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 departure public on Wednesday, confirming that he will leave Ibrox at the end of the season.
Since arriving from Wigan Athletic, Tavernier has become a pivotal figure in the Rangers lineup, amassing 144 goals in 562 appearances, steering the team to the 2021 Scottish league title, and guiding them to the Europa League final the following year. His trophy cabinet also includes a Scottish Cup and a League Cup, cementing his status as a modern club legend.
With five matches remaining after the league split, Rangers sit just a point behind league leaders Hearts and enjoy a two‑point cushion over rivals Celtic. The next challenge is a home fixture against fourth‑placed Motherwell on Sunday, a game that could prove crucial in the title race. When Röhl was questioned about Tavernier’s impending exit during the pre‑match press conference, he responded with genuine emotion: "It’s a massive piece of news for you, for us, for the club, for the fans – for everyone involved. Since I arrived here, 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 crafted an extraordinary career with us." Röhl continued, emphasizing the desire for a fitting farewell: "He has experienced many great moments and also some less flattering ones, but I hope that by the end of the season he can witness one more beautiful moment. Big players deserve a big goodbye, and the ultimate farewell would be winning a title together." The timing of Tavernier’s announcement surprised many, especially as he had previously indicated in media interviews that he was comfortable waiting until the summer to decide his future. When asked whether he would have preferred Tavernier to stay another year if the decision were solely his, the German manager answered cautiously: "That’s not the question today. He has made his final decision.
We were very transparent about our process. We said that when the right moment arrived, we would discuss his plans. He informed me before the news went public, and it was a very fair approach on his part." Röhl highlighted the importance of focusing on the remaining fixtures: "He spoke to the squad, and the most important thing now is that we have 21 days left.
Five games remain – concentrate on those five matches, and then you will have an incredible goodbye, the one he truly deserves. That is all that matters to me, to us, to the group – focusing on what happens now." Injury concerns also feature in the upcoming schedule. Röhl disclosed that left‑back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi are still sidelined, though there is optimism that they could return for the final quartet of games. Their potential comeback could provide a boost to a side that is already fighting hard for the championship.
The broader context of Rangers’ season adds weight to Röhl’s comments. After a period of dominance in the early 2020s, the club has faced stiff competition from both Hearts and Celtic, with the title race tightening as the season draws to a close.
The team’s form has been mixed, but the leadership of Tavernier has been a constant, both in terms of on‑field performance and in nurturing younger players. His ability to score crucial goals, particularly from set‑pieces, has often turned draws into wins, and his defensive work rate has set a standard for the back line.
Beyond the immediate footballing implications, Tavernier’s departure marks the end of an era for the Glasgow fan base. Since his arrival, he has become a fan favourite, known for his passion, work ethic, and charismatic presence. His iconic celebrations after scoring, especially the trademark “Tavernier dance,” have become a staple of Rangers’ matchday atmosphere.
Moreover, his commitment to community initiatives and his engagement with supporters have solidified his reputation as more than just a player – he is a true ambassador of the club. Röhl’s aspiration for a title‑winning farewell is not merely sentimental; it reflects a strategic desire to finish the campaign on a high note, preserving morale and setting a positive tone for the squad’s future.
A championship victory would provide a seamless transition for the club, allowing it to celebrate Tavernier’s contributions while also building momentum for the next season under new leadership. As the final stretch of the Scottish Premiership unfolds, all eyes will be on Rangers’ performance against Motherwell and the subsequent fixtures. Whether the team can clinch the title and grant Tavernier the triumphant exit he hopes for remains uncertain, but the determination expressed by both manager and captain suggests a relentless pursuit of that ultimate "beautiful moment."