

Tavernier, who has made more than 500 appearances for Rangers since joining from Wigan in 2015, is no stranger to transition. He has played under five permanent managers during his time at the club and has captained them through highs and lows, including the famous league title win in 2021 that stopped Celtic’s push for ten-in-a-row.

But this summer feels different. Sources close to the club say Martin’s early sessions have already impressed senior players, with a clear tactical framework and high-intensity drills that demand buy-in from the entire squad.

“Everyone’s got a clean slate,” Tavernier continued. “That’s the beauty of a new manager coming in. It’s up to us to prove we deserve the shirt every week. That hunger drives standards.”

There is also a sense among supporters that Martin’s signings mark a shift away from the occasional scattergun approach that has frustrated fans in recent windows. The recruitment team has targeted players with resale value but also a track record of consistency — an important factor given the financial realities of Scottish football.

For Tavernier, it’s about keeping the squad united as old faces depart and new ones arrive.

“Some of the lads we’ve brought in have settled really quickly, which helps,” he added. “We’ve got a good group here, and it’s important the dressing room stays tight. We all know what’s expected of us.”

Rangers will need that cohesion when they kick off their Champions League qualifiers later this month, with Martin eager to hit the ground running. Early European progress is vital not only for the prestige but also for the financial boost that comes with the group stages.

For Tavernier, whose leadership is still as evident now as it was a decade ago, the goal is clear: “We’re Rangers. We should be competing for every trophy. That’s the standard.”

As the summer rebuild gathers pace, supporters will hope their captain’s resolve and the manager’s new vision prove a winning combination.