James Tavernier has spent the last decade playing for the Rangers. He has made more than 500 appearances for the Ibrox club and for the majority of that time, he has been on the losing end against Celtic and seen the Hoops lift one trophy after another while his own team have struggled to establish any sort of consistency.
During the time of Philippe Clement as manager of the Rangers, it had looked like Tavernier's time at Ibrox was coming to a close. But now, it looks like his time there is set to continue.
Russell Martin was appointed as the new manager of the Rangers recently. As a player, he did spend time on loan at Ibrox.
During that brief spell, he was teammates with Tavernier. And it looks like he is not only ready to continue with him as his captain but believes that he is important to the culture of the club as well.
Celtic fans will love Rangers' James Tavernier plan
As reported by the Daily Record, Martin said about Tavernier:
"He's been the captain for a very long time. I don't see any reason to change that."
Martin further continued about the importance of Tavernier to the Rangers:
"First and foremost, to explain to me and have a discussion about the last two years, his thoughts on the team.
“His thoughts on what we're going to bring and how the players will feel about that.
“I think to play here for as long as he has, to be captain for as long as he has, takes a lot of energy. It's not easy.
“I’ve been at a club where sometimes you're the one that's been there the longest and you end up getting criticised a lot because you've been there the longest. You're an ageing player and all that stuff.
“I think he's been so important for this team and this club on and off the pitch and I'm looking forward to chatting in more detail with him and speaking to him about it all.
“Then how much he gets used on the pitch will be down to Tav and how he trains and how he plays, the same as every player.
“But he's going to be hugely important in the culture. I know what he's like a person behind the scenes and he's fantastic.
“He really was when I played with him and hopefully it hasn't beaten him up too much football.
“It doesn't seem like it has. He still seems like he plays with a big smile and a lot of enthusiasm."
Whatever that culture is, it certainly has not brought much success to the Rangers during Tavernier's time with the club. So, Celtic will be hoping that things continue on that path for as long as possible. The Englishman staying with the Ibrox club would be viewed as great news by them.
Of course, the Rangers would be expected to make plenty of additions to their squad over the coming weeks and months, after their takeover became official. But added investment is no guarantee of success.
At this point in time, the Rangers might need an overhaul. But it looks like not many recognise that and are happy to continue on the path they have followed for years despite it not bringing much success.