Danny Röhl has expressed a heartfelt wish that James Tavernier, the long‑standing captain of Rangers, should cap off his tenure at the club with a truly memorable moment – hoisting the Scottish Premiership trophy one final time. The 34‑year‑old right‑back made it public on Wednesday that he will be departing Ibrox after an eleven‑year spell, a decision that has sent ripples through the Scottish football community.
Tavernier’s journey with Rangers began when he arrived from Wigan Athletic. Over the course of his stay he has become a prolific figure, not just for his defensive duties but also for his remarkable goal‑scoring record. In total, he has found the back of the net 144 times across 562 appearances – a staggering tally for a defender – and has been instrumental in a period of sustained success for the club.
His leadership helped steer Rangers to the Scottish Premiership crown in 2021, followed by a run to the Europa League final in 2022. In addition to those achievements, he has also collected both the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup, cementing his status as one of the most decorated players in the modern era of the club. As the season draws to a close, Rangers find themselves in a tightly contested title race. With five matches remaining after the league split, the Glasgow side sit just one point behind league leaders Heart of Midlothian and two points ahead of their historic rivals Celtic.
Their next fixture is a home clash against Motherwell, who currently occupy fourth place. The outcome of these remaining games will be crucial in determining whether Rangers can clinch the championship and provide Tavernier with the "beautiful moment" Röhl envisions.
During his pre‑match press conference, Röhl addressed the significance of Tavernier’s impending departure. He described the situation as "a big one, big news for you, for us, for the club, for the fans, for all of them." He went on to praise the captain’s influence both on and off the pitch, noting that since Röhl’s arrival, Tavernier has consistently demonstrated strong leadership. "He's a legend of the club and has made an amazing career here," the German manager said, underscoring the deep respect he holds for the player.
Röhl highlighted the emotional weight of the moment, stating, "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, there should also be a big goodbye, and the biggest goodbye would be going with a title." These words reflect a desire for a fitting send‑off that matches Tavernier’s contributions over more than a decade. The captain’s own statements have added an extra layer of intrigue.
Just two days prior, Tavernier had indicated in media interviews that he was comfortable waiting until the summer to make a final decision about his future. His sudden announcement caught some observers off guard, prompting questions about whether the club might have tried to retain him for another year. When asked if he would have preferred Tavernier to stay, Röhl responded, "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 went public. It was very fair from him." Röhl also emphasized the importance of focusing on the immediate task at hand. "He spoke to the group and I think the most important thing now is you have 21 days left.
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," the manager said. His comments suggest that the team’s priority is to maintain concentration on the remaining fixtures, aiming to secure the title and give Tavernier the celebratory exit he deserves. Injury concerns continue to loom over the squad, with left‑back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi both listed as doubtful for upcoming matches.
Röhl hinted that both players could return for the final four games if they recover in time, adding another variable to the title chase. Beyond the immediate footballing narrative, the broader context of Tavernier’s legacy is worth noting.
His tenure at Rangers coincided with a period of resurgence for the club, both domestically and in European competition. The 2021 league triumph ended a decade-long drought, while the subsequent Europa League final appearance in 2022 marked the first time a Scottish side had reached that stage in the competition since the early 2000s. Tavernier’s contributions on set‑pieces, his tireless work rate, and his charismatic leadership have made him a fan favourite and a role model for younger players.
Looking ahead, the final stretch of the season promises high drama. If Rangers can maintain their form and secure the championship, it will not only provide a fitting farewell for Tavernier but also reinforce the club’s ambition to re‑establish itself at the summit of Scottish football.
Conversely, if the title slips away, the narrative will shift to reflecting on the achievements already secured and the lasting impact Tavernier has had on the club’s identity. In summary, Danny Röhl’s wish for a "beautiful moment" encapsulates the desire for a storybook ending to a remarkable chapter in Rangers’ history. With the league title within reach, the next few matches will determine whether the captain’s final act will be crowned with silverware, allowing both player and supporters to celebrate a fitting tribute to a true club legend.