- Andrew Cavenagh has provided his take on the James Tavernier exit debacle
- The Rangers chairman has conceded the issue was handled badly, self-inflicting a “black eye” on the club
- Cavenagh ruled out the thought of him or CEO Jim Gillespie interfering in dressing room matters
Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh has responded to the James Tavernier exit debacle that unfolded at Ibrox last week.
The American executive heaped praise on the outgoing club captain, as well as criticising Tav for not pulling on the Rangers jersey when asked.
He admitted that it was an embarrassing situation for the club which could and should have been handled better.
Cavenagh also relayed that dialogue is ongoing with the representatives of James Tavernier regarding a final farewell.
Rohl remains for the post-Tav Rangers renewal
The chairman was speaking after a press conference at Ibrox on Sunday when the club confirmed its backing for Danny Rohl.
The German coach has been given a ringing public endorsement to lead the first team into the 2026/27 campaign, with significant changes to be made to the squad over the summer.
Rohl will need to show better judgement and decision-making than what has been displayed in recent weeks, particularly around the James Tavernier situation.
The manager, himself, admitted that things could have been handled better in what has been an environment charged with emotions.
As expected, the chairman was asked about the situation that unfolded before and after the 2-1 defeat to Hibs last Wednesday.
Andrew Cavenagh details balanced critique of James Tavernier situation
“Tav is a legend, a hall of famer at the club and incredibly important to us,” Cavenagh told the media gathered at Ibrox on Sunday.
“The game on Wednesday, we knew it was going to be our last match for us and so incredibly important. So the club prepared a series of events to celebrate his time at the club.
“We had a pre-season presentation with John Greig, he was on the front and back of the programme; there was a video tribute, etc. So we knew it would be a great time to honour his time at the club.
“The decision to start or not start him was Danny’s. And Danny obviously ultimately decided not to start him. The club chose not to intervene and in general, we’ve tried to separate what the club is doing to celebrate somebody and sporting [(calls).
“So, at the same time from Tav’s perspective, it was an incredibly emotional night, his last night at Rangers, having been here 11 years. So I think two rational people could argue that Jim (Gillespie) or I should have stepped in to force Danny to start him.
“And I think everybody would understand why Tav would be emotional about the situation.
Cavenagh lands Tav criticism
“But that’s where I also want to say a couple of things on behalf of the club that are really important. When you are asked to pull on a Rangers jersey, you pull it on. No questions asked.
“And in any organisation, sporting or not, you will have disagreements and when you do, first thing you do is talk about it and try to solve it before making decisions. And in a sports organisation, as I think we all know, I think it’s important that those are kept behind closed doors.
“We’re not blind. Wednesday was not a good look for anybody. No one came out of that looking positive. And we would always look to put the club first.”
