James Tavernier recently sat down with Sky Sports News and made it clear that he is keeping all options open when it comes to a fresh contract with Rangers. The 34‑year‑old captain, whose current deal expires at the close of the season, stressed that his immediate priority is to help the club secure a second Scottish Premiership crown since he arrived at Ibrox in 2015. Rangers sit just a single point behind league leaders Hearts, with Celtic trailing another two points, and there are only five matches left on the calendar. In that context, Tavernier explained that he is living in the present and not looking too far ahead.
"My wife asked me about holiday plans and I told her it's too early for me to think about that," he said when pressed about his future. "I’m not the type of person who plans two weeks ahead. I’m concentrating on this week – my training, the kids' schedules and the matches we have ahead." He added that the hectic nature of his life means any contract discussions will likely be dealt with later in the season.
"I’ve been at this club for a long time and I’ll never shut the door on staying," Tavernier affirmed, "but I have to see how things develop before making any decisions." The defender has featured in 23 of Rangers' 33 league fixtures this term, a figure that reflects manager Danny Röhl’s willingness to rotate the squad as the title race intensifies. "It’s frustrating because I want to start every game and my body isn’t slowing down at all," Tavernier admitted.
"If the coach asks me to sit on the bench, I’ll still give my full support to the lads, share my input and just be myself. When I’m on the pitch, I give everything for the team." Rangers endured a turbulent start to the campaign, managing just one league win before parting ways with former manager Russell Martin in October. When Röhl took over, the side were sixth in the table, a full 13 points adrift of leaders Hearts. Since then, a dramatic turnaround has seen the club climb back into contention, with Opta’s predictive model now listing Rangers as the favourites to lift the trophy.
Tavernier emphasised that the title is within reach, but it will require relentless focus. "It’s in our hands.
We have to limit ourselves to one goal – winning every game from now until the final whistle of the season," he said. "We treat each match as if it were a cup final, which is exactly how we’ve approached the latter stages of the campaign – we keep winning, no matter the opposition." He praised the squad’s belief and recent performances, noting that their consistency has given the manager a difficult time selecting his XI.
"The results over the past few months show the quality we have, and the gaffer has a headache trying to pick his starting eleven because everyone wants to play. That’s a good problem to have," Tavernier remarked. The captain also warned that humility and drive remain essential.
"We must stay humble, stay hungry, and continue pushing each other in training and matches. The ambition is there, the belief is there – we just need to keep applying ourselves to the maximum," he concluded. Beyond the immediate title chase, Tavernier’s comments hint at a broader narrative for Rangers.
The club’s resurgence under Röhl has been built on a blend of experienced leaders like Tavernier and emerging talents who have stepped up when called upon. The manager’s tactical flexibility, combined with a renewed defensive solidity and a more dynamic attacking approach, has transformed a side that looked mid‑table into genuine contenders. Looking ahead, the final five fixtures will be decisive. Rangers must navigate crucial clashes against direct rivals while maintaining concentration against lower‑ranked teams that will be eager to spoil their plans.
The captain’s personal resolve to give his all, whether starting or coming off the bench, will be a key factor in maintaining squad morale. Off the pitch, the personal side of Tavernier’s life – his family commitments and the need for balance – underscores the human element behind professional football. His reluctance to discuss holiday plans or long‑term contracts publicly reflects a desire to keep his focus on the tasks at hand, a mindset that many seasoned athletes adopt as they approach the twilight of their careers.
In summary, James Tavernier has signalled that while a new deal with Rangers remains on the table, his current mission is crystal clear: help the club clinch the Scottish Premiership title. With the league leaders within striking distance, the next handful of games will test the team’s resolve, depth, and the captain’s leadership both on and off the field.
The season’s climax promises drama, and Rangers’ faithful will be watching closely to see whether Tavernier’s words translate into silverware for the Glasgow giants.