Röhl: Title Glory Would Be Perfect Farewell for Rangers Legend Tavernier

Rangers manager Danny Röhl has expressed his hope that departing captain James Tavernier can crown his 11-year Ibrox career with a Scottish Premiership title, calling it the "beautiful moment" he deserves.

The 34-year-old right-back shocked the Scottish football world on Wednesday by announcing he will leave the club this summer, just two days after stating he was content to wait before making a decision. Tavernier, who arrived from Wigan Athletic in 2015, has scored 144 goals in 562 appearances — a remarkable tally for a defender — and led Rangers to the 2021 league title, the 2022 Europa League final, and domestic cup successes.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's home clash with Motherwell, Röhl paid tribute to his captain's legacy.

"It's big news for everyone — for you, for us, for the club, for the fans," Röhl said. "Since I've been here, he has been an excellent captain, leading the group on and off the pitch. He's a legend of the club and has had an amazing career. He has seen the good moments and also some not-so-good moments, and hopefully, at the end of the season, he can experience another beautiful moment."

With five post-split fixtures remaining, Rangers sit one point behind leaders Hearts and two ahead of Celtic, keeping the title race wide open. Röhl emphasised that the focus must now be on the final games.

"For big players, a big goodbye is fitting, and the biggest goodbye would be leaving with a title," he said. "We have 21 days to go, five games. Focus on these five, and then he can have the incredible farewell he deserves. That's all that matters now."

Tavernier informed Röhl of his decision before the public announcement, a move the German coach described as "very fair." When asked if he would have preferred Tavernier to stay another year, Röhl declined to speculate.

"He made the final decision. We were clear on our process: when the time was right, we would talk. He spoke to the group, and now the most important thing is the football," Röhl added.

Rangers will be without left-back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi for the Motherwell match due to injury, though both could return for the final four games.

Tavernier's departure marks the end of an era for Rangers. His goal-scoring exploits from right-back have been unprecedented, and his leadership during the club's revival under Steven Gerrard — and subsequent challenges — has been pivotal. Now, with the title race going down to the wire, Röhl is determined to ensure Tavernier's final chapter is a triumphant one.

Key Takeaways

• Tavernier's exit: The 34-year-old captain will leave Rangers after 11 years, with 144 goals in 562 games.
• Title race: Rangers are one point behind Hearts with five games left; Celtic trail by two.
• Röhl's tribute: The manager described Tavernier as a "legend" and hopes he can lift the Premiership trophy as a farewell.
• Injury update: Rommens and Naderi miss Sunday's game; could return for final four matches.

Source: Sky Sports