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 hoisting 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‑long partnership that began when he was signed from Wigan Athletic.
During his time in Glasgow, Tavernier has become one of the most prolific defenders in Scottish football history. He has found the back of the net 144 times in 562 appearances, a remarkable tally for a full‑back, and has been instrumental in many of the club’s recent successes.
Under his captaincy Rangers secured the league title in 2021, reached the Europa League final the following year, and added both the Scottish Cup and the League Cup to their trophy cabinet. His leadership on and off the pitch has earned him a place in the hearts of the Rangers faithful and a reputation as a modern club legend. With five matches remaining after the league split, Rangers sit just one point behind league leaders Hearts and enjoy a two‑point cushion over arch‑rivals Celtic.
The next fixture is a home game against fourth‑placed Motherwell on Sunday, a match that could prove decisive in the title chase. When questioned about Tavernier’s impending departure at his pre‑match press conference, Röhl spoke with a mixture of admiration and wistfulness. "It’s a huge piece of news for you, for us, for the club, for the fans – for everyone involved," Röhl said. "Since I arrived, James has been a fantastic captain.
He leads the squad both on the field and off it. He is a true legend of this club and has built an extraordinary career here." Röhl went on to reflect on the highs and lows that Tavernier has experienced during his tenure. "He has seen the best moments and also some of the tougher times.
My hope is that, at the end of the season, he can enjoy another beautiful moment – a title win that would serve as the perfect farewell," the German manager explained. "When a player of his stature leaves, the goodbye should be as grand as his contributions, and winning the league would be the ultimate send‑off." The statement from Röhl arrived just two days after Tavernier 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 the captain to stay another year if the choice were entirely his, Röhl replied, "That’s not the question right now. He has made his decision, and we respect it." He added, "We were very transparent about the process from the start.
We said that when the timing felt right, we would discuss his future. He gave me the information before it was made public, which was very fair of him. He has spoken to the squad, and the most important thing now is that we have 21 days left." Röhl emphasized the need for focus in the final stretch.
"We have five games left. Concentrate on those matches, and then you will give James the incredible farewell he deserves.
That is all that matters to me, to the coaching staff, and to the players – staying present and giving everything we have in each game." Injury concerns also feature in the pre‑match briefing. Röhl revealed that left‑back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi are still sidelined, though there is optimism that they could return for the last four fixtures if their recoveries go well.
Their potential comeback adds another layer of intrigue to the title race, as Rangers will need depth and quality to sustain their push against Hearts and Celtic. The broader context of the Scottish Premiership this season has been one of fierce competition. Hearts have led for much of the campaign, but Rangers have stayed within touching distance, thanks in part to Tavernier’s leadership and his knack for scoring crucial goals.
Celtic, traditionally a dominant force, have found themselves in a battle for second place, making every remaining match a potential six‑pointer. Fans across Glasgow are already planning how they will celebrate a possible title win and honor Tavernier’s legacy. From banner displays at Ibrox to social media tributes, the anticipation is palpable.
Many supporters hope that the final home game will be a fitting stage for a farewell ceremony, perhaps with a special presentation of the league trophy to the captain who has given so much to the club. Röhl’s comments also highlight the emotional dimension of football beyond the tactical and physical aspects.
A captain’s departure can mark the end of an era, and a championship win can serve as a narrative closure that resonates with supporters for years to come. In this sense, the pursuit of the league title is not just about silverware; it is about providing a storybook ending to a distinguished career.
As the season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Rangers, Hearts, and Celtic. The outcome will determine whether James Tavernier’s final chapter in Scottish football is written with a trophy in his hands. Regardless of the result, his impact on the club will be remembered long after he steps away from the pitch, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Rangers players. For those following the action, the Scottish Premiership can be streamed live via NOW and Sky Sports, ensuring fans worldwide can witness the drama unfold and possibly see Tavernier lift the trophy one last time before his departure.