James Tavernier to Bristol City? Ashton Gate return should happen on one condition | OneFootball

James Tavernier could make a return to Bristol City this summer if Steven Gerrard is appointed as the Robins new manager

Bristol City are placing the building blocks for next campaign, as the Robins aim to make it four top-half finishes in the Championship in a row, with the club incredibly active behind the scenes.

Bristol City were hit with a huge blow at the beginning of the campaign when Norwich City poached Liam Manning from Ashton Gate to become their new head coach.

Manning had just guided the Robins to their first top-six finish in the second tier in 17 years, and suddenly, the club were on the hunt for a new boss and landed on former Barnsley head coach Gerhard Struber.

Despite showing promising flashes, Struber was unable to get a consistent tune out of his side and was replaced by Roy Hodgson in March for the final stretch of games, with the veteran boss having since stepped down from his role at the club.

James Ellis was recently appointed as Bristol City's new sporting director, with the former Arsenal technical director likely playing a big role in deciding the new head coach at the club.

A host of names have been linked with the position, including Lincoln City's Michael Skubala, Portsmouth's John Mousinho, England men's Under-21 boss Lee Carsley, and former Aston Villa and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, who should look to reunite with one of his former stars from Glasgow in Bristol this summer if he were to take the job.

Bristol City should plot the return of James Tavernier this summer if Steven Gerrard is appointed as manager

Whoever is appointed as the next manager at Ashton Gate will have the clear objective of a top-six finish next season, it goes without saying.

The Robins have rarely been the biggest of spenders, yet their smart recruitment has seen them hover steadily in the upper half of the Championship for the past three years.

The appointment of someone like Gerrard could give them the boost they need to have a real go at the play-offs, and should the former Liverpool midfielder take the job, he should look to reunite with former Rangers defender James Tavernier.

Tavernier, 34, is entering the twilight of his career, and after 565 games, 144 goals, and 148 assists for Rangers, is set to leave the club this summer following the expiry of his contract.

Under Gerrard, Tavernier made 168 appearances across all competitions and played a pivotal role in Rangers' unbeaten title success during the 2020/21 season.

Prior to his move to Ibrox in 2015, his previous club was Bristol City, with whom he scored three goals and assisted once in 12 third-tier games, having spent time with Carlisle United, Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, Shrewsbury Town, Rotherham United, and Wigan Athletic beforehand.

Tavernier's goal threat from right-back is one of the greatest in the modern era of the game, capable of delivering pinpoint crosses from dead-ball situations, as well as being incredibly adept from the penalty spot, and not afraid to get into the opposition area during open play.

Although his age may put off some suitors, there is no denying his ability, and Gerrard should jump at the opportunity of reuniting with Tavernier in the South West of England.

Tavernier could still play a huge role for any club in the Championship, and returning to Ashton Gate to work under a manager he previously thrived under should be a no-brainer.

However, FootballInsider previously reported that the right-back was likely to snub any English club in favour of a move to Saudi Arabia, but with no move having yet materialised, he should wait and see Gerrard's fate at Bristol City before deciding on his future.

Steven Gerrard should look to make James Tavernier his first addition at Bristol City ahead of a huge summer window

Gerrard has yet to manage in the EFL yet during his career, having spent time in the dugout at Rangers, Aston Villa, and most recntly Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq.

He could follow in the footsteps of another former England midfielder in Frank Lampard, in a sense of taking one step back to take two steps forward, with Lampard having achieved promotion with Coventry City this season, having previously managed Chelsea and Everton.

Gerrard will want to be backed if he were to make the move to Bristol, and would demand investment into the playing squad, especially after the sale over the years of the likes of Antoine Semenyo, Alex Scott, and more recently Anis Mehmeti.

If the Robins are to kick on, then they must look to retain their best players and splash the cash in the window more often.

Tavernier would only cost what he demands in wages, being a free agent, and the club should look to lure the former Rangers duo to Ashton Gate as soon as possible to kick off their summer.