Danny Röhl has expressed a heartfelt wish that James Tavernier, the long‑standing captain of Rangers, should cap off his eleven‑year spell at the club by lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy one final time. The 34‑year‑old right‑back confirmed on Wednesday that he will be departing Ibrox at the close of the season, bringing an end to a decade‑long association that began when he was signed from Wigan Athletic. During his tenure, Tavernier amassed an impressive record: 144 goals in 562 appearances, a league title in 2021, a run to the Europa League final in 2022, and domestic cup victories in both the Scottish Cup and the League Cup. With five matches remaining in the split‑section of the season, Rangers sit just one point behind leaders Heart of Midlothian and two points clear of Celtic.
Their next fixture is a home clash against fourth‑placed Motherwell on Sunday, a game that could prove pivotal in the title chase. When Röhl was questioned about Tavernier’s impending departure at the pre‑match press conference, he responded with a mixture of admiration and optimism. "It’s a huge moment for you, for us, for the club and for the supporters," the German coach said.
"Since I arrived, he has been an exemplary captain, leading the squad both on the pitch and off it. He is a true legend of Rangers and has forged an extraordinary career here." Röhl continued, emphasizing the emotional weight of the situation: "He has witnessed the highs and the lows.
At the end of the season, I hope he can experience one more beautiful moment – a title win. Great players deserve a grand farewell, and the ultimate farewell would be to go out as champions." This sentiment resonated strongly with fans who have watched Tavernier evolve from a promising youngster into one of the most recognizable faces in Scottish football.
The captain’s own comments a few days earlier had suggested he was comfortable waiting until the summer to decide his future, making Röhl’s remarks seem somewhat surprising. When asked whether he would have preferred Tavernier to stay for another year if the decision were entirely his, Röhl replied, "That’s not the issue today. He has made his choice. Our process was transparent: if the timing was right, we would discuss it with him.
He informed me before the news went public, which was very fair of him. He has spoken to the squad, and now the focus is on the remaining 21 days of the campaign." He added, "We have five games left.
Concentrate on those fixtures, and then you will have an incredible goodbye – the one he deserves. That is what matters to me, to us, and to the group. Focus on what happens now." The manager also disclosed that left‑back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi remain sidelined due to injuries, though there is hope they could return for the final quartet of matches, providing additional options as the title race tightens. Tavernier’s legacy at Rangers is already cemented.
Arriving from Wigan in 2013, he quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his tireless work ethic, attacking flair, and leadership qualities. His goal‑scoring record is remarkable for a defender, and his set‑piece prowess has often turned tight games in Rangers’ favour. Beyond statistics, his presence in the dressing room has been cited as a stabilising influence, especially during periods of transition under different managers. Looking ahead, the club’s immediate priority is to secure the league crown.
A victory over Motherwell would not only close the gap on Hearts but also extend the lead over Celtic, putting Rangers in a strong position to clinch the title on the final day. Should they succeed, it would provide a storybook ending for Tavernier, allowing him to lift the trophy in front of the Ibrox faithful one last time.
If the title eludes them, the narrative will shift to celebrating Tavernier’s contributions over the past eleven years. His impact on the club’s culture, his role in European runs, and his consistency in domestic competition have left an indelible mark. Regardless of the outcome, the respect he commands among teammates, staff, and supporters ensures his farewell will be remembered with admiration. In summary, Danny Röhl’s message is clear: the focus now is on the remaining fixtures, the health of key players, and giving James Tavernier the grand send‑off he merits.
Whether that culminates in a championship triumph or a heartfelt celebration of his career, the goal is to honour a player who has become synonymous with Rangers’ modern era. The next few weeks will be decisive, and the entire club community is united in the hope that the season ends with the "beautiful moment" that both manager and captain envision.