James Tavernier recently told Sky Sports News that he is not prepared to rule out the possibility of extending his stay at Rangers, even as his current contract expires at the close of the season. The 34‑year‑old captain, who has been with the Glasgow club since 2015, emphasized that his immediate priority is to help the team secure a second Scottish Premiership crown during his tenure.
Rangers sit just a single point behind league leaders Hearts, with Celtic trailing another two points, and there are only five matches remaining in the campaign. In this tight title race, Tavernier stressed that he is taking each day as it comes.
When asked about his future, he joked that his wife had inquired about holiday plans, to which he replied that it was too early for him to think that far ahead. "I’m not the type of person who plans two weeks out; I’m focused on the week ahead – my training, my kids’ schedules and the match at hand," he said. He admitted that his personal life is hectic and that any decision regarding a new deal will likely be communicated later in the season. "I’ve been at Rangers for a long time, and I’ll never shut the door on staying here, but I have to wait and see what unfolds," he added.
Despite being a regular starter in previous years, Tavernier has only begun 23 of Rangers’ 33 league fixtures this term, as new head coach Danny Röhl has rotated the squad in search of the right formula to clinch the title. Tavernier expressed frustration at not featuring more often, insisting his physical condition remains strong. "If I’m asked to sit on the bench, I’ll support the lads wholeheartedly and contribute whatever I can," he said.
"When I’m on the pitch, I give everything for the team." Rangers endured a difficult start to the season, managing just one league win before sacking manager Russell Martin in October. When Röhl took over, the side were sixth in the table, trailing the leaders by 13 points. Under his guidance, Rangers have surged back into contention, with Opta’s statistical model now listing them as favourites to lift the championship. Tavernier highlighted the collective mindset required to win the league.
"It’s in our hands. Our aim is simple: win every game from now until the final whistle of the season," he declared. "We treat every match as if it were a cup final – the intensity, the focus, the preparation – it’s all the same." He praised the squad’s recent performances, noting that the team’s resilience has given the manager a tough time when selecting his line‑up.
"The belief in this group is evident in the results we’ve produced over the past few months. We’ve been giving the gaffer a real headache with our versatility, which is a good problem to have," Tavernier said. "We must stay humble, stay driven, and continue to push each other. Maximising effort in training and matches is the only way forward." Beyond the immediate title chase, Tavernier reflected on his role as a senior figure at the club.
He mentioned the importance of mentoring younger players and maintaining a professional example both on and off the field. "Leadership isn’t just about what you do on the pitch; it’s about how you conduct yourself in the dressing room, with the fans, and at home," he explained. "I want to leave a legacy of hard work and dedication that future Rangers can build on." Looking ahead, the captain remains cautious about making any definitive statements regarding a contract extension. He reiterated that his focus will stay on the upcoming fixtures, the training sessions, and the well‑being of his family.
"When the season ends, we’ll see where we are. For now, I’m just concentrating on helping the team win the title and enjoying the journey with my teammates," Tavernier concluded. Rangers fans can continue to follow the drama on Sky Sports and the club’s official streaming platforms, while the team pushes for a historic finish to the season. The battle for the Scottish Premiership remains open, and with the captain’s determination and the manager’s tactical adjustments, the final weeks promise to be a thrilling climax to a season that has already seen a remarkable turnaround.