Comparing James Tavernier to the Maestro is so ridiculous that it’s absolutely hilarious, even by the standards of those delusional Bears, bless them…
PAUL MCSTAY. 1995 -1996 CELTIC PHOTOCALL. Mandatory Credit: Allsport UK/ALLSPORT
James Tavernier, the Rangers legend, Ibrox Hall of Famer, spot kick connoisseur, and serial loser has announced that he will end his eleven year association with the Ibrox club this coming summer.
This has led to an outpouring of grief from the Ibrox followers, who have been poleaxed by the news that the man who has played more games and scored more goals than anyone in the club’s unbroken 14 year history.
This has led to all sorts of vigils on social media, with some Bears rewriting history by describing him as the greatest right back in the history of the Scottish game!! (I think Danny McGrain wants a word!)…A few of their supporters have even had the audacity to compare Tav to our very own Paul McStay! Yes, they really are that deluded.
James Tavernier of theRangers at full time during the UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round 2nd Leg defeat to Dynamo Kyiv at Hampden Park on August 13, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
When you think about it, why do they have to drag Celtic into this anyway. Compare him to John Greig or Sandy Jardine not Danny McGrain or anyone else at Celtic.
It’s easy to forget that for many times during time in Glasgow that Tav was often a victim of the Ibrox boo boys, and had his ability and mental strength questioned on a regular basis as he became accustomed to being a footballing equivalent of a bridesmaid, his runner up medals collection certainly defines his time playing his football in Scotland.
James Tavernier and Daizen Maeda during the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park, Celtic v theRangers, 16 March 2025. Photo O’ Rourke/Shutterstock
In terms of overall ability, the Maestro was many levels above James Tavernier, no logical person could ever counter claim that. And not once was Paul McStay ever subjected to such brutal criticism from his own supporters, and he was the Celtic captain through one of the toughest periods for the club in living memory.
Not only was Paul McStay one of the best to have graced the Scottish game, he was one of the best players on the European scene. Being named in an all time Celtic XI, when you consider all the famous and talented names that have played for our club in its 138 year unbroken history, it is a massive testament to his ability.
Football – 2023 / 2024 Scottish Premiership – Glasgow theRangers vs Heart of Midlothian – Ibrox stadium – 29th October 2023 James Tavernier of Rangers scores a penalty
Some will point out that Paul McStay like Tavernier had to endure a tough period up against a much superior opponent, and whilst that may be true to a point, his woes were nothing compared to the Englishman who has come accustomed to being second best during his entire stay in Glasgow, with only the Covid season title making him a Champion.
James Tavernier of theRangers looks disappointed as he walk past the UEFA Europa League trophy following their sides defeat in the UEFA Europa League final match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 18, 2022 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Paul broke into the Celtic side as a teenager in a time Scottish football was much more competitive than it is today. Playing his part in a league title win before helping Celtic beat Rangers FC in the league cup final, all at the tender age of 18.
Paul would go on to win further league titles in 1986 and 1988 as well as Scottish cup wins in 1985, 1988, 1989 and 1995. Who could forget his starting role in the fairytale centenary year double winning side of 1988?
Paul McStay scoring at Ibrox in 1988. Photo The Celtic Wiki
At international level Paul also represented Scotland at two World Cup Finals and a European Championship, winning a grand total of 76 caps and scoring nine goals for his country.
Compare those career highlights to the uncapped Tavernier who was won just three major honours, and lost more big games than anyone can care to remember.
Paul McStay was a once in a generational talent, a proven international footballer. James Tavernier is just a decent enough player with an incredible record from the penalty spot. Comparisons with the Maestro are not only off the mark, but are delusional but as already mentioned the Rangers fans should limit their comparisons to players who played for their own clubs rather than have to drag Celtic into absolutely everything.
Best of luck to James Tavernier, he leave us with many fond memories, my own favourite being that brilliant assist he got for Daizen Maeda’s opening goal at Ibrox in the opening seconds a few years back.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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He came.
He was disappointed.
He left.
Let’s leave it at that.
Serial loser.hh
I think that Jim Craig may want a word also.
Hail Hail.