Rangers transfer chiefs might regret not handing departed club captain James Tavernier a new contract, according to former Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland international Andy Townsend.
Right-back woes
Derek McInnes is still searching for his first victory as Rangers boss after a dramatic 2-1 home loss to Hibernian on Sunday. That defeat followed a 2-1 loss in the first leg of the Europa League third qualifying round against Jagiellonia Białystok, and a 1-1 draw at Dundee United on the opening day of the Premiership season.
McInnes has used several players at right back already, including Ross McCrorie, Dujon Sterling, Vanja Dragojevic, and young winger Findlay Curtis. The club is also pursuing a deal for Aston Villa's Kosta Nedeljkovic.
Townsend's warning
Speaking on talkSPORT, Townsend questioned the decision to let Tavernier go, noting he is still a free agent after leaving Ibrox at the end of last season. "Do you know what Jeff, I've just seen there that James Tavernier is (still) a free agent after leaving the club. He scored all those goals (for Rangers), which was remarkable for the position he was playing. I just wonder whether or not that decision is one that, don't know, would they regret that one?"
Goldson's resurfaced quotes
Quotes from former Rangers defender Connor Goldson about Tavernier's importance have also resurfaced. After Tavernier scored the winning goal in the 2023 Premier Sports Cup final against Aberdeen, Goldson said: "This football club won’t appreciate James Tavernier until James Tavernier’s not here. For a right-back to do the numbers he does… it’s not one season, it’s year after year after year. He started this season slow, I don’t think he scored many at the start but he’s on a hot streak now and long may it continue. The main thing about playing for this football club is adding numbers to the board. That board was there long before we were here and will be there a long time after, so to say you’ve had a part in adding numbers on to that is obviously huge."
