In the eight years Newco have been a topflight club, James Tavernier has lost more league games against Celtic than any player who has played for either of the Rangerses since they first faced Celtic in league action in 1892.
The fullback has tasted league defeat 15 times against Celtic, one more than previous record loser and Oldco captain, John Greig – who had the misfortune of playing against the Lisbon Lions.
Tavernier is also the Record League Loser for Rangerses players at Celtic Park, walking off the field “disappointed” nine times. This is one more than the previous Loser at Celtic Park, Allan McGregor, who experienced eight league defeats in appearances for Oldco and Newco.
Since Tavernier’s first visit to Celtic Park in 2016 (a 5-1 hammering), he has won twice, although only once in front of fans, a 1-2 win during one of Celtic’s Quadruple Treble seasons.
These games are emotionally draining for fans never mind players. Coping with being a “disappointed” loser so often cannot be easy, the poor guy will be susceptible to PTSD unless he embraces his role as the Record Loser.
If Tavernier reclaims the words “Record Loser”, he will turn them from a charged term into a badge of honour, showing what he has come through. Not all warriors win and there is no shame in that. Tavernier suffered for his craft, his Loser wounds are his real trophies.
Although the Newco captain is now 32, he is not finished chasing records! In games across all competitions at Celtic Park, Ibrox and Hampden, he has lost a total of 19 games to Celtic.
John Greig remains the Outstanding Rangerses Loser to Celtic, having suffered a total of 24 defeats for Oldco. Tavernier could narrow that gap to just three defeats before this month is out, setting himself up to take the all competitions record next season! Keep chasing that dream, James!
