Across social media, there’s been a lot of people counting the number of days it’s been since their last trip to Ibrox or any football ground. It’s a perfectly normal reaction to a 16-month hiatus for what used to be a weekly activity for many.

Here’s a statistic to add to that: 515 days separate the last time Rangers fans attended a league game (0-1 defeat to Hamilton Academical) and yesterday’s 3-0 victory over Livingston. While that’s not exactly a short period, it’s difficult to quantify the difference in attitude between Rangers without straying into hyperboles.

A team that looked dead on its feet waiting to be put out of its misery has been transformed into an all-conquering machine that looks only capable of being stopped if it somehow malfunctions.

The feel-good factor radiated around Ibrox yesterday on what should have been Flag Day and it couldn’t be any more different from the existential catastrophe Rangers stared down the barrel of before lockdown.

That change could not be characterised by anyone more so than James Tavernier.

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Cutting a dejected figure as he was substituted against Hamilton in March 2020, Tavernier’s evolution into Scotland’s premier captain has been stunning to watch. Prior to Rangers winning the title, even some of Tav’s biggest supporters - myself included - started to soften to the idea that he might be better moving elsewhere, if even for his own sanity and career.

The Tavernier that stands before us now has all the hallmarks of one of the great Rangers captains.

On the pitch, he led by example against Livingston with 2 assists and his part in a defence that was never once troubled. Where Rangers left off last season, they picked up against Livingston.

A controlled, measured performance that saw the team barely leave second gear ahead of a Champions League tie, was driven on by Tavernier. His game knowledge and ability to know when to break and when to stay was on show yesterday as it was for all of last season. Tavernier’s development since joining the club goes hand in hand with the tactical evolution under different managers and it’s now a team dynamic befitting of his qualities as a player.

Off the pitch, his class is just as evident. The captain’s letter to the support on Friday perfectly illustrated the qualities he and many of this squad possess; smart, honest, and bold.

The message was embraced and welcomed by the vast majority of the Rangers support who back the club and players in their stance. Frankly, anyone who couldn’t support this following the raw exposure of racism within football and how Rangers were affected by this should no longer be welcome at the club. The message echoed loud and clear around the stadium as applause greeted the players taking the knee.

Tavernier will always be the captain who stopped 10-in-a-row and won 55. He now has the ability to push on for more silverware but also continue to be a pillar for the club off the pitch.

A man who retained his class and gave his all when Rangers were on the floor is now shining as the club push on and evolve under his leadership. He shows no sign of easing up and allowing Patterson a smooth transition into the team, his drive and quality are still at the heart of everything Rangers do.

Any team and club can be judged by the leadership they show on and off the pitch. Many scoffed when he was given the captaincy, but Tavernier now looks like he was born to lead Rangers. Articulate and exemplary off the pitch, his boldness will help mould Rangers into whatever club they are why to become.

A £250k signing from Wigan, James Tavernier now possesses all the quality Rangers would struggle to replace with £20 million.