Danny Röhl has made it clear that he would love to see Rangers captain James Tavernier close out his eleven‑year spell at Ibrox with the "beautiful moment" of lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy. The 34‑year‑old right‑back confirmed on Wednesday that he will depart the club at the end of the season, ending a decade‑plus of service that has seen him become one of the most recognizable figures in modern Scottish football. Since arriving from Wigan Athletic, Tavernier has amassed an impressive record: 144 goals in 562 appearances, a league crown in 2021, a run to the Europa League final in 2022, and a collection of domestic silverware that includes both the Scottish Cup and the League Cup.
His contributions have not only been measured in numbers but also in leadership; he has captained the side through triumphs and setbacks, earning the respect of teammates, staff and the fan base alike. Röhl addressed the media before Rangers' upcoming home fixture against Motherwell, the fourth‑placed side, with a clear message. "It's a big one, big news for you, for us, for the club, for the fans, for all of them," the German manager said.
He continued, "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 have also have a big goodbye, and the biggest goodbye would be going with a title." The timing of Röhl's comments caught some observers off guard because just two days earlier Tavernier had told journalists that he was comfortable waiting until the summer to decide his future. When asked whether he would have preferred the captain to stay another year if the decision were entirely his, the 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 on what happens now." Röhl also noted that injuries have thinned the squad, with left‑back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi still sidelined, though both could return for the final four fixtures if their recoveries go well. The manager stressed that the remaining five matches are crucial, not just for the title chase but also for giving Tavernier a proper send‑off. Rangers sit one point behind league leaders Hearts and two points ahead of Celtic with those games looming, meaning every point could be decisive.
Beyond the immediate sporting context, Tavernier's departure marks the end of an era for Rangers. He arrived at Ibrox in 2013, quickly establishing himself as a set‑piece specialist and an attacking full‑back who could score as often as many strikers.
His 144 goals place him among the most prolific defenders in British football history, and his leadership helped transform Rangers into a consistent challenger for domestic honours after the club's financial turmoil earlier in the decade. Fans have already begun to reflect on his legacy.
Social media platforms are awash with tributes, highlighting memorable moments such as his dramatic late winner against Celtic in 2019, his composure in the 2021 title‑clinching match, and his decisive penalty in the Europa League semi‑final that sent Rangers to the final in Seville. The emotional connection between Tavernier and the Rangers faithful runs deep, and many hope that the final stretch of the season will provide a fitting narrative arc – a title win that crowns his career at the club. From a tactical standpoint, Tavernier's departure will force manager Danny Röhl to rethink his defensive setup for the remaining fixtures. Without the veteran right‑back, the team may need to rely on younger options or adjust the formation to cover the right flank.
This could add an extra layer of challenge as the squad pushes for the championship while also managing the physical toll of a congested schedule. In summary, Röhl's wish for a championship farewell encapsulates both the personal respect he holds for James Tavernier and the broader ambition of Rangers to finish the season on a high note. With just five games left, the club stands on the brink of a potential title triumph, and the prospect of lifting the trophy with Tavernier at the helm would provide a poetic conclusion to his storied tenure.
Whether the team can secure the necessary points remains to be seen, but the narrative is already set: a captain, a club, and a possible final triumph that could become a defining chapter in Rangers' modern history.