Rangers announce death of much-loved kitman Jimmy Bell as Jim White pays tribute

The boyhood Gers fan worked for the club for more than 30 years having worked under managers from Graeme Souness to current boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Bell initially drove the Rangers team buses to matches across the country, before moving on to his role as first-team head of kit.

The popular staff member's death was announced by Rangers on Tuesday morning. He had been in the technical area alongside Van Bronckhorst as Rangers drew 1-1 in the Old Firm derby at Celtic on Sunday.

Chairman Douglas Park told Rangers' website: "As a club, we are absolutely devastated to learn of the loss of our colleague and more importantly, our dear friend, Jimmy Bell.

"Jimmy dedicated his life to Rangers Football Club. Having worked under managers from Graeme Souness through to Giovanni, he experienced some of the greatest days in our 150-year history.

"Of course, he was here during some of the lowest points, and showed selfless dedication, regardless of the challenge ahead of him.

"Jimmy's work ethic was second to none. He dedicated countless hours to preparation for each training session and game. No job was too big or too small for him, and he thrived on working for his boyhood club.

"I spoke with Jimmy regularly, having known him from his time as a mechanic and bus driver at Park's. He was excited for Thursday night's game at Ibrox [against RB Leipzig], particularly having experienced a European semi-final before under Walter Smith.

"Rangers, and Scottish football as a whole, have lost a legend and a friend today. He was a family man, a devoted father, grandfather and husband.

"Jimmy will be sorely missed and I send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Bell family at this difficult time on behalf of Rangers Football Club."

talkSPORT host Jim White delivered an emotional tribute to Bell shortly after the news was announced by Rangers.

Glasgow-born Rangers fan White said: "Rangers are going into Europa League action on Thursday night, the second leg of their semi-final. Ibrox will be jumping, they're up against RB Leipzig a goal down from the first leg.

"But they'll go into this without a man who's been described this morning, quite rightly, as a major servant to the football club, because it's with huge sadness in the last few moments that Rangers have announced the death of their much-loved, legendary kitman Jimmy Bell.

"Jimmy Bell, for those who don't know, is just part of the fabric of the football club. That and move.

"Jimmy served Rangers for over 30 years and had been a friend and confident to numerous generations of players and staff.

"As Rangers say this morning, he's going to be so sadly missed by everybody at the football club.

"A great friend of the players, great character. So many players will mention Jimmy Bell as soon as they talk about their time at Rangers. I'm thinking of people like [Lorenzo] Amoruso.

"I'll tell you who'll be very upset at this news this morning - Paul Gascoigne who was very friendly with Jimmy Bell.

"When the spotlight falls on Rangers on Thursday in a big way, you'd imagine the thoughts of everyone at the club will be with Jimmy Bell and his family.

"When the whistle blows, you'd think Rangers will have a super extra spring in their step, to do something for Jimmy."

He concluded by saying: "He was more than just a kit man."