James Tavernier’s Rangers exit decision labelled ‘really bizarre’ as Andy Walker hits out
James Tavernier’s decision to announce his Rangers exit before the end of the season has been slammed as “really bizarre”.
The 34-year-old confirmed that he will leave the Ibrox club when the current campaign concludes, and will not sign a new contract.
It ends months of speculation over his future, and leaves the Govan side looking for a replacement, in terms of both a right-back and a leadership figure.
Andy Walker could not understand the timing of the announcement as the Gers are in the middle of the title battle.
Rangers face a tough task to find someone who can replicate his impact, on and off the pitch, after he departs, but the former Celtic man thinks it could cause an issue now.
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Why has Tavernier’s announcement been branded as bizarre?
Rangers are closing in on a remarkable title win, if they can overcome Hearts in the final five matches after the split.
Walker was baffled by Tavernier’s announcement, as he had previously said that he would be focused on the rest of the league campaign.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 23 April, he said: “I must say that I don’t understand the timing of it.
“I think he said pretty recently that he was focused on the team until the end of the season and then the next day he’s making a statement.
“I just thought the timing of it was really bizarre. It’s not as though they are sitting at the top of the table in his last season.”
The implication was that it could affect the Light Blues’ title chances and cause a distraction.
Why it is not really strange at all
Rangers would have surely had a say on when the announcement was made, and it makes sense to let fans know what is happening as soon as possible.
It gives them a chance to say farewell to one of the greatest ever players in Bears history, and more importantly, it could drive the players and supporters to the title.
That will be the hope, to give the veteran defender the perfect send-off, with his second league championship as captain.
| Tavernier’s trophy count at Rangers | |
| Scottish Premiership | 2020-21 |
| Scottish Cup | 2021-22 |
| Scottish League Cup | 2023-24 |
| Scottish Championship | 2015-16 |
| Scottish Challenge Cup | 2015-16 |
If the announcement derails their season, and they do not win the league, then the players were too weak to win the title anyway.
It should give them a boost and an extra bit of momentum to try and do it, rather than making them crumble under additional pressure.
It is the right decision, and Walker is just looking for any little speck of doubt to convince himself that the Gers won’t get the job done.
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