James Tavernier recently sat down with Sky Sports News to make it clear 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 the season, emphasized that his immediate priority is helping the Glasgow side clinch a second Scottish Premiership crown since he arrived at Ibrox in 2015.
Rangers sit just a single point behind league leaders Hearts, while Celtic trail another two points with only five matches remaining. The tight race means every game carries the weight of a title decider, a reality that Tavernier is keenly aware of. "I'm taking it day by day," he explained when asked about his future plans.
"My wife asked me about holiday arrangements and I told her that's too far ahead for me to think about right now." He went on to describe his approach to both football and life as one that focuses on the present rather than distant horizons. "I'm not a person who plans two weeks ahead.
I concentrate on this week – my training, my kids' schedules and the immediate challenges on the pitch. It's a hectic life, and I’ll probably discuss any longer‑term decisions later in the season," he said. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract, Tavernier made it clear that he has never shut the door on staying at Rangers. "I've been here for a long time, and I will never rule out extending my stay.
However, I have to wait and see how things develop," he added. The defender has started only 23 of Rangers' 33 league fixtures this campaign, a figure that reflects head coach Danny Röhl's decision to rotate the squad and rely on other players to secure the title.
"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 support the lads, give my input and simply be myself.
When I’m on the pitch, I give everything for the team." Rangers endured a turbulent start to the season, managing just one league win before parting ways with former manager Russell Martin in October. When Röhl took over, the club were languishing in sixth place, a full 13 points adrift of leaders Hearts.
Under his guidance, the team has surged back into contention, and Opta’s statistical model now lists Rangers as favourites to lift the trophy. Tavernier highlighted the collective mindset that has driven the turnaround. "The title is in our hands.
Our aim is simple – win every single game from now until the final whistle of the season," he declared. "We treat every match as if it were a cup final. That mentality has carried us through the latter stages of the campaign, and we must keep applying it." He praised the squad’s belief and resilience, noting the improvement in results and performances over recent months. "You’ve seen the quality of our play and the consistency of our results.
It’s given the manager a headache with selection because everyone wants to be involved, and that’s a sign we’re in a great place," Tavernier said. "We must stay humble, stay driven, and continue pushing each other to the maximum in training and matches." The captain also touched on the personal side of his life, emphasizing the balance he strives to maintain between professional obligations and family commitments. He explained that his wife’s questions about holiday plans are a reminder of the need to plan for life beyond football, yet he prefers to keep his focus on the immediate tasks at hand. "My children’s schedules, my training, the upcoming fixtures – those are what occupy my mind right now," he said.
Looking ahead, Tavernier acknowledges that the final stretch of the season will be decisive. With Hearts holding a narrow lead and Celtic still within striking distance, Rangers must maintain their current momentum. "Every game is a final, and we have to approach each one with the same intensity and concentration we have shown in the run‑in," he affirmed. "If we keep that level, the title is ours for the taking." In summary, James Tavernier remains committed to Rangers’ title push while keeping an open mind about his future at the club.
He refuses to close the door on a new deal, yet he stresses that his primary concern is delivering the best possible performances for his teammates and supporters in the remaining fixtures. The next few weeks will determine not only the fate of the Scottish Premiership but also whether Tavernier will continue to lead Rangers from the right‑back position in seasons to come.