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James Tavernier chose not to take a place on the substitutes’ bench during his final appearance at Ibrox as a Rangers player, with the experienced right-back preparing to become a free agent. The question now is whether the long-serving captain might come to regret that decision. Former Rangers defender Alan Hutton believes that such feelings could surface in time, and he spoke to GOAL about what might lie ahead for Tavernier in the near future.

Tavernier’s Rangers record: A remarkable goal-scoring defender

Over 11 years at the Glasgow club, James Tavernier has established himself as a modern-day icon for the Old Firm giants. Since joining Rangers when they were in the Scottish Championship, he has made 565 appearances, achieving Premiership title success and featuring in a Europa League final.

The attacking full-back has scored an outstanding 144 goals for the Gers, including an impressive 24 strikes during the 2023-24 season alone. His contributions at both ends of the pitch have been immense, and his departure will undoubtedly leave a significant gap in the Rangers squad.

Tavernier’s contract is set to expire, bringing his time at Ibrox to an end. The plan had been to give him a fitting send-off in the home fixture against Hibernian on May 13. The 34-year-old stated that he had been assured of a starting place, only for head coach Danny Rohl to later inform him he would begin on the bench.

Emotions ran high, and the Bradford-born defender opted to decline the bench role, ruling himself out of the match altogether. As a result, there was no farewell appearance at Ibrox. Tavernier has since expressed his “disappointment” with how the situation unfolded, raising questions over whether he could have handled things differently to avoid unnecessary controversy.

Could Tavernier regret missing his Ibrox farewell?

Sharing his perspective on the incident, former Rangers right-back Alan Hutton told GOAL: “It’s a real shame, a real shame. I’ve thought about it for a while, and from a player’s point of view, if it were me, I think after a few weeks had passed, I’d feel worse knowing I didn’t sit on the bench.”

He added, “I completely understand the emotions involved. He’s been with the club a long time and served as captain for years. I heard there was a minor injury after the Old Firm match, and with little recovery time, the manager decided to put him on the bench but intended to bring him on so that the fans could give him a proper send-off in his last game at Ibrox.”

“Tavernier didn’t feel that was right – he believed he should have started. That led to a clash of opinions, and emotions took over. He decided to remove himself from the squad. It’s a disappointing way to end things, and I think he’ll look back in a few weeks and probably wish he had handled it differently.”

Free agent status: What’s next for Tavernier?

Now, Tavernier must decide his next step. While a return to England has been suggested for the former Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic defender, he could also be exploring opportunities abroad.

When asked if a move to the Saudi Pro League might appeal, allowing him to secure a lucrative contract, Hutton said: “Maybe. I think as far as the Premier League goes, it’s probably a stretch at this stage – he’s 34.”

He continued, “He wasn’t playing regularly for Rangers toward the end, and that happens to every player as they get older. You start to wind down, even if you don’t immediately realise it. So, a move abroad could be a good option for him.”

A crucial summer ahead for Rangers in pursuit of Celtic

Tavernier’s departure comes at a pivotal time for Rangers, who face major decisions both on and off the pitch this summer. The club will need to strengthen wisely to close the gap on arch-rivals Celtic, who celebrated a dramatic domestic title triumph in the 2025-26 season.

The Gers have not lifted that particular trophy since Tavernier captained the side to victory under Steven Gerrard in 2021. Smart recruitment and careful planning will be essential if Rangers hope to reclaim the Scottish Premiership crown at Ibrox within the next year.