James Tavernier, born on the ominous day of 31 October 1991 in England, earned his crust as a defender. For those still shackled by imperial measurements, the lad is 5ft 8in (or a rather less impressive 1.75m in new money). Clocking in at around 12st 10lb (or 81kg, if you enjoy squinting at your kitchen scales), he dons the revered (at least, to some folks) jersey number 2 for the Rangers.
Setting out his stall as a trainee for Newcastle United Premier League in England in the summer haze of July 2008, our hero made a whopping total of two first team appearances in league matches for that illustrious season of 2012 - 2013. But the past, eh? It's a foreign country.
As the year 2011 dawned, Tavernier was shipped off on loan to Gateshead in the National League in England, where he boasted a mini-marathon of 13 first team appearances during the season 2010 - 2011. That August, he was again sent a-loaning, this time to Carlisle United in England's League Two, there making a roll of 16 first team league matches.
By November, sent away again, this time to Sheffield Wednesday, in the Championship of course, and he managed just six first team appearances that season of 2011 - 2012. The new year of 2012 saw another change in vista as MK Dons in League Two was his next stop. Seven times he graced the field for them in 2011 - 2012.
Cut now to July 2013, and Tav's being loaned to Shrewsbury Town in League One. An unremarkable single match was his lot there. November that same year, I guess you can tell the drill now, off to Rotherham United. And there he did achieve a modicum of glory with 27 first team appearances and scored five goals in league matches in season 2013 - 2014.
Summer 2014 took him away from Newcastle permanently to Wigan Athletic in League One for a fee shrouded in mystery. At his new home, he made 11 first team league appearances in the 2014 - 2015 season. The following January, Tavernier was whisked off to Bristol City in the Championship, scoring three times in 12 outings.
In July 2015, he transferred to that club up north, Rangers, in exchange for a sum reported at around £200k. From then on, Tavernier has marked his stamp on the game. He's scored goals, he's played matches, he's worn the jersey. At least, to some of those who watch him.
I suppose his current season, 2024 - 2025, warrants a mention - he's managed 17 first team appearances and graced the back of the net twice. The lad's come a long way from his journeyman starting days.
Varying degrees of success in the League Cup, Europa League, and Champions League Qualifiers, not to mention the Rangers' season so far, have shaped a career of "putting in a shift" and offering the occasional touch of glory. But then, isn't that true of us all?
