James Tavernier exit: Steven Gerrard leads tributes as ‘legend’ posts farewell message
James Tavernier is to leave Rangers at the end of the season, sparking numerous tributes from teammates past and present.
The long-serving skipper posted a message on Instagram on Wednesday thanking supporters, with his exit to go through in the summer.
Tavernier’s contract expires at the end of the season and he confirmed earlier this week he has yet to be offered fresh terms.
While it is not known exactly what the club’s stance was, it is now known Tavernier will be heading for the Ibrox exit.
As Tav’s 11-year spell comes to an end ahead of the summer window, Ibrox News rounds up the best of the reaction.
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James Tavernier keeps Rangers farewell message short but sweet
Plenty more will be said and written about Tavernier’s Rangers exit in the days and weeks to come, culminating in what should be a fitting Ibrox farewell next month.
Tavernier, will so often a divisive figure in recent years, gave his absolute all for the Gers and will go down as one of the club’s all-time greats in terms of his service.
| Tavernier’s stats for Rangers | All-time |
| Matches | 562 |
| Goals | 144 |
| Assists | 148 |
| Minutes played | 48,833 |
Tavernier posted a message that read “thank you” on his personal Instagram account, accompanied by a photo of him holding the Scottish Premiership title in 2021.
Current and former Gers players were quick to react, with Calvin Bassey summing it up nicely as he wrote: “legend forever.”
Steven Gerrard, who was in charge when Tavernier lifted the Scottish Premiership title five years ago, responded with a love heart and clapping hands emoji.
Connor Goldson wrote: “Hope he gets the send off he deserves. Gave the club everything for 11 years. Really hope it finishes with a league title.”
Jack Butland, meanwhile, posted “the skip”, while Max Aarons went with “legend skip”.
Plenty more will no doubt be sure to post their respects shortly, with Tavernier a massively popular figure who played alongside hundreds of different players at Ibrox down the years.
Timing of Tavernier’s farewell message makes perfect sense
Some will question why Tavernier is announcing this news now, with Rangers deep in a Scottish Premiership title tussle.
But the timing is no coincidence. Tavernier said in an interview this week he has yet to be offered a new contract by Rangers, sparking plenty of debate as to what will happen next.
Well it is better to nip that in the bud right now. Whether it was Tav’s decision, the club’s or indeed both, it is now official.
These next few weeks can be used to celebrate Tavernier’s time as a Rangers player, with plenty still to look forward to.
The hope, of course, is that Tavernier bows out with another title to his name. Anything less than that would be a disappointment for him.
Then, Rangers will have a big task finding a successor for Tavernier, who has always been there ready to go when called upon whoever was in charge.
Rangers fans will be sure to thank Tavernier for his service, but the more immediate focus is on the full-back playing his part in this title charge.
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