James Tavernier to unlock new Rangers era as one Beale tactical tweak can bring more out of 'immense' skipper

James Tavernier has been cited as the perfect man to lead the next stage of Michael Beale’s revolution as he celebrates his fifth anniversary as skipper of Rangers.

The Englishman has been through plenty at Ibrox since being appointed full-time club captain by ex-boss Steven Gerrard. Tavernier had stood-in as skipper at the end of the previous term after predecessor Lee Wallace had been axed following a bust-up with boss Graeme Murty. But it was July 6, 2018 when he played his first game with the official club honour in the 6-0 friendly success over Bury which marked the on-pitch start of Gerrard’s reign.

The 31-year-old has been through many changes since his arrival in the Mark Warburton term. Going into his ninth season at the club since switching from Wigan Athletic, there is another fresh dynamic around Ibrox with Beale reshaping the squad. Summer signings such as Jack Butland to go with the January arrivals of Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin have lifted anticipation ahead of the new term.

Cyriel Dessers’ due arrival to join Sam Lammers and further boost the attacking options is another exciting move ahead of the pre-season programme with training already underway. Tavernier is the individual who will lead the new-look group into battle and, with half a decade as the squad figurehead under his belt, former Ibrox right-back Dave MacKinnon believes there is no-one better to have the task than the Rangers Hall of Famer.

He said: “I think he’s a great captain and players within Rangers look up to him. One of the things that you always look for or say about a captain is: What does he contribute to the team?

“Well I don’t think anyone could be negative about what he contributes. What I also feel is impressive is that,