Danny Röhl has expressed a heartfelt wish that James Tavernier, the long‑standing captain of Rangers, should cap off his eleven‑year spell at the club by lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy one final time. The 34‑year‑old right‑back made it clear on Wednesday that he will be departing the Glasgow side at the end of the current season, bringing to a close a decade‑long association that began when he was signed from Wigan Athletic.
During his tenure, Tavernier has become one of the most prolific and celebrated figures in Rangers' modern history. He has amassed 144 goals in 562 appearances, a remarkable tally for a defender, and has been instrumental in guiding the Ibrox outfit to a league title in 2021. The following season, he helped the team reach the UEFA Europa League final, a feat that underscored his influence both domestically and on the European stage.
In addition to the league crown, he has also collected the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup, adding further silverware to his impressive résumé. With five matches remaining in the split‑section of the season, Rangers find themselves perched just one point behind league leaders Hearts and two points clear of their arch‑rivals Celtic. The next fixture, a home encounter against fourth‑placed Motherwell on Sunday, will be crucial in determining whether the title can still be seized before the season concludes. When questioned about Tavernier’s impending exit during his pre‑match press conference, Röhl emphasized the magnitude of the moment for everyone involved.
"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." Röhl went on to reflect on the highs and lows that Tavernier has experienced throughout his Rangers career. "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 also have a big goodbye, and the biggest goodbye would be going with a title," the coach explained. His comments underscored the desire for a storybook ending – a championship that would allow Tavernier to walk away with the ultimate accolade.
The captain’s own statement about his departure surprised many, especially as it came just two days after he had told the media that he was comfortable waiting until the summer to decide his future. When asked whether he would have preferred Tavernier to stay another year if the decision 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 went public. 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 now is 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.
In addition to the title race, the manager disclosed injury updates that could affect the squad’s final push. Left‑back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi are both sidelined due to injuries, but there is optimism that they might return for the last four matches of the campaign, providing a boost to the team's depth.
The broader context of Rangers' season adds weight to Röhl’s comments. After a period of rebuilding and strategic signings, the club has re‑established itself as a genuine contender for Scottish football’s top honours. Tavernier’s leadership has been pivotal in fostering a resilient mentality within the dressing room, especially during periods of intense competition with Hearts and Celtic.
His ability to contribute offensively, evidenced by his impressive goal tally, has also given Rangers an extra dimension that few defenders possess. Fans across Glasgow have been vocal in their support for the captain, with many expressing a desire to see him lift the league trophy one last time. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes, highlighting memorable moments such as his decisive goals, his composure in high‑pressure situations, and his charitable work off the pitch. The emotional connection between Tavernier and the Rangers faithful is evident, making the prospect of a title‑winning farewell all the more poignant.
From a tactical standpoint, Röhl has indicated that the team will aim to play to Tavernier’s strengths in the remaining games. This could involve allowing him to make overlapping runs, take set‑pieces, and continue to be a vocal presence in organizing the defence. By doing so, the manager hopes to maximize the captain’s impact while also giving younger players a chance to step up and support the title charge. Should Rangers succeed in clinching the Premiership, it would not only provide a fairy‑tale ending for Tavernier but also cement the season as one of the most successful in recent club history.
A championship would represent a fitting tribute to a player who has given so much to the team, its supporters, and Scottish football at large. Regardless of the outcome, Röhl’s message is clear: the focus now is on the remaining fixtures, the collective effort of the squad, and ensuring that James Tavernier receives the send‑off he truly deserves. The next few weeks will be a test of character for both the captain and the club, as they strive to turn ambition into tangible silverware before the final whistle of the season blows. For those wanting to follow the action, the Scottish Premiership will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and fans can also stream matches via the NOW platform.
The excitement continues to build as Rangers aim to finish the campaign on a high note, honoring a player whose legacy will endure long after his final appearance on the pitch.