James Tavernier recently told Sky Sports News that he will "never shut the door" on the prospect of a fresh contract with Rangers, even as he concentrates on helping the club secure a second Scottish Premiership crown since his arrival in 2015. The Ibrox captain, who is set to become a free agent when his current deal expires at the end of the season, made it clear that his immediate priority is the title race, not contract negotiations.
Rangers sit just one point behind league leaders Hearts, with Celtic trailing another two points, and there are only five matches left in the campaign. In this tight situation, Tavernier emphasized his short‑term focus.
"I'm taking it day by day," the 34‑year‑old explained when asked about his future. He laughed that his wife had inquired about holiday plans, to which he replied that thinking that far ahead was premature. "I’m not the type of person who plans two weeks out. I’m concentrating on this week – my training, my kids' schedules and the matches ahead." He added that his personal life is hectic and that any decision about his contract will be communicated later, once the season reaches its natural conclusion.
"I’ve been at this club for a long time, and I’ll never close the door on staying," he said, "but I have to wait and see what happens." On the pitch, Tavernier has started 23 of Rangers' 33 league fixtures this season. New head coach Danny Röhl has often looked to other squad members to fill the gaps left by injuries and rotation, meaning the captain has not been an ever‑present figure. "It’s frustrating because I want to start every game, and my body isn’t slowing down at all," Tavernier admitted.
"If I’m asked to sit on the bench, I’ll still support the lads, give my input, and just be myself. When I’m on the pitch, I give everything I have for the team." Rangers endured a difficult start to the campaign, managing only a single league win before the dismissal of manager Russell Martin in October. When Röhl took over, the club were sixth in the table, trailing leaders Hearts by 13 points. Since then, the team’s form has improved dramatically, and Opta’s data model now lists Rangers as the favourites to lift the trophy.
Tavernier stressed that the title is within reach if the squad maintains its current intensity. "It’s in our hands. We can only control ourselves, and our aim is to win every single game from now until the final whistle of the season," he said.
"We always treat every match as a cup final from day one, and that mindset has carried us through the latter part of the season." He praised the collective belief that has emerged over the past months, pointing to the string of results and performances that have given the manager a "big headache" when selecting his line‑up. "We’re in a great place," Tavernier noted. "We have to stay humble, stay driven, and keep pushing each other. The maximum effort in training translates into maximum effort in games." While the captain’s contract situation remains unresolved, his comments suggest a pragmatic approach: focus on the immediate challenge, enjoy the season with his family, and leave the longer‑term decision to a later date.
As the final stretch of the Scottish Premiership approaches, Rangers fans will be hoping that Tavernier’s leadership on and off the field helps the club clinch the title, while also hoping the club can eventually secure a new deal that keeps the beloved captain at Ibrox for years to come.