Danny Röhl has expressed a heartfelt wish that James Tavernier, the long‑standing captain of Rangers, should cap off his tenure at the club with the "beautiful moment" of hoisting the Scottish Premiership trophy. The 34‑year‑old right‑back confirmed on Wednesday that he will be departing the Glasgow side at the conclusion of the current season, ending an eleven‑year spell that has seen him become one of the most iconic figures in the club's recent history. Tavernier arrived at Ibrox from Wigan Athletic and, over the course of 562 matches, found the back of the net 144 times – an astonishing return for a defender. His contributions were pivotal in Rangers' capture of the 2020‑21 Scottish league title, and he also helped guide the team to the Europa League final the following season.
In addition to those achievements, he has lifted both the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup, cementing his status as a modern‑day legend at the club. With five fixtures remaining after the winter break, Rangers sit just one point behind league leaders Hearts and two points clear of Celtic. The next match, a home encounter against fourth‑placed Motherwell on Sunday, will be a crucial test as the team strives to keep the title race alive while also providing a stage for Tavernier's potential farewell. When asked about the captain during his pre‑match press conference, Röhl emphasized the magnitude of the situation: "It's a big one, big news for you, for us, for the club, for the fans, for all of them.
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 went on to say that Tavernier has experienced both the highs and the lows of Rangers' recent campaigns, and he hopes the season will conclude with a "beautiful moment" that reflects the player's contributions.
Röhl added, "For big players should have also have a big goodbye, and the biggest goodbye would be going with a title." This sentiment underscores the desire for Tavernier to leave on a high note, ideally with a championship that would serve as a fitting capstone to his decorated spell at Ibrox. The captain's announcement came as a surprise to some, particularly because just two days earlier he had told the media that he was comfortable waiting until the summer to decide his future. When questioned whether he would have preferred Tavernier to stay another year if he had the final say, Röhl 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 disclosed that left‑back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi remain sidelined due to injuries, but there is optimism that both could return for the final quartet of matches. Their potential comeback could provide the squad with additional depth as they push for a title win that would honor Tavernier's legacy. Beyond the immediate sporting implications, Tavernier's departure marks the end of an era for Rangers.
His leadership on the pitch, characterized by tireless runs down the right flank, precise crossing, and a knack for scoring crucial goals, has inspired both teammates and supporters alike. Off the field, his professionalism and connection with the fanbase have made him a beloved figure in Glasgow and beyond.
The club's supporters have already begun to organize tributes, ranging from banner displays to dedicated chants that celebrate his eleven‑year journey. Social media platforms are abuzz with memories of his spectacular long‑range strikes, decisive free‑kicks, and the sheer passion he displayed every time he wore the blue jersey. Looking ahead, the remaining fixtures will be decisive not only for the league standings but also for the narrative surrounding Tavernier's final chapter.
A victory against Motherwell could propel Rangers back to the top of the table, while a win in the subsequent matches would strengthen the case for a title clinch in the season's closing weeks. Such an outcome would provide the "beautiful moment" Röhl envisions, allowing the captain to lift the trophy surrounded by teammates, staff, and a sea of adoring fans. In summary, Danny Röhl's message is clear: the club aims to give James Tavernier a proper send‑off, ideally crowned by a championship.
The next five games will be crucial, and while injuries to key players like Rommens and Naderi pose challenges, the team's focus remains unwavering. As the season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Rangers to see whether they can deliver the fairy‑tale ending that both the captain and the supporters deserve.