Former Rangers manager tells fans they will live to regret booing James Tavernier

After becoming a less frequent starter recently, right-back Tavernier announced on Wednesday that he will leave Ibrox this summer, 11 years on from his arrival from Wigan.

Tavernier, 34, has scored 144 goals in 562 appearances for Gers and skippered them to the Scottish title in 2021 and then the 2022 Europa League final but has often had to contend with cynicism around his perceived defensive shortcomings.

Former boss Warburton, who signed Tavernier for the Light Blues in the summer of 2015, told Sky Sports: “I speak to so many good friends in Scotland and I tell them they’re going to miss him.

“They’ll look back and they’ll regret the day they booed him or said anything derogatory because he’s a tremendous asset for any team.

“He’s been through some tough times, as every player does, but he’s been ever-present, tremendous appearance record, always fit, tremendous athlete. I always say to them they’ll miss him so much when he’s gone.

“As a free agent, he would be a superb capture for any club. His numbers are staggering. He was a wide right player (before Rangers) so he had that attacking instinct.

“People have always criticised Tav’s defending, but his best defending was his attack. He would force them back time after time, he’s a tremendous finisher. All round he’s been a tremendous servant for Rangers.”

Tavernier, who has been linked with moves away from Rangers in recent seasons, confirmed his impending departure with a statement through his social media accounts.

“After a lot of thought, I’ve made the decision that this will be my final season at the club,” the Englishman said.

“This hasn’t been an easy decision. This club has been a huge part of my life and my family’s over the past 11 years. It’s given me so much, both on and off the pitch and from the moment I arrived, I’ve always tried to give everything I had to represent it in the right way.

“To have had the honour of being made captain of this club since 2018 is something I will always be incredibly proud of.

“Leading this team out, wearing the armband and being trusted in that role has meant more to me than I can properly put into words. We’ve shared the highs and the lows together and some truly incredible moments along the way.”

Tavernier is intent on signing off with a second Premiership title. Danny Rohl’s side are a point behind leaders Hearts with five games to play.

“This isn’t the end just yet,” his statement continued. “There is still a season to finish and we are fully focused on pushing for the league title.

“I will continue to give absolutely everything, as I always have until the very last day.

“While I feel the time is right for a new challenge, my focus right now is on finishing this season the right way, together.”