Not many players stay at a club for 10 years these days and few players divide opinion amongst the Rangers support and embody the modern era quite like the James Tavernier.

Since his arrival in 2015, the English right back has become a cornerstone of the team, rising from Championship anonymity to lift trophies and lead the club through its most transformative years. His journey has been anything but smooth, a mixture of sensational highs, frustrating lows, unwavering loyalty and leading by example to his teammates rather than being a shouter like Richard Gough or Barry Ferguson.

Arrival and Early Promise

Tavernier arrived at Rangers in the summer of 2015 under manager Mark Warburton. Signed from Wigan Athletic for £250,000 which is the best £250,000 the club has spent in my opinion. His attacking flair and great fitness levels were immediately apparent; he scored a stunning free kick on his debut against Hibernian at Easter Road in the Petrofac Cup and ended his first season with an incredible 15 goals, unheard of for a full-back. Rangers won the Scottish Championship and secured promotion with Tavernier playing a key role.

Ups and Downs in the Premiership

The step up to the Premiership brought new challenges. Tavernier’s attacking instincts remained strong, but criticisms around his defensive capabilities became louder. Inconsistencies within the squad and managerial changes meant results fluctuated. Rangers were chasing Celtic but rarely catching them. Though his talent was obvious, critics questioned whether he was a “Rangers level” captain when he took the armband in 2018 after being giving the honour by one of the greatest captains of his generation Steven Gerrard.

Redemption and Glory

Steven Gerrard’s arrival revitalised Tavernier and the team grew stronger. The 2018/19 season was a new and positive era for everyone at Rangers after the high profile appointment of Gerrard as Rangers manager. Even though it was a busy summer with many new faces arriving, the team navigated four qualifying rounds to be back in European group stage football for the first time since the 2010/11 season. After not being able to beat Celtic any time during the first two seasons back in the top flight, a Tavernier inspired Rangers managed to win two Old Firm games at Ibrox which would be a small step in the right direction for the following campaign. This included an incredible free kick from Tavernier who was becoming well known for scoring sublime goals from outside the penalty area, whilst also taking on the duty of being designated penalty taker.

2019/20 was another season which brought group stage European football but was cut short due to Covid 19 in March 2020. The Captain led from the front as Rangers reached their first League Cup final since 2011 with only a missed penalty by Alfredo Morelos meaning the team would ultimately succumb to defeat to Celtic by a dubious offside goal. We also won at Celtic Park for the first time in nine years which made fans feel positive going into the second half of the season. Ultimately, questionable performances and dropped points after the winter break before lockdown meant that a season that promised a title race would peter out and Celtic would win their 9th league title in a row.

The 2020-2021 season was a career high for Tavernier as he led Rangers to an unbeaten league title, their 55th and ended Celtic’s nine-year dominance. He finished the season with 19 goals and 14 assists, unheard of for a right back. His leadership, professionalism, and offensive output made him a fan hero. Two of my favourite moments from Tavernier that season were his 35 yard free kick against Dundee United at Tannadice and his sublime assist for Jermaine Defoe’s side foot volley against Livingston at Ibrox. Watching him lift the League trophy after everything we’ve been through as a football club was a honour and my favourite ever title win which I’ll always be grateful for.

European Nights and Near Misses

Tavernier’s Rangers made waves in Europe in the 2021/22 season, culminating in a dramatic run to the UEFA Europa League Final in 2022. He was the tournament’s top scorer with six goals that were only scored in the knockout phase of the competition which is a incredible achievement as a defender. Though Rangers eventually fell to Eintracht Frankfurt in a heart breaking penalty shootout, Tavernier’s performances earned widespread praise. It was a bittersweet milestone being a penalty kick away from continental glory that ultimately slipped through their fingers. Even so, to their credit, the team had to pick themselves up three days after that massive blow to lift the Scottish Cup against Hearts which was Tavernier's second trophy he would lift as captain.

The 55 season and Europa League run would never have been possible if Tavernier was not at the peak of his powers and are by far his best two seasons at the club. In the following years after the League title win and Europa League run there was disappointing recruitment and managerial changes in each season but would still result in Tavernier leading us to the group stages of the Champions League for the first time in 12 years and scoring the winning goal in the League Cup final against Aberdeen in December 2023.

Injury Setbacks and Domestic Challenges

The years that followed the successful seasons saw dips in form and injury interruptions. Rangers struggled to maintain dominance in the league, and pressure mounted again on Tavernier and the squad. Critics would point to lapses in concentration and costly mistakes in big matches. Yet he kept stepping up whether through crucial free kicks, long range goals, penalties or a rallying interview after tough defeats.

Legacy and Leadership

Now one of the club’s longest serving players, and also the top scoring defender in Rangers' history, Tavernier’s legacy is undeniable. He’s lifted every trophy in Scotland and ultimately should’ve won more but he can’t do it on his own. While his journey has had various low points, few can argue with the consistency, fitness, and sheer determination he’s shown over his decade in Glasgow. He’s had competition for his place from Nathan Patterson and Dujon Sterling in his time at Ibrox but ultimately he thrived and kept his place. In the summer of 2024, it also looked like he might be leaving the club after a bid from Turkish Super league side Trabzonspor who already signed his former teammates Borna Barisic and John Lundstram but the bid was rejected and would allow him to latterly work under my favourite ever Rangers player and the greatest captain I’ve ever seen Barry Ferguson and see him score his 130th goal for the club in a pulsating 4-3 win against Dundee at Dens Park on 29th March which we came from behind twice. With his current deal running until the summer of 2026 there’s plenty of time for more massive moments from Tavernier.

Conclusion

James Tavernier’s time at Rangers is a story of resilience; from labouring in the English League One to a European final. He's lived through the pressure cooker of Ibrox, often thrived on the big occasion and the journey isn’t over yet. He’s rightfully receiving a testimonial this summer but whatever happens next he’s already earned his place in Rangers folklore after being inducted in the Hall Of Fame on 19th February 2023 which should rightly grant him the respect he deserves.

I will always be of the opinion that James Tavernier is the best modern right back I’ve ever seen at Rangers and although he’s not won as many honours as a Fernando Ricksen or Steven Whittaker (who arguably played in better Rangers teams) he's a better player in my opinion. From his first goal against Hibernian to his 130th against Dundee and his impressive 141 assists, James Tavernier should be considered a true Rangers legend and a brilliant captain who led by example and I can’t thank him enough for his service to our magnificent club. I understand people thinking he’s the last piece of the old guard to get rid of but history will be kind to Tavernier and in time people will realise howgreat a player he was when he’s no longer playing.

Thanks for everything so far Tav; you're a true Captain, Leader and Legend.