Danny Röhl has expressed a heartfelt wish that James Tavernier, the long‑standing captain of Rangers, should close out his eleven‑year spell at the club by lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy one final time. The 34‑year‑old right‑back made the decision public on Wednesday, confirming that he will depart Ibrox at the end of the current season.
Since arriving from Wigan Athletic, Tavernier has become a central figure in the Rangers hierarchy, amassing 144 goals across 562 appearances, guiding the side to the league title in 2021, and steering them to the Europa League final the following year. His résumé also includes a Scottish Cup win and a League Cup triumph, cementing his status as one of the most decorated players in the club’s recent history.
Röhl, who took over the managerial reins earlier this year, addressed the media before Rangers’ upcoming home fixture against Motherwell – a match that will be the fifth and final after the league split. At that point, Rangers sit just one point behind league leaders Hearts and two points clear of Celtic, keeping the title race very much alive.
When asked about Tavernier’s impending exit, Röhl described the situation as "a big one, big news for you, for us, for the club, for the fans, for all of them." He went on to praise the captain’s influence both on and off the pitch, stating, "Since I have been here he has been a good captain, he leads the group on and off the pitch. He's a legend of the club and has made an amazing career here." The German manager emphasized that Tavernier has witnessed the highs and lows of Rangers football over the past decade. "He saw all the good moments.
He's also seen some not so good moments and hopefully at the end of the season he can see again a beautiful moment," Röhl said. "For big players should have also have a big goodbye, and the biggest goodbye would be going with a title." In other words, Röhl hopes that the departing captain will be able to cap his tenure with the ultimate prize – a league crown that would serve as a fitting farewell. Tavernier’s announcement caught many supporters off guard because, just two days earlier, he had told the press that he was comfortable waiting until the summer to decide his future.
When Röhl was pressed on whether he would have preferred Tavernier to stay another year, the manager replied, "That's not a topic for today. He made the final decision. We were very clear on our process.
We said, if the time is right, we will speak about him. He gave me the information before it came out. It was very fair from him.
He spoke to the group and I think the most important thing is now, you have 21 days to go. Five games, focus on these five games, and then you will have an incredible goodbye, what he deserves, and this is all that is important for me, for us, for the group, focus to what happens now." Röhl also provided an update on squad fitness, noting that left‑back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi are still sidelined with injuries but may return for the final quartet of matches. Their potential comeback could add depth to a side that is already juggling the pressure of a title chase and the emotional weight of saying farewell to a club legend.
The broader context of the Scottish Premiership this season has been one of tight competition. Hearts sit atop the table with a slender margin, while Celtic remain within striking distance, making every remaining fixture crucial. Rangers’ upcoming clash with Motherwell, who currently occupy fourth place, will be a litmus test for the team’s resolve. A victory could propel Rangers back to the summit, while a slip could hand the advantage to their rivals.
Beyond the immediate drama, Tavernier’s legacy at Rangers extends far beyond statistics. His leadership qualities, work ethic, and knack for scoring decisive goals have endeared him to the Ibrox faithful.
Fans often recall his spectacular long‑range strikes, his relentless pressing from the right flank, and his ability to inspire teammates during crucial moments. Over the years, he has also become a cultural ambassador for the club, participating in community outreach programs and representing Rangers in numerous charitable initiatives. Looking ahead, the club will need to consider how to fill the void left by Tavernier’s departure. While the transfer market offers potential options, the intangible qualities of a captain—experience, loyalty, and the respect of the dressing room—are not easily replaced.
The coaching staff, led by Röhl, will likely promote internal leaders and perhaps look to seasoned professionals who can bring a similar blend of defensive solidity and attacking threat. In summary, Danny Röhl’s public wish for James Tavernier to end his Rangers career with a league title underscores the deep respect the manager holds for the player and the desire to give him a storybook conclusion. With just five games left in the season, the stakes are high, the emotions are raw, and the possibility of a triumphant farewell remains alive.
Whether the team can secure the championship and grant Tavernier the "beautiful moment" he deserves will be decided on the pitch in the coming weeks, as Rangers push forward with determination, unity, and the hope of sending off a true club icon in style.