Danny Röhl says he wants captain James Tavernier to end his Rangers career with the ‘beautiful moment’ of lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy.
The 34-year-old right-back confirmed on Wednesday he will leave the club this summer after 11 years at Ibrox. Signed from Wigan, Tavernier has scored 144 goals in 562 appearances, captained Rangers to the 2021 Premiership title and the 2022 Europa League final, and also won the Scottish Cup and League Cup during his time at the club.
With five post-split fixtures remaining, Rangers sit one point behind leaders Hearts and two ahead of Celtic as they prepare to host fourth-placed Motherwell on Sunday.
Asked about Tavernier at his pre-match press conference, Röhl called the news significant for everyone connected to the club and praised the captain’s influence. He said Tavernier has led the group on and off the pitch, is a club legend and has had an exceptional career at Rangers. Röhl added that after so many highs and lows, he hopes Tavernier can experience a special finale this season, and that a title would be the fitting farewell for such a big player.
On whether he would have liked Tavernier to stay an extra year, Röhl said that decision is not for discussion now. He explained the player made the final call, that the club’s process was clear, and that Tavernier had been fair in informing him before the announcement and in speaking to the squad. Röhl urged focus on the remaining five fixtures so the team can give the captain the send-off he deserves.
Röhl also confirmed left-back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi will miss the upcoming game through injury but could be available for the club’s final four matches.