Russell Martin needs radical Rangers change but bold James Tavernier captain call divides Monday Jury

Daily Record

2 hours ago

Is Steve Clarke still the right man to lead Scotland into the World Cup qualifiers?
KEITH JACKSON: That depends entirely on Clarke's own mindset. He has to be very honest with himself and with the country. If he feels he's still the best man for the Scotland job then he has earned the right to go again. On the other hand, if he's grown weary or suspects the players need a new voice then he should step aside.
SCOTT MCDERMOTT: He will definitely lead us into them. The question is, will he still be there by the end of that WC campaign? Right now, that looks doubtful. The form is woeful and the negativity is back. Defeat to Denmark in the first qualifier – before facing Belarus away – would all but end our hopes and the manager will be under pressure.
SCOTT BURNS: I don't think we can change now. I do think things are on a knife-edge for the manager. If he doesn't make a good start then it will be the end of the road. Hopefully, he can do it.
MICHAEL GANNON: Clarke has earned the right to go on his own terms and if he wants a crack at the World Cup then he deserves it. Ignore these useless friendlies, they are more hassle than they are worth.
What changes should be made for the Liechtenstein game?
KEITH JACKSON: As many as possible. This game means nothing so Clarke should take a look at what he's got in reserve.
SCOTT MCDERMOTT: He has to revert to a back four again for starters. If that means Kieran Tierney is left out, so be it. And Clarke somehow has to inject a bit of pace into a side which is bereft of it. I'd give Tommy Conway a run-out for his speed.
SCOTT BURNS: The score! I know the manager was criticised for playing three at the back against Iceland, but these are the games to experiment. I would expect Ross Doohan to start and he'll go back to a 4-3-2-1 formation.
MICHAEL GANNON: It's a bounce game against a pub team. Sent out an entirely new look side and let's see who has the ability and hunger to break into the big side. Let's see the likes of Miller, Bowie, Wilson and Conway get on, we know what the regulars can bring.
Should Russell Martin hang his hat on James Tavernier as Rangers captain?
KEITH JACKSON: No. Unfairly or not Tavernier has been the poster boy for the Rangers' underachievement over the last ten years. It's time for radical change. If Nico Raskin is staying then he should be given the armband.
SCOTT MCDERMOTT: He's been a terrific servant at Ibrox and deserves his testimonial year.
But Martin should be looking to sign a ready-made skipper to take over the armband – with Tavernier's help – and lead a new era at Rangers.
SCOTT BURNS: I think he will remain as captain. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up maybe playing in one either. I think Russell Martin's style might get the best out of him.
MICHAEL GANNON: There's nothing wrong with keeping Tavernier as club captain but he'll need to be phased out of the team over the next year. It's time for a new era at the club.
Was Daniel Levy right to hand Angel Postecoglou his Spurs jotters?
KEITH JACKSON: Probably. It did look as if the players had chucked it under Postecoglou and when that happens there is no way back. But Ange should have made the decision for him by dropping the mic the moment he lifted the Europa League trophy. He must have known it wasn't working.
SCOTT MCDERMOTT: No. The historic Europa League triumph in Bilbao should have earned him a crack at another Premier League campaign and the Champions League. He got them to fifth in his first season then won a trophy. He deserved to at least start the new campaign.
SCOTT BURNS: It is a bit harsh after winning a European trophy. Yet, in the Premier League they were miles below where they should be, although there were mitigating circumstances. It looks like the change was planned before the Europa League final.