Danny Röhl has made it clear that he would love to see Rangers’ long‑serving captain James Tavernier go out on a high note, ideally by lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy in what would be a "beautiful moment" for both player and club. The 34‑year‑old right‑back confirmed on Wednesday that he will depart Ibrox at the end of the season after an eleven‑year spell that has seen him become one of the most iconic figures in the club’s recent history.
Tavernier arrived at Rangers from Wigan Athletic in 2013 and quickly established himself as a vital part of the squad. Over the course of his tenure he has amassed 562 appearances and found the back of the net 144 times – a remarkable tally for a defender – and has captained the side to a league title in 2021, a run to the Europa League final in 2022, as well as winning both the Scottish Cup and the League Cup. His contributions on and off the pitch have earned him a place in the hearts of the Rangers faithful and a reputation as a true club legend.
With five matches remaining in the split section of the season, Rangers sit just one point behind leaders Heart of Midlothian and two points clear of Celtic. The next fixture is a home clash against fourth‑placed Motherwell on Sunday, a game that could prove pivotal in the title race and, potentially, in providing Tavernier with the championship glory he hopes to secure before his departure. When questioned about Tavernier’s future during his pre‑match press conference, Röhl emphasized the emotional weight of the situation. "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.
"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." Röhl went on to reflect on the highs and lows that Tavernier has experienced during his time at Ibrox.
"He saw 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 coach added. The captain’s own comments had taken many by surprise, especially because just two days earlier he 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 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." Röhl stressed the importance of focusing on the remaining fixtures. "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," he said. Injury concerns continue to loom over the squad.
The manager disclosed that left‑back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi are still sidelined, though there is optimism they could return for the final four matches of the campaign. Their availability could prove crucial as Rangers push for the title and aim to give Tavernier the proper send‑off he deserves.
Beyond the immediate title chase, Tavernier’s legacy at Rangers extends into several broader aspects of the club’s identity. His leadership style, characterized by vocal encouragement and a relentless work ethic, has helped shape a younger generation of players who look up to him as a role model.
Off the field, his involvement in community initiatives and his charismatic presence in the dressing room have reinforced the bond between the team and its supporters. The upcoming fixtures will test the squad’s resilience. A win against Motherwell would not only close the gap on Hearts but also create a buffer against Celtic’s inevitable push in the final weeks. A draw or loss could see the title slip away, leaving Tavernier to depart without the coveted league crown.
Such a scenario would be a bittersweet end to an otherwise illustrious spell, yet the manager’s confidence suggests that the team still possesses the quality and determination to clinch the prize. Fans across Scotland and beyond are already imagining the potential celebrations that would follow a victorious final matchday. The image of Tavernier hoisting the Scottish Premiership trophy, surrounded by teammates and a sea of blue, has become a recurring theme in social media discussions and fan forums. It encapsulates the desire for a storybook ending that aligns with the captain’s contributions over more than a decade.
In summary, Danny Röhl’s message is clear: the focus now is on the remaining five games, on maintaining concentration, and on giving James Tavernier the grand farewell he merits. Whether that farewell includes a league title remains to be seen, but the collective ambition of the players, coaching staff, and supporters is to make those final weeks as memorable as possible for a man who has given so much to Rangers. The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the hope for a "beautiful moment" at the season’s close continues to inspire everyone connected with the club.