Connor Goldson's recent appearance on the Open Goal podcast has reignited concerns about standards at Rangers, following his and James Tavernier's unceremonious departures after nearly two decades of combined service.
Goldson, one of Steven Gerrard's first signings and a key figure in the 55 title win, revealed that his exit was finalized while on a pre-season trip to Birmingham, forcing him to book his own train journey home. Rangers even paid to remove him from the books, a stark contrast to the private jets laid on by Sir David Murray in the club's halcyon days.
Tavernier's Exit Summed Up
James Tavernier's departure after an 11-year stay also ended with a whimper, following a public fallout with Danny Rohl and a tepid on-pitch presentation. Goldson summed up the situation, saying: "Mental. I don't know another football club that could do that after 11 years. What he gave to the club... I said it after the League Cup Final that he won't be appreciated until he leaves."
These words echo a broader concern about the club's standards, a theme that has resurfaced repeatedly in recent years. Lee Wallace, who made over 250 appearances and captained the club through its journey back to the top flight, faced an ignoble exit after a dressing room dispute with interim manager Graeme Murty. Kenny Miller was also ostracized after voicing outrage at a poor Old Firm performance.
Managerial Treatment
Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who led Rangers to the Europa League final in Seville, was ushered out just six months later, feeling the board did not back his ambitions. Derek McInnes, the current manager, understands these standards intuitively, having played under legendary figures like Walter Smith, Bill Struth, and Graeme Souness.
McInnes has recently found form, with tactical wins over Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup and the league. However, the club's new owners, Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, must address the pattern of shoddy treatment of stalwarts if the current uptick in success is to be maintained.
