James Tavernier ‘declines offer’ ahead of 500th Rangers appearance
James Tavernier has declined an offer that has come his way ahead of making his 500th appearance for Rangers in Saturday’s clash with Motherwell.
Tavernier first joined the Gers in 2015 and has been through the ups and the downs with his side over the last 10 years.
However, despite disappointment at Ibrox of late, there is cause for celebration against Motherwell as the captain prepares to make his landmark appearance for the club.
James Tavernier staying silent ahead of Rangers landmark
Having been through much better times with the Light Blues, Tavernier would no doubt have been hoping that his 500th appearance for Rangers would be in better circumstances on the football pitch.
However, following a very slow season, Philippe Clement was axed from his role last month with Barry Ferguson appointed as interim boss until the end of the campaign.
Although he is a more senior player at Ibrox now, the defender seems to be showing no signs of being given reduced minutes for the Gers having made 23 league appearances this term.
| 2024/25 (so far) | 23 |
| 2023/24 | 33 |
| 2022/23 | 33 |
| 2021/22 | 31 |
| 2020/21 | 29 |
Tavernier retained his place in Ferguson’s first line-up as the Gers came back from behind to beat Kilmarnock 4-2 on Wednesday (26 February).
Furthermore, he expected to be in the squad again against Motherwell to make his 500th appearance for Rangers.
Despite it being an exciting prospect, Tavernier turned down an offer ahead of the game as The Scottish Sun reported (1 March) that he chose not to speak to reporters about the milestone.
James Tavernier to do talking on the pitch for Rangers
It has been a terrible season for the Gers so far as they sit 13 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, as well as being beaten in the League Cup final and knocked out of the Scottish Cup.
While plenty of the poor form was attributed to Clement, which eventually led to his sacking, the players certainly have not performed to the best of their abilities throughout the season either.
Tavernier is someone with plenty of experience, although his season hasn’t been completely smooth sailing.
After he missed a penalty that could have taken his side to extra-time in the Scottish Cup against Queen’s Park, he will feel there is more he could have done this term.
Ferguson has not been shy of praising the club captain in the media ahead of a big occasion, but you can understand why the player himself may prefer to keep a low profile.
Although there is plenty to be celebrated over the past 10 years, the 33-year-old will know that there is plenty to be put right before he can take too much praise.
However, if he can do his talking on the pitch and display the attributes that have kept him at Ibrox for so long, then there is no reason why he can’t play his part in turning things around at Rangers.