Rangers have no option but to formalise James Tavernier exit plan
Rangers will continue their overhaul this year from last summer, which was intended to get the club closer to competing with Celtic.
Fast-forward to March and with Barry Ferguson installed temporarily in an effort to bring the traditional DNA back onto the pitch, Philippe Clement was given his marching orders following a dismal domestic season.
The saving grace is via the Europa League – not for the first time – as Gers fans build excitement to once again do battle with Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce, this time at Ibrox (13 March), to seal a place in the last eight.
Tavernier deserves testimonial – it’s non-negotiable
One individual who has never been dropped from Rangers discussion is a man synonymous with the club for better and for worse, James Tavernier.
The captain, 33, recently surpassed 500 Gers appearances in an absolutely incredible milestone, and has one year remaining on his contract after this summer.
It’s almost certain to say he won’t be signing another one at Ibrox, and Rangers should probably look to cash in now. New blood is required if the 49ers Enterprises-inspired consortium are going to put their money where their mouth is.
Tavernier has seen it all at Rangers and was as representative of the successful Steven Gerrard era as he was of the downfall under subsequent management.
Derek Ferguson recently admitted even the idea of offering a Rangers testimonial to the skipper could divide some supporters, but clubs have given out commemorative days to players for service dwarfed by that of Tavernier.
He deserves his day; he has seen enough bleak ones and shouldered responsibility often more than his fair share.
Rangers captain will be remembered fondly in years to come
The view is understandable that the senior pros on the pitch during the difficult times can be perceived as embodying those periods.
But we’re talking about a man here who from defence – albeit 69 of them penalties – has also hit 129 goals in Rangers blue, contributing in key moments whether from the spot or not.
Tavernier has more Rangers goals than Kris Boyd, Alfredo Morelos and Kenny Miller. He is the latest of only 14 players in a rich history at Ibrox to hit the 500-game mark, a far cry from when he rocked up north of the border from Wigan Athletic alongside Martyn Waghorn in 2015.
While the skipper has offered his share of errors, ill-judged moments and rollercoaster runs with the Rangers supporters, he has also seen it through and recognised what it means to play for the Light Blues in the good, the bad and the ugly.
| James Tavernier at Rangers | APPS | GOALS | NON-PEN GOALS | MAJOR TROPHIES |
| 501 | 129 | 60 | 4 |
Now approaching the twilight years of his career, Rangers need upgrades in the squad. As beneficial as ‘Tav’ is in the dressing room, times must move on and this is Gers’ last realistic chance to recoup a fee on his services.
For a player whose professional career has now spanned 16 years and counting – a decade spent at Ibrox – he’ll now feel he is one last crack at a high level left to get his teeth into; a fresh environment. And a day to return to Glasgow and take the individual acclaim he deserves.