James Tavernier has made it clear to Sky Sports News that he will "never shut the door" on the prospect of a fresh contract with Rangers. The 34‑year‑old captain, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, says his immediate focus is on helping the Glasgow side clinch a second Scottish Premiership title since he arrived at Ibrox in 2015. Rangers sit just one point behind league leaders Hearts, with Celtic two points further back and only five matches remaining.
In this tight title race, Tavernier stresses that his thoughts are firmly anchored in the present rather than the future. When asked about his personal plans, he replied, "My wife was asking me about the holiday, and I said that's too far ahead for me to think about. I'm not a person who really thinks two weeks ahead, down the line. I'm really just trying to focus on just this week, my training, and obviously my kids' schedules.
It's a hectic life I lead, so that will be communicated probably further down the line." He added, "It's obviously something that I've been here for a long time, and it's something that I'll never shut the door on. But I've obviously got to wait and see what happens." This statement underscores his commitment to the club while acknowledging that any contract negotiations will be dealt with when the appropriate time arrives.
On the pitch, Tavernier has featured in 23 of Rangers' 33 league matches this campaign. Head coach Danny Röhl has rotated the squad, seeking contributions from a broader pool of players as the club pushes for the championship.
Tavernier expressed frustration at not starting every game, saying, "It's obviously frustrating, because I want to start every single game, and my body's not slowing up one bit. But if I'm asked to be on the sidelines, I'm going to support the boys no matter what, and put my input in the team, and just be myself. All I can do is, when given the moment, or when I start, is give it my absolute best for the team." Rangers endured a shaky start to the season, managing only a single league victory before sacking manager Russell Martin in October.
When Danny Röhl took over, the team was languishing in sixth place, some 13 points adrift of leaders Hearts. Under Röhl's guidance, Rangers have surged back into contention, and Opta's predictive model now lists them as favourites to lift the title.
Tavernier highlighted the collective mindset that has driven the turnaround: "It's in our hands, and we only can constrain ourselves and our aim is obviously to win every single game until now to the end of the season. We always say every game is a cup final from the start of the season, which it is, but these games are the exact same. We've got to approach it the exact same manner as we have been doing towards the end part of the season and getting the wins no matter what." He praised the squad's belief and recent performances, noting that their consistency has given the manager a "big headache" on team selection, a sign of healthy competition within the group. "We've obviously got to stay humble and be really driven, which I know we are, but we've just got to keep on pushing each other and applying ourselves to the maximum from training and in games," Tavernier said.
Beyond the immediate title chase, Tavernier's comments hint at a broader vision for his future at the club. While he does not rule out a new deal, he emphasizes that his primary objective remains the success of Rangers on the field. His leadership, both as captain and as a seasoned professional, continues to be a vital component of the team's resurgence. The Scottish Premiership remains a fiercely contested league, with Hearts, Celtic, and Rangers all within striking distance of the crown.
As the season draws to a close, each fixture carries the weight of a potential title decider. Tavernier's resolve to give his all, regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench, exemplifies the professionalism required to navigate such a pressure‑filled environment. Fans can follow the remaining matches live on Sky Sports, and the club's official channels will provide updates on both the on‑field action and any forthcoming contract developments. While the holiday plans and long‑term personal arrangements remain on the back burner, Tavernier's commitment to Rangers' ambitions is unmistakable, and his open‑ended stance on a new contract ensures that the dialogue will continue when the season's climax has passed.
In summary, James Tavernier remains fully engaged in the fight for the Scottish Premiership, refusing to pre‑emptively close the door on a future contract while concentrating on delivering peak performances for Rangers. His blend of personal humility, competitive drive, and unwavering support for his teammates positions him as a central figure in what could be a memorable title-winning campaign for the Glasgow club.