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 made his intentions clear on Wednesday, confirming that he will depart Ibrox at the end of the current season. Röhl’s comments came during a pre‑match press conference ahead of Rangers’ upcoming home fixture against Motherwell, and they underline both the emotional weight of the moment and the ambition to give the departing leader a fitting farewell. Since joining Rangers from Wigan Athletic, Tavernier has become synonymous with the club’s modern era.
Over the course of 562 appearances he has found the back of the net 144 times – an astonishing tally for a defender – and has captained the side to a league title in 2021, a dramatic run to the Europa League final in 2022, as well as victories in both the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup. His contributions on and off the pitch have earned him a place among the greats in the club’s storied history. Röhl, who took charge of Rangers earlier this year, emphasized the significance of Tavernier’s leadership. "It’s a huge piece of news for the club, the supporters and for the players," the German manager said.
"Since I arrived, James has been an exemplary captain, guiding the squad both on the field and behind the scenes. He is a legend at Ibrox and has crafted an extraordinary career here." Röhl went on to explain that, while Tavernier has experienced the highs of championship celebrations, he has also endured the inevitable low points that come with a long footballing career. "He has seen the good moments and the tougher ones, and I sincerely hope that, when the season draws to a close, he will be able to add another beautiful memory – lifting the league trophy for the last time." The manager stressed that a player of Tavernier’s stature deserves a grand exit, and the most appropriate way to achieve that, in his view, is by ending on a high note with a title.
"Big players deserve a big goodbye, and the biggest goodbye would be going out with a championship," Röhl added. Tavernier’s decision to leave was somewhat unexpected. Just two days earlier, the captain had told the media that he was comfortable waiting until the summer to make a final decision about his future. When asked whether he would have preferred Tavernier to stay another year if the choice were entirely his, Röhl responded that it was not the appropriate time to discuss speculation.
"He has made his decision, and we respect that," the coach said. "Our process has always been transparent – if the moment was right, we would have spoken about it. He informed me before the announcement was made public, and he handled the situation with great fairness." Looking ahead, Röhl urged his squad to concentrate on the remaining fixtures. "We have 21 days left, five games to play.
Focus on those matches, and then you will be able to give James the incredible farewell he deserves. That is what matters most for me, for the team, and for the supporters." Rangers currently sit just one point behind league leaders Hearts and two points ahead of rivals Celtic, with five games remaining after the split. The upcoming match against Motherwell, who sit fourth in the table, will be crucial in maintaining their title challenge.
Röhl also disclosed that left‑back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi are still sidelined with injuries, though there is optimism they could return for the final quartet of games, bolstering the squad’s depth during this decisive stretch. The broader context of Tavernier’s departure reflects a changing landscape at Rangers. Over the past decade, the club has enjoyed a period of sustained success, with multiple domestic trophies and a memorable European run. Tavernier has been at the heart of that era, providing leadership, defensive solidity, and an unexpected goal‑scoring threat from the full‑back position.
His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has set a benchmark for future generations of Rangers players. Fans across Scotland and beyond have taken to social media to celebrate Tavernier’s legacy, sharing highlights of his spectacular long‑range strikes, crucial assists, and the sheer passion he displayed in every match. Many have expressed hope that the team can rally around him in the final weeks, delivering the title that would cement his farewell as one of the most memorable moments in the club’s modern history.
In addition to the on‑field drama, the club has been working to ensure that Tavernier’s exit is commemorated appropriately. Plans are reportedly underway for a special ceremony at Ibrox, where the captain will be presented with a bespoke tribute, reflecting his eleven‑year journey from a promising youngster to a club legend. Such gestures underline the deep respect and admiration that both the management and supporters hold for him. As the season reaches its climax, the narrative surrounding James Tavernier’s final chapter at Rangers continues to evolve.
Whether the team can secure the league crown and grant their captain the “beautiful moment” he so richly deserves remains to be seen, but the determination expressed by Danny Röhl and the squad suggests that they will give everything they have in pursuit of that ultimate farewell. The upcoming fixtures promise high stakes, intense competition, and the potential for a storybook ending that will be remembered for years to come.