James Tavernier, the long-serving captain of Rangers FC, is approaching a pivotal moment in his career as he enters the final year of his current contract with the club. Having joined Rangers from Wigan Athletic in 2015 for approximately £250,000, Tavernier has become an integral figure at Ibrox, marking a decade of service that has seen him lift multiple trophies, including the club’s 55th league title in 2021, as well as leading the team to the Europa League final the following year.
His former teammate, David Templeton, reflects on Tavernier’s journey and emphasizes that while many fans may take his contributions for granted, they will come to realize his true value if he departs the club next summer. Currently, discussions regarding a contract extension appear limited under the new management of Danny Rohl.
Templeton argues that replacing Tavernier will be no easy task. Known for his prolific goal-scoring and playmaking capabilities from the right-back position, Tavernier’s impact is hard to quantify purely in terms of trophies won. Although he has secured only three significant titles during his tenure, Templeton attributes this to the quality of squads surrounding him, particularly when Celtic dominated Scottish football.
He reassures that Tavernier’s criticism over the years has often been unjustified. “You can’t judge him on what he’s won because that’s about a team,” he asserts, highlighting that a player cannot shoulder the blame for a lack of silverware alone. Templeton insists that Tavernier deserves a testimonial for his decade-long dedication to the club.
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As Rangers face potential losses in key players like Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane, Templeton points out that if Tavernier were to leave as well, the club would struggle to replace his goal contributions. He recounts recent feedback from fans, noting how the team’s dynamic changed in Tavernier’s absence, illustrating his unique role as one of the best players in the current squad.
Templeton also mentions the recent acquisition of Max Aarons, who was expected to take over Tavernier’s position. However, early performances indicated that he did not match Tavernier’s output, leading fans to prefer his return to the starting line-up. “If you’re going to bring someone in to take over from Tav, they have to be better than him. And that hasn’t happened yet,” he stated.
Reflecting on Tavernier’s professionalism and character, Templeton acknowledges that he could have never anticipated such a long-lasting impact when Tavernier first joined. The full-back’s dedication to fitness and his leadership qualities have become evident over the years, earning him the respect of both teammates and fans alike.
As discussions about Tavernier’s future continue, it is clear that his legacy at Rangers is firmly established, and his contributions will be felt long after he hangs up his boots.
