Full Breakdown
Rangers’ 2025-26 Season: Title Miss, Tavernier Fallout and the Future of Danny Rohl
5/18/2026, 10:32:56 PM
Season Summary and Key Statistics
Rangers finished the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership in third place with 72 points, eight behind Hearts and ten behind Celtic. This continued a four-year decline from 92 points in 2021-22 to 72 this season. Under Danny Rohl the side recorded a 40-22-7 record (55 % win rate) but managed only one win in five matches after the split, with defeats to Motherwell, Hearts, Celtic and Hibernian. The result left Rangers without a Champions League berth.
The Tavernier Incident
Before the home match against Hibernian, Rohl left long-serving captain James Tavernier on the bench. Tavernier responded by withdrawing from the squad, prompting a public dispute. Chairman Andrew Cavenagh called the episode “water under the bridge” but admitted it should have been handled internally. The incident sparked petitions and vocal criticism from supporters who question Rohl’s judgment.
Official Statements & Club Response
Cavenagh said the season was a failure because the club did not win a title despite heavy spending. He said the club’s immediate priority is recruitment and fostering a winning mentality. Rohl promised to return with renewed energy and to improve his managerial performance. Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness warned that missing European revenue will force prudent transfer business and a need to boost commercial income.
Criticism & Opposition
Supporters have launched petitions demanding Rohl’s dismissal. Daily Record columnist Sutton wrote that “a lot of the Rangers support won’t like Danny Rohl for the James Tavernier situation.” Other commentators have described the post-split run as “embarrassing” and argued that Rangers need “players that know how to win games of football in Scotland.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Cavenagh publicly affirmed his support for Rohl, yet multiple reports indicate the chairman and the 49ers Enterprises will review the manager’s position before the next transfer window. Rohl’s own X post stating “Manager thing needs clearing up soon” signals uncertainty. No definitive board decision has been announced, leaving his future ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You either win a title or you don't.” — Andrew Cavenagh, Rangers chairman
- “I will be a better manager than before.” — Danny Rohl, Rangers manager
- “But that’s where I also want to say a couple of things on behalf of the club that are really important. When you are asked to pull on a Rangers jersey, you pull it on. No questions asked.” — Andrew Cavenagh
What’s Next
The board will meet in early summer to decide if Rohl stays for 2026-27. The club has named recruitment and a shift in squad mentality as immediate priorities, noting financial constraints from missing Champions League revenue. Media speculation mentions Derek McInnes of Hearts as a possible replacement, suggesting any decision will balance on-field performance with long-term financial sustainability.
