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It is just a fact that a large percentage of his goals come from penalties. It is not the case that fullbacks are the usual penalty takers, and had e.g. Morelos taken all of Tav's penalties, he'd probably scored 50+ goals in his prime seasons ... and Europe would have hared after him. If that argument doesn't sit with you, fine, but life isn't just black and white, so don't put people into certain black and white corners. Like I said, he's still an above-average goal-scoring (sic!) fullback, not to mention lots of assists. Instructions or not, if they don't work, a man of his calibre would know where he is needed. We all know the tactics of the Scottish teams, and our two centre-halfs were time and again left exposed because of long balls being put into the winger slots. Hence, IMHO (and it goes to show that I am still value the player Tavernier, BTW), he should be played in a role where his strengths are best utilized, while his weaknesses are being covered by someone else.

He will see this season out as captain, which I'm fine with. he is a good professional, works hard, never any bother in or around his personal life, a focused family man. A good role model for younger players. Always fit and available. A top player at his peak, he was unplayable at times and probably the most influential figure in our run to Seville. If we wants to see his time out here then I'm happy for him to do so, he has a contract and deserves it. Ideally I'd like his wages off the payroll but it is not going to happen. BUT He has clearly declined physically as a player, he should be used sparingly. The club should see this as an opportunity to bring in young RB with potential to share the season with him. That's up to our head coach and DoF. That's not on the player.

It's not Tav's fault if he's just been following instructions. It's clear that he's been asked to play as an inverted full back on occasions over the last couple of seasons.

When talking about Ally McCoist goalscoring records, including 2 golden boots, do we discount his penalties? "Remove the penalties" - just another tool used by the Anti-Tav brigade. A goal is a goal is a goal is a goal etc etc

... he's probably an inch and a half above your normal goal-scoring right back, if you remove all his penalties. My biggest point of bother with him in recent seasons is that he's been caught up the field or is playing in the middle, rather on his flank. Time and again, Cerny was left alone on his flank, while the captain was in or close to the area. I'd have not much of a problem with him in a right (of three) CB slot or in right midfield, where he can utilize his main remaining asset best.

Flynn Downes is a non-scoring, non-assisting DM (107 games) / CM (77) playing in a position currently occupied by Barron, Rice, Diomande, and Raskin. Though one may argue the latter two are better used further up the field. I would hope we spend serious money on other areas of the park, unless Martin prefers 99 % ball possession in the defensive and middle third and goalless games ...