Danny Röhl has openly expressed his desire for James Tavernier to conclude his tenure at Rangers with a truly memorable occasion – hoisting the Scottish Premiership trophy one final time. The 34‑year‑old right‑back, who has been a stalwart of the Ibrox side for over a decade, confirmed on Wednesday that he will depart the club at the end of the current season after an eleven‑year spell. Since his arrival from Wigan Athletic, Tavernier has become one of the most prolific defenders in Scottish football. He has amassed an astonishing 144 goals across 562 appearances, a tally that is remarkable for a full‑back and places him among the club's all‑time greats.
His contributions helped Rangers secure the Scottish league crown in 2021, and he was instrumental in guiding the team to the Europa League final the following year. In addition to those achievements, he has lifted both the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup during his time at the club, cementing his legacy as a winner on multiple fronts. With five matches remaining in the season after the league split, Rangers sit just one point behind league leaders Hearts and maintain a two‑point cushion over rivals Celtic. The next fixture is a home game against fourth‑placed Motherwell on Sunday, a match that could prove pivotal in the title race.
In the pre‑match press conference, Röhl was asked about Tavernier’s impending exit and his hopes for the captain’s final moments at Ibrox. The German manager answered with palpable emotion: "It’s a huge piece of news for you, for us, for the club, for the supporters – for everyone involved," Röhl said.
"Since I arrived here, James has been an exemplary captain. He leads the squad both on the pitch and off it. He is a legend of this club and has crafted an extraordinary career here." Röhl continued, emphasizing the importance of ending on a high note: "He has experienced many great moments, and also some less pleasant ones. My hope is that, by the end of the season, he can experience another beautiful moment.
For a player of his stature, a grand farewell should be fitting, and the ultimate farewell would be winning a title." The statement from the manager came as a surprise to some, especially because just two days earlier Tavernier had told the media that he was comfortable waiting until the summer to decide his future. When pressed on whether he would have preferred Tavernier to stay another year if it were entirely his decision, Röhl replied, "That is not the issue today.
He has made his final decision. We were very transparent about the process. We said that if the timing was right, we would discuss his future.
He gave me the information before it became public, and he handled it with great fairness." Röhl also highlighted the short‑term focus required from the squad: "He spoke to the group, 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 team – focusing on what happens now." Injury concerns also feature in the manager’s update.
He disclosed that left‑back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi are still sidelined, though there is optimism that they could return for the final four fixtures, providing additional options as the title race tightens. The broader context of Tavernier’s departure adds a layer of poignancy.
Over his eleven‑year spell, he has become synonymous with Rangers’ modern era, embodying the club’s fighting spirit and leadership ethos. His goal‑scoring record is extraordinary for a defender, and his ability to drive forward, deliver precise crosses, and score crucial goals has often turned games in Rangers’ favour. Beyond statistics, his personality – a blend of determination, humility, and charisma – has made him a fan favourite and a respected figure in the dressing room.
Röhl’s comments underscore a universal truth in football: great players deserve great farewells. For Tavernier, a title would not only be a fitting capstone to his illustrious career at Rangers but also a symbolic passing of the torch to the next generation of leaders. As the team prepares for the upcoming Motherwell clash, the stakes are high.
A victory could bring Rangers level with Hearts, reignite the title chase, and set the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the season. Supporters across Scotland and beyond will be watching closely, hoping that the final weeks deliver the drama and triumph that would honor Tavernier’s legacy. Whether the club clinches the championship or not, the narrative of a captain who gave his all, scored over a hundred goals, and inspired teammates will endure.
Röhl’s hope is clear: that the season’s end provides a moment of glory that matches the magnitude of Tavernier’s contributions, offering a farewell that reflects his status as a true club legend. In summary, Danny Röhl is urging the Rangers squad to stay focused on the remaining fixtures, to keep their eyes on the prize, and to give James Tavernier the spectacular send‑off he deserves – ideally by lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy one last time before his departure.