James Tavernier to reunite with Rangers hero at new club as 'excitement' builds for ex-skipper in fresh start

Former Rangers captain James Tavernier is ready for the test of playing for another ‘big club’ in Maccabi Tel-Aviv, where he is buzzing to work under ex-Ibrox teammate Kenny Miller.

The 34-year old right back left the Light Blues at the end of last season after 11 years of service. Since then, he’s been linked with clubs across Europe and America, as well as a Rangers return, however the Isreali Premier League side have now won the race, as he pens a one-year deal, with the option of a further year. In the Englishman’s first interview with his new employers, he referenced how his experiences at Ibrox can help him in his new chapter.

Miller took charge of Maccabi Tel-Aviv in May after ex-Celtic boss Ronny Deila left the club. The former striker scored 116 goals for Rangers over three spells at the club - during the last of which, he played alongside Tavernier - who he’s been a long-time admirer of. The pair will now link up again for the Isreali outfit.

Miller influences Tavernier in Maccabi move

Tavernier told the Maccabi Tel Aviv website: “It’s a real honour to join a club with such a rich history as Maccabi Tel Aviv. Coming to a new country and experiencing a different environment is something I’ve always wanted to do in my career, so there’s a real excitement about the opportunity and the challenge ahead.

“I’ve heard a lot about the club from Kenny Miller, especially the ambitions, the desire to compete for trophies and, of course, the Maccabi fans and the atmosphere they create. Having played for a big club for so many years, I know how important the fans are and how much they can drive a team on. Maccabi is a club that wants to win and compete for trophies, and that’s exactly what you want as a player. The aim is to give everything for the club, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Miller lauds ‘excellent’ Tavernier

The former Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic defender found the back of the net on 144 occasions from right back during his 565 appearances in Govan, making him one of Rangers’ most influential players of the modern era. Amid speculation of his Maccabi Tel Aviv switch last week, Miller was asked about his interest in the player. His side had just defeated Premier League rivals Maccabi Haifa to top the table.

He responded: "I know him well from Rangers, he is an excellent player. His name has come up for us in the last month. He is a very, very high-level player. But I prefer not to talk about a player who is not in the team and only about the game itself. We have just won after an excellent performance and we received great support from our fans. I think the players deserve a lot of praise because this is a good team we have here and they performed well."

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