Ibrox View: James Tavernier’s contract admission puts the heat on Rohl at Rangers

James Tavernier has made his feelings clear on his contract situation at Rangers.

The 34-year-old is out of contract in just over a month, and there have been no signs that a new deal is in the offing.

The former Wigan Athletic man will forever be synonymous with the Gers, with a remarkable 144 goals and 148 assists in 562 games for the Ibrox side.

He clearly feels that he still has more to offer, but the decision whether to offer him a new contract will likely fall on Danny Rohl and the recruitment team.

Rangers will struggle to find a replacement for Tavernier, in terms of both his leadership and his ability on the pitch, and the heat is now on Rohl after the player’s latest admission.

What did Tavernier say about Rangers contract scenario?

Tavernier has had plenty of memorable moments at Rangers, including captaining them to an unbeaten Scottish Premiership title win in the 2020-21 season and to the Europa League final the following campaign.

He seemed to suggest that he would stay if it was up to him, in an interview with Sky Sports on 20 April.

The Light Blues skipper said: “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.”

That puts the ball firmly in Rohl’s court.

Why Rohl is in a difficult situation with Tavernier

Rohl is under pressure to make the right decision on the right-back.

Tavernier has popped up with 14 goals and six assists in 49 matches so far this season, his influence on the side is still clear.

Dujon Sterling, who would be his natural replacement, has proven to be injury-prone and cannot be relied upon to take up the mantle, if the veteran is not extended.

It is a difficult decision for the German manager, and no one will envy him for being in this position.

The Bears could extend him, then his decline goes even further next season, and it looks like the wrong decision.

They could allow him to leave, and he goes on to thrive with his new club, leaving the Govan side will regret over not giving him fresh terms.

Only time will tell what the correct answer is, and it is pivotal that Rohl and Co reach it, without having all the evidence.

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