Rangers’ Manager Danny Röhl Axes Star and Sticks to Russell Martin Promise;
By Jamie McLeod | Scottish Football Chronicle | October 27, 2025
It has taken just two weeks for new Rangers boss Danny Röhl to make his mark at Ibrox—and his latest decision has stunned both fans and pundits alike.
The German coach has dropped club captain James Tavernier ahead of Rangers’ crucial Premiership clash with Aberdeen, signalling a ruthless commitment to what insiders are calling the “Russell Martin promise.”
Röhl, who took charge earlier this month following Philippe Clement’s departure, made headlines during his unveiling when he pledged to build “a team that plays brave, structured football inspired by the progressive philosophy of Russell Martin.” Now, after a turbulent start that saw Rangers stumble to a 1–1 draw with Dundee, Röhl appears determined to back up his words with actions—no matter how big the name.
According to club sources, Röhl was “visibly unimpressed” by Tavernier’s lack of defensive discipline and hesitation in possession during last weekend’s draw. The 28-year-old full-back, a fan favourite for his attacking flair, is said to have exchanged tense words with Röhl in training after being told he would not start against Aberdeen.
> “We are building a new identity,” Röhl explained at Friday’s press conference. “No player, no matter how experienced, is exempt from that. The badge demands bravery and responsibility with and without the ball. That is the promise I made—to the supporters, to the club, and to myself.”
That “promise” refers to the coaching philosophy Röhl attributes to Southampton boss Russell Martin, whose emphasis on structured possession and unity has earned plaudits south of the border. Röhl reportedly met Martin at a UEFA coaching seminar in 2023, where the two discussed how modern managers could blend tactical discipline with expressive football.
Now, Röhl is putting those ideas into practice in Glasgow. Tavernier’s place will be taken by 18-year-old right-back Ben McAllister, a homegrown talent known for his composure on the ball and positional intelligence—qualities Röhl has praised as “the future of this club.”
The decision has sparked fierce debate among the Ibrox faithful. On social media, supporters are split between admiration and outrage. One fan wrote, “Finally someone brave enough to shake things up!”* while another posted, “Dropping Tav before Aberdeen? Madness.”
Former Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson gave a more measured response on BBC Sport:
> “Röhl’s showing real authority here. It’s a message to the dressing room—play his way or don’t play at all. That’s how great rebuilds start.”
Whether Röhl’s bold gamble pays off remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—the new man at Rangers isn’t afraid of making enemies if it means keeping his promise to deliver a new era of fearless football at Ibrox.