James Tavernier has made it clear to Sky Sports News that he will never rule out the possibility of signing a fresh contract with Rangers. The 34‑year‑old captain, whose current deal expires at the conclusion of this season, says his immediate priority is helping the Glasgow side secure a second Scottish Premiership crown since he arrived at Ibrox in 2015.
Rangers sit just a point behind league leaders Hearts, with Celtic trailing another two points, and there are only five matches remaining in the campaign. In this tight race, Tavernier stresses that his thoughts are firmly anchored in the present rather than the future. "I'm taking it day by day," he explained when asked about his long‑term plans.
"My wife asked me about a holiday and I told her that's too far ahead for me to think about right now. I don't like to look more than a couple of weeks ahead.
My focus is on this week – my training, the kids' schedules and the matches we have ahead." He added that the demands of his professional and personal life are intense, and any decision about his future will be communicated later, when the timing feels right. "I've been at Rangers for a long time and I’ll never shut the door on staying," he said. "But I have to wait and see what unfolds." The defender has started just 23 of Rangers' 33 league fixtures this season, as new manager Danny Röhl has rotated the squad in search of the right formula to clinch the title.
Tavernier admitted that the limited game time is frustrating for a player who feels his body is still in peak condition. "I would love to start every match, but if the coach asks me to sit on the bench, I will support the lads, give my input and stay true to myself," he said. "Whenever I get the chance to be on the pitch, I will give everything for the team." Rangers endured a shaky opening to the campaign, managing only a single league victory before parting ways with former manager Russell Martin in October. When Röhl took over, the club were sixth in the table, a full 13 points adrift of leaders Hearts.
Since then, the team has surged back into contention, with Opta’s statistical model now rating them as the favourites to lift the trophy. "The title is in our hands," Tavernier asserted. "Our aim is simple – win every game from now until the final whistle of the season.
We treat each fixture like a cup final, and we have been doing exactly that in the latter stages of the campaign." He praised the squad’s belief and recent performances, noting that the consistency has given the manager a difficult time selecting his XI. "The results and the level of play we have shown over the past few months have been impressive. It’s put the gaffer under a lot of pressure because he has so many options, and that tells you we are in a great position," Tavernier said. The captain also emphasized the importance of humility and relentless drive.
"We have to stay grounded, stay hungry and keep pushing each other in training and in matches. The whole group is motivated to give the maximum effort every day." When asked about his personal ambitions beyond the club, Tavernier remained non‑committal, reiterating that any decision about a new deal will be made after the season concludes.
He highlighted the balance he tries to strike between his responsibilities on the field and his family life, especially with the school schedules of his children. Looking ahead, the Rangers faithful can expect Tavernier to continue leading by example, whether he is starting or supporting from the bench. His experience, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to the club’s objectives make him a pivotal figure in the title chase. With only a handful of games left, every point will be crucial.
Hearts sit atop the table, but Rangers have shown they can close the gap quickly. Celtic remain within striking distance, meaning the final stretch promises high drama and intense competition. If Rangers maintain their current form and keep their focus, the club could well celebrate a second league triumph in the Tavernier era. Until then, the captain’s message is clear: he will keep his options open, but his immediate goal is to help the team finish the season on top.
The race for the Scottish Premiership title is still wide open, and James Tavernier’s leadership, both on and off the pitch, will be a key factor in determining whether Rangers can convert their resurgence into silverware. The season’s final weeks will test the squad’s resolve, and the captain’s resolve to give his all, regardless of contract talks, underscores his dedication to the club’s success.