James Tavernier has announced his intention to leave Rangers at the end of his contract and the end of the season. He stated that the decision had not been an easy one as he reflected on the highs and lows over the last 11 years.
He also vowed to go out on a high. Tavernier will look to captain Danny Rohl's side to the Premiership title in the coming weeks and that will be his focus before he decides on his future after Rangers.
Joshua Barrie and Blair Malloy gave their opinions on the breaking news on our YouTube channel earlier today. Here, Chris Jack, Jonny McFarlane and Derek Clark assess Tavernier's impact, his influence and his legacy.
What is your favourite Tavernier moment?
Chris Jack
The answer from the man from himself shows how difficult a question that is to answer. Speaking earlier this week, Tavernier reflected on his season and his career, while keeping his cards close to his chest in terms of his future.
“Everyone has their own special moments,” he said. “But nothing really tips one or the other. People ask me about what my favourite goal is but I’ve got tonnes - there’s not one that’s my favourite.”
The occasions that he referenced in his farewell statement clearly stand out for their significance on the park. For me, one off it resonates strongly. An hour or so after the Premiership trophy had been lifted at Ibrox, Tavernier sat alongside Steven Gerrard in the media room and reflected on the magnitude of the achievement. That was his peak.
But what if he can climb the mountain all over again? The ultimate Tavernier moment may not have been seen yet. If he is holding that same silverware in a months’ time, that would top the lot.
Jonny McFarlane
There are so many to ponder, from a cup final winner to crucial European strikes but Tav's magic moment is quite personal. Prior to my career in journalism, I was in my seat in the Club Deck watching Mark Warburton's newly assembled side against Peterhead in the first competitive game of the 2015/16 season. Towards the end of the 90 minutes, Tav produced an outrageous bit of skill on the right flank that really stirred the crowd.
There was maybe only 25 or 30 thousand in Ibrox that day but the football on show was liquid throughout, with this rampaging young full-back at the heart of it all. For a fleeting second Ibrox spontaneously erupted in appreciation. I've never quite experienced anything like it before or since.
Read more:
- James Tavernier to leave Rangers after 11 years as captain explains reasons
- James Tavernier explains his game: Story behind scoring so many goals from right-back
I can't say definitively what happened other than for a generation raised on top international stars gracing the Govan turf, a touch of that old Rangers class had felt a long time coming, but here it was. Very fitting then, that the man who took the club to 55 and a European final lit the fire that marked the end of the club's darkest days.
Derek Clark
There are countless contenders. Tav, himself referenced the Dortmund and RB Leipzig games in his farewell message. It's hard to look past his goal in the Europa League semi-final that was to be the start of an unforgettable evening at Ibrox. Guiding the team to the final and overcoming Leipzig despite the loss of Jimmy Bell just days earlier highlighted his outstanding leadership qualities. He really should've been a Europa League winner that season.
As far as greatest goals go, his volley against Peterhead in the Petrofac Cup final in 2016 remains one of the best goals I've seen live. The technique and power he was able to generate was truly incredible.
Is it the right time to leave?
Chris Jack
Ultimately, yes. But that answer is not a cut and dry one. Tavernier stated this week that he still has three or four years left in his legs. Given the robustness and reliability that he has shown over his career, there is every chance that he will go on for some time to come.
He could not contribute in the manner that he needs to at Ibrox over that timeframe, though, and it feels like the right moment for a change to be made at right-back. Whether that is Dujon Sterling or a new recruit, Rangers must look forward. They must also appoint a new skipper and the impact of losing someone of Tavernier’s experience from the group cannot be understated.
Jonny McFarlane
For Tav, maybe. For the club? Not for me. But the answer to this question is nuanced. First and foremost, his leadership and professionalism will be sorely missed. I've yet to talk to someone in his orbit with a bad word to say about the man. He's carried the armband with dignity and integrity under enormous pressure and duress.
The experience he has picked up is not easily replaced in a dressing room. That will be a huge loss, make no mistake. While he's diminished on the pitch compared to his peak, he remains a good player at this level with more to give when used more sparingly.
I would have preferred to see him remain as a squad player, bringing to bear all the knowledge from his years of service to a new generation. I agree though, with the inevitable counterargument that there's no better way for him to depart having won a second title and walking out the door a winner once again. He deserves the chance to control his own destiny and experience a different environment with the few years he has left if that's what he desires.
Derek Clark
Yes. As much as it pains me to say, given I've been very much a James Tavernier fan from the moment he signed back in the summer of 2015. It's clear he isn't the same energetic right back marauding up and down the touchline. As much as it would be nice to have him around the squad, will he be able to contribute on the pitch?
It's probably fair to say Rangers need to be looking at fresher legs and someone to take over the mantle. It will be strange seeing Tav feature for another club, and I do reckon he could potentially play until he's 40, barring any major injuries, but it's been evident this season that his time as the bona fide right-back is coming to an end.
How will he be remembered?
Chris Jack
There has rarely been a grey area with Tavernier. You either loved him or hated him, either wanted him to stay or wanted him gone a long time ago. As usual, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Ultimately, Tavernier deserves more respect and admiration than he has had from some sections of the support.
The jibes about his silverware haul and the ‘Captain Disappointed’ mocks are unfair. Nobody has done more over the last decade to try and deliver the success that supporters want than Tavernier and he should be thanked for his efforts. In time, his Rangers career will rightly be remembered extremely fondly.
Has he made mistakes? Of course he has. But he kept coming back for more time and time again and he represented himself, his team and his club in a manner that was befitting of a Ranger. Don't forget, he cost just £200,000.
He deserves his place in the Hall of Fame. Life will, of course, go on without Tavernier but it will feel very different at first. He should depart with thanks. Hopefully, he departs with another medal.
Jonny McFarlane
He's a legend. No question. As the captain of the unbeaten 55 team alone he merits that status before you factor in the goals and assists, the records broken, the heroics in Europe and all the rest.
He was a top Rangers player in mostly struggling teams. One of his former managers has always said to me "you won't know what you had until it's gone" and I suspect he's right.
Derek Clark
I'd like to think he'll be fondly remembered as one of the greatest servants and right-backs at the club. He's broken the goalscoring record for a British defender while at Rangers and, although controversial at the time, his place in the Hall of Fame shows you how important a figure he has been at Ibrox over the last 11 years. You do think of Connor Goldson's words after the League Cup final win over Aberdeen in 2023 that you won't appreciate just how big a player he has been until he's not at the club anymore. As much as it's probably the right time to say goodbye, there is no doubting he will be missed both on and off the pitch.
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