Danny Rohl's 'strong message' signalled major Rangers exit says ex-boss as management return 'speeds up'

The 34-year-old skipper confirmed he is to leave Rangers at the end of the season after an 11-year stay at Ibrox last week, where he has won every domestic trophy, and became British football's highest scoring defender in the process, netting 144 goals in 562 appearances for the club.

The last manager to lead Rangers to a title in the 2020/21 season, Gerrard originally appointed Tavernier as captain at Ibrox, with the pair working closely together throughout his three-year reign in Govan. However, the former Liverpool icon confesses he isn’t surprised by Tavernier’s impending departure.

“Not surprised was my initial reaction,” Gerrard exclusively told the Rangers Review. “When you're coming to that stage of your career, I’ve been there myself as a player, you're not an automatic choice. There's probably been a couple of managers now, not just Danny Rohl, but even under Russell [Martin], where James is not maybe first choice, they've gone into the recruitment market and tried to replace him. I think that sends a strong message to James to start thinking about the future, if you like.

“I have also read a little bit around it as well, and I don't think there's ever a perfect time. It's a bit similar to the [Mo] Salah situation, where you go too early and people say ‘you could have waited until the end of the season’ and then you wait until five or six games to go, and people say ‘the timing is not great’. There's never a great time.

“I still think James has got plenty of football in him, but he'll know that there's a finishing line at the end. I think in terms of the family, it's almost a weight and a burden. They can feel they're getting a bit closer and that they're going to be getting a bit more time with you. What I would say is, the service he's given Rangers, the service he's given Scottish football, I think he deserves to go on his terms this time, and I wish him nothing but the best. Obviously, I've got a personal relationship with him, and I wish him well.”

Meanwhile, the former Light Blues boss’ return to management is said to be ‘speeding up’ with two clubs understood to be considering appointing him this summer. Gerrard, who departed Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq in January 2025, is understood to be a leading contender to replace Scott Parker at Burnley, if the Turf Moor club opt to sack him following relegation from the English Premier League. Bristol City are also keeping tabs on his situation as they search for Roy Hodgson’s successor.

It appears Burnley are the side leading the chase for Gerrard though, with Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri claiming talks are “speeding up” between the two camps. While current head coach Parker remains in his position, reports say his future is uncertain after winning just four of his last 34 league games, with discussions ongoing regarding an amicable parting. The former Fulham head coach has just one year remaining on his contract.

Sign up to The Scotsman’s daily football newsletter to get unrivalled Scottish football news and analysis - subscribe for free here.