Walter Smith saying he would take Tav from the current side was hardly a coronation. It was a straightforward answer to a straightforward question: who would you pick right now. Fans arguing over whether that turns someone into a legend are missing the nuance.
What Walter actually meant
To be fair, when a manager names a player he would pick it usually comes down to form, trust and how the lad fits the shape at that moment. Coops pointing to Tav was a nod to his influence in that particular team, not some lifetime admission. You can see why people interpreted it as high praise, but it isn’t the same as a full-on legacy verdict.
Longevity, trophies and personal takes
There’s always two sides when fans talk about ‘legends’. Some value longevity — years of service, consistency, that familiar face. Others put trophies front and centre. Both are valid. If you say longevity matters then you can’t ignore silverware; likewise, if cups are everything, long service feels less important. At the end of the day it’s a personal call. No one’s right or wrong for how they weigh it up.
The right-back debate: defend or bomb on?
Right-back is a role that’s changed a lot. Do you want a defensively secure full-back first, or an attacking outlet who gives you width and assists? Comparing Tav to Gary Stevens is a fair club conversation — Stevens was a different type of full-back in a different era. Tav was part of the defence when we won the league, but he’s also played in seasons where the back line conceded more. That doesn’t magically make him great or poor; it shows context matters.
Truth is, supporters will always have mixed takes. Don’t get tangled up in the outrage. Agree, disagree, chat it out — but remember: it’s just opinion, and opinions are what make the conversation lively.
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