Ally McCoist delivers James Tavernier contract stance as Rangers captain prepares for talks with incoming manager

Ibrox legend Ally McCoist believes James Tavernier must hold decisive talks with the incoming Rangers manager this summer to clarify his future at the club.

Tavernier is approaching a significant milestone, as he will celebrate a decade at Rangers at the end of the season.

Over his 10 years at Ibrox, the English right-back has racked up 505 appearances and an impressive 130 goals—an extraordinary return for a defender.

Despite those stats, Tavernier remains a polarizing figure among the Rangers fanbase.

Critics often point to his defensive shortcomings and question his leadership during a period with few trophies.

However, his professionalism and offensive output are widely respected, and McCoist firmly believes the captain still has much to offer Rangers, even beyond the expiry of his current contract in 2026.

McCoist, who has occasionally been critical of Tavernier himself, made it clear he wants the defender to remain at the club.

Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: “Tavernier has been outstanding for Rangers.

Yes, myself and others have criticized some aspects of his defending, but that aside, he’s been a tremendous servant.

“His attacking numbers are unbelievable for a full-back. Whoever the new manager is, their first priority has to be sitting down with him to discuss his plans.

“You also need to consider alternatives—who else can play right-back? All of that factors in. But before anything, you need to know what Tav wants.

If he’s open to signing a new deal, then a conversation has to happen.

If he wants a new challenge as his career winds down, that’s his decision. But if it’s up to me, I’d absolutely keep him.”

Interestingly, Tavernier has recently been deployed in a new role.

Since Barry Ferguson took over as interim manager, the skipper has occasionally been used as a right-sided centre-back.

This was first seen in the 4-2 comeback win over Kilmarnock in February, when he shifted inside after Clinton Nsiala was substituted at half-time.

The move paid off and has since been repeated, including in the 3-1 Europa League win away to Fenerbahce and other domestic fixtures.

While Tavernier’s one-on-one defending can be suspect, operating as a right centre-back gives him added protection from the wing-back—often Ridvan Yilmaz—which suits his current physical attributes.

At 33, and with his 34th birthday coming in October, a decline in pace is inevitable, which may impact his effectiveness in a traditional full-back role.

Whether Tavernier’s future lies in the centre of defence or elsewhere will ultimately depend on the direction taken by the new manager.

In fact, his overall future at the club is still uncertain—but his contributions, both past and potentially still to come, ensure his role will be a key point of discussion this summer.