One of the most significant parts of James Tavernier’s decision to leave Rangers is the timing.
Only two days ago Tavernier went to the BBC to essentially complain that the club hadn’t offered him a new deal. He was pretty clear that he’d not been offered one and ‘only time would tell’ if he would remain at the club.
Barely 36 hours later he’s informed the club he’s leaving.
Are we at Ibrox Noise the only ones noticing the timing and suspiciousness of all this?
Cynicism
If we’re to put our cynical hats on he already knew he wasn’t going to be offered a new deal and went to the BBC to ‘put it out there’. To put it on the club.
If we’re more generous he was pleading with the club for the new deal, and was then told he wouldn’t be offered one. And it’s less his decision and more the club’s. But it’s being packaged as his call.
In all honesty, leaving Rangers is the last thing Tav wanted to do.
His life is settled in Scotland, he’s married up here, his kids are growing up here, he’s settled.
But he would be absolutely staggered if he was to move to another Premiership team. We just can’t see that. We would expect him to get an EFL club down south. Maybe something overseas. Maybe that shiny Saudi switch?
But he didn’t want to leave.
Let’s be clear. Tavernier wanted to remain at Rangers, but Rangers didn’t offer him a deal. Whether he knew before the BBC interview or was informed afterwards, the end result is no deal equals no stay.
We will have full analysis of this breaking gigantic story in due course, because you will know Ibrox Noise has much to say on the guy.
But for now, James Tavernier’s decision is officially leaving, and we will be genuinely fascinated at where he ends up.
One thing’s for sure, unless it’s an oil-rich Saudi side, or Qatar, he won’t be getting his £37,000pw wages any more.