Jimmy Bell dies aged 69 as Rangers kitman passes away suddenly and tributes flood in for Ibrox legend

REVERED Rangers kit man Jimmy Bell has died suddenly at the age of 69.

Bell has been a key part of the Ibrox backroom team ever since joining the Ibrox club shortly before the arrival of Graeme Souness in 1986.

Joining initially as the club's bus driver, he moved onto the kitman role and worked under ELEVEN Rangers managers.

Current boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst greeted him warmly on his arrival as he remembered him from his playing days.

Working right up to Sunday's Old Firm match, the fans' favourite wielded power behind the scenes at the Ibrox club.

A Rangers statement read: "Rangers Football Club are today devastated to announce the death of our much-loved, legendary kit man, Jimmy Bell.

"Jimmy, who has served the club for over 30 years and been a friend and confidant to numerous generations of players and staff, will be so sadly missed by everyone at the Rangers Football Club.

"A former employee of Parks’ of Hamilton, Jimmy initially drove the Rangers team buses to matches across the country, before moving on to his current role as First Team Head of Kit."

Rangers chairman Douglas Park said: “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.