Right, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? James Tavernier, born in the land of the Rose on All Hallows' Eve in '91, plies his trade throwing himself about on the pitch as a defender, primarily at right back for the Rangers. So he's neither a lad from the Highlands nor a Hoops man, but bear with me. Despite his 5ft 8in (1.75m) frame and weighing in at 12st 10lb (81kg), he seems to cope. Must be all that English stiff upper lip, eh?
Our lad Tavernier started out as a wee trainee at Newcastle United back in July 2008, a fact that still causes him to shudder over his morning cornflakes, no doubt. His career in the Magpies took flight with a staggering two first team appearances in the 2012 - 2013 season.
Moving on, in January 2011, Tavernier found his way from Newcastle United to Gateshead, moving about like a Geordie in search of the best fish and chips. He made 13 first team appearances in his debut season. But was that enough for him? Oh, no. He then set off to Carlisle United, still within a decent drive of the Angel of the North mind you, in August the same year. Managed 16 appearances, so a slight step up, one supposes.
Perhaps missing the larger city lights, he packed his bags for Sheffield Wednesday, then MK Dons and then Shrewsbury Town. By this time, Tavernier was spending more time in man and a van rentals than playing football.
Then as if by magic, he moved again from Newcastle United to Rotherham United, and managed to knock in five (yes five) goals in the 2013 - 2014 season.
Then in June the following year, he was off to Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee, or as I like to call it, hush money. He then was on loan to Bristol City, where he scored three impressive goals.
Then in a shocking twist, he decided to head across the border to the Rangers in 2015. Paid for him they did, all ยฃ200k of him. Since then, he's been rather busy, hitting double figures in the goal tally for four seasons while wearing the No. 2 jersey.
As you can see, Tavernier has kept quite busy like an over-zealous postman, delivering in various competitions from the League Cup to the glamorous Europa and Champions League Qualifiers. I suppose heโs not doing too badly for a lad who's not part of the Bhoys. Still, though, one can't help but wonder what may have happened if he wore the green and white hoops... Perhaps we'd have a few more trophies in the cabinet, eh?
