Rangers Captain James Tavernier Discusses Contract Status
Rangers captain James Tavernier has confirmed that he has not yet received an offer for a new contract and stated that "only time will tell" if he will remain with the Scottish Premiership contenders next season.
The 34-year-old right-back has been with Rangers since his transfer from Wigan Athletic 11 years ago. Despite facing increased competition for his position this season, Tavernier has started 36 of his 49 appearances and scored 13 goals.
When asked by BBC Scotland if he had been offered a new contract, Tavernier replied:
"Not as yet."
Regarding his future at Rangers, he said:
"I don't know."
Focus on Present and Future
Tavernier elaborated on his mindset about the future:
"Time will tell for that one. I'm a man who always focuses on short-term. My wife's asking me about summer holidays and what the kids need on their holidays and I'm saying 'talk to me at a later date' because that's too far ahead for me. I am obviously excited for what the future brings."
This season marks Tavernier's first under manager Danny Rohl, who took over after Russell Martin was dismissed in October.
On whether playing time would influence his decision to stay at Ibrox, Tavernier emphasized:
"Nobody is guaranteed to play football. You have to earn that right to start."
Rangers' Title Challenge
After trailing league leaders Heart of Midlothian by 11 points at the time of Martin's departure, Rangers now enter the final five games of the season just one point behind Hearts and two points ahead of reigning champions Celtic.
Tavernier commented on the team's transformation under Rohl:
"The mentality shift from what the boys were and what they are now since the manager's come in and calmed the storm of when he first came in, I think the boys have responded really well."
He acknowledged that Rangers had drawn too many matches but highlighted that the team had only lost twice in the league all season.
"We are moving in the right direction and we've just got to continue it,"
Tavernier said, citing the recent 6-3 victory over Falkirk as an example of the team's resilience.
"I feel we have put ourselves in a really good position coming into the split."
Team Bonding and Title Race
While Celtic participated in the Scottish Cup semi-final on Sunday, Rangers engaged in "really good team bonding," according to Tavernier, who is eager for the continuation of the three-way title competition.
"It is exciting for Scottish football and it should be, but I am focusing on Rangers,"
he added.
