Danny Röhl has expressed a heartfelt wish that James Tavernier, the long‑standing captain of Rangers, should close out his spell at the club by lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy – a moment he describes as a "beautiful moment" for everyone involved. The 34‑year‑old right‑back, who has been a fixture at Ibrox for more than a decade, announced on Wednesday that he will depart Rangers at the end of the current season, ending an eleven‑year association that began when he arrived from Wigan Athletic. During his time in Glasgow, Tavernier has become one of the most prolific and beloved figures in the club's recent history.
He has found the net 144 times in 562 appearances, a remarkable tally for a defender, and has captained the side to a league title in 2021. The following season he helped guide Rangers to the Europa League final, and he has also collected both the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup during his tenure.
His contributions on and off the pitch have cemented his status as a modern‑day legend at the club. Röhl, who took over as Rangers manager earlier this year, addressed the captain's impending departure during his pre‑match press conference ahead of the upcoming home fixture against Motherwell. With five games left in the season after the league split, Rangers sit just one point behind the leaders Hearts and two points clear of Celtic, making every result crucial. In that context, Röhl said: "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.
He has seen 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.
For big players should also have a big goodbye, and the biggest goodbye would be going with a title." The manager's comments underline the emotional weight of Tavernier's decision. Just two days earlier, the captain had told the media that he was comfortable waiting until the summer to make a final call on his future, suggesting a more measured approach. Röhl, however, made it clear that the club respects the player's choice and that the focus now is on the remaining fixtures.
When asked whether he would have preferred Tavernier to stay for another year if he had the authority to decide, the German coach 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 the squad's injury situation, confirming that left‑back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi remain sidelined but could return for the final four matches if their recoveries go as planned.
Their potential comeback adds another layer of intrigue to the title race, as Rangers look to maintain their momentum in the crucial closing stages. The broader context of this story reflects the deep connection between a club and its captain. Tavernier's career at Rangers has been marked by memorable moments: the dramatic league‑winning campaign of 2020‑21, the thrilling run to the Europa League final in 2022, and numerous domestic cup triumphs. Fans have witnessed his leadership during both triumphs and setbacks, and his departure marks the end of an era that began when he first signed for the club in 2013.
As the season draws to a close, the narrative is clear: Rangers aim to give their captain the send‑off he deserves. A title win would not only add another trophy to Tavernier's impressive cabinet but also provide a fitting farewell that aligns with his contributions over the past eleven years. The upcoming match against Motherwell, currently sitting fourth in the table, will be a litmus test for the team's resolve. A victory would bring Rangers level on points with Hearts and maintain their two‑point cushion over Celtic, keeping the title race alive until the final whistle of the season.
Supporters across Scotland and beyond are urged to tune in via the usual broadcasting channels—Sky Sports for live coverage and NOW for streaming—to witness what could be a historic climax for both the club and its captain. The anticipation is palpable, and the stakes could not be higher. Should Rangers secure the championship, the image of James Tavernier hoisting the Scottish Premiership trophy will become an indelible part of the club's history, encapsulating the devotion, resilience, and leadership that defined his time at Ibrox. In summary, Danny Röhl's message is simple yet profound: focus on the remaining five games, give everything for the cause, and strive to create that "beautiful moment" that will forever mark James Tavernier's departure.
The next few weeks will decide whether the captain's farewell is crowned with silverware, ensuring his legacy at Rangers ends on a high note that reflects the magnitude of his service to the club.