Why Tavernier's Ibrox career is an anomaly

Departing skipper James Tavernier's time at Rangers is an anomaly in a number of ways.

Eleven years' service at one club, most of those as captain, is increasingly rare in modern football, outside exceptions like Callum McGregor and James Forrest at Celtic. More so, as the long-serving full-back had no previous connection to Rangers.

Comparison with those figures is perhaps the thing that will frustrate the Englishman, and Rangers fans, most when he reflects on his time at Ibrox.

Too often, trophies eluded him as Celtic scooped them up. Preventing their Glasgow rivals winning 10 titles in a row was enormous but too often it was a case of close but no cigar and at Rangers, that's not good enough. The expectation is to win – the trophy return just doesn't reflect that demand.

That said, Tavernier was often dragging Rangers through difficult times near single-handedly. As Rangers churned through managers, the Englishman remained a steady, talented and significant constant. One wonders where they would have been on their turbulent journey without him at certain points?

His individual stats going forward are astonishing. His goals, his set-piece technique and assists a fountain of joy for the Rangers support. Defensively, he could be caught out but he more than delivered and often in big moments.

Too often, though, disappointment was the end result. He has faced criticism at times in his Rangers career and perhaps familiarity and a lack of silverware bred that, despite all his attributes.

At 34, it would seem the right call to depart. Tavernier commands a sizeable salary and his appearances and impact have diminished.

There will no doubt be real motivation from all at Rangers to send their captain off on the highest of highs with a second Premiership title to his name to further cement his position in the club's hall of fame.

[BBC]