JAMES TAVERNIER insists the Rangers players have Steven Gerrard’s back after Saturday’s Scottish Cup knockout.
But it’s the Ibrox skipper’s back that a growing number of restless supporters want to see after a calamitous weekend for the club.
Gerrard and Tavernier were in the firing line along with Alfredo Morelos whose latest disciplinary breach saw him dropped for the 1-0 defeat to Hearts.
Ian Loudon, Dunfermline, said: “I see Tavernier pleading with Gerrard to stay. It’s the players’ fault he bleats. We are all aware of their faults but in my eyes he is one of the main culprits.
“A total weed-out is required as generally the players are not good enough to maintain a season-long challenge. If this includes the manager then so be it.”
John Clark, Partick, said: “Good of Tavernier to tell the manager the players are at fault. He should know after numerous horrendous mistakes in big games. He’s woeful at defending.”
Alan Milligan emailed: “It’s about time the captaincy was taken off Tavernier. He has never been a leader. Rangers need a few players in the mould of Gough, Brown, Barry and Ian Ferguson. They haven’t got one of those at the moment.”
James McClean, Isle of Bute, said: “Ally McCoist and Paul Le Guen were sacked for less than Gerrard. He talks a good game and is good at brainwashing the fans. It looks like even Dave King’s been brainwashed by this guy. Superb player but not a manager.”
Mick Docherty, Kirkintilloch, said: “Gerrard created this mess and he has thrown more players under buses than Parks of Hamilton mechanics. Neil Lennon said after Celtic lost to Copenhagen that he would pick the players up and they responded by beating St Johnstone. That’s the difference.”
Gerrard said on Saturday he would be doing some “serIous thinking” about where he’s at with Rangers. But he still has the backing of many supporters.
Jackie Stewart, Ardrishaig, said: “Gerrard has made a few mistakes but the players should be ashamed of themselves. They are bottlers and as for Morelos, he is a liability and should be sold ASAP.”
Jim Eadie, Maryhill, added: “If Rangers players want to act like weans then make them go and play with the youths. Every one of them who played against Hearts should be dropped.”
Jimmy Strangers, Tranent, said: “Gerrard must stay and finish what he started. Players are not performing and Tavernier, Davis, Arfield, Jack, Stewart and Flanagan must all be shown the exit door and players fit for purpose must be brought in.”
James Forsyth, Bellshill, said: “Gerrard has to stay. We are better than we were before he came to Rangers. He must, however, adapt and change during games. Man United stuck with Sir Alex Ferguson and reaped the benefit. Not that Gerrard is a Fergie but it proves knee-jerk reactions don’t work.”
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “Stevie G hasn’t let anyone down. Players have let him down badly but I don’t see him walking away just yet although to go two years without a trophy might be unacceptable.”
David Thomson, Paisley, said: “I’m a season-ticket holder and it’s time the supporters gave Gerrard a break. He has taken us into the last 16 in Europe for goodness sake. We all know Celtic are the strongest side in Scotland and next year has to be the target. Stop the bickering!”
Finally, to another boss in the firing line, Dundee United’s Robbie Neilson, after the loss to Dunfermline made it just one win in seven. Ronnie Swan, Dundee, said: “Not good enough. Even Derek Ferguson on the radio couldn’t believe Neilson’s tactics with his pathetic set-up. Will this man never learn?”