Rangers have been plunged into mourning following the sudden dying of the membership’s long-serving kitman Jimmy Bell.
The Ibrox aspect confirmed in a press release that Bell, who was within the dug-out at Parkhead on Sunday, handed away by way of the evening.
The 69-year-old had been a fixture at Rangers for nearly 4 many years after succeeding George ‘Doddie’ Soutar.
Bell gained cult standing among the many Rangers supporters and was thought to be a key determine by way of the completely different managerial eras in his time.
Douglas Park stated in a press release: "As a membership, we're completely devastated to be taught of the lack of our colleague and extra importantly, our pricey pal, Jimmy Bell.
“Jimmy devoted his life to Rangers Soccer Membership. Having labored beneath managers from Graeme Souness by way of to Giovanni, he skilled a few of the biggest days in our 150-year historical past. After all, he was right here throughout a few of the lowest factors, and confirmed selfless dedication, whatever the problem forward of him.
“Jimmy’s work ethic was second to none. He devoted numerous hours to preparation for every coaching session and recreation. No job was too huge or too small for him, and he thrived on working for his boyhood membership.
“I spoke with Jimmy frequently, having identified him from his time as a mechanic and bus driver at Park’s. He was excited for Thursday evening’s recreation at Ibrox, notably having skilled a European semi-final earlier than beneath Walter Smith.
“Rangers, and Scottish soccer as a complete, have misplaced a legend and a pal immediately. He was a household man, a faithful father, grandfather and husband. Jimmy might be sorely missed and I ship our heartfelt condolences to the complete Bell household at this troublesome time on behalf of Rangers Soccer Membership.”
Van Bronckhorst knew Bell as a participant and paid tribute to him when he took over the Ibrox hot-seat this season.
Chatting with Rangers TV, he stated: "It’s at all times good to come back into a spot the place you already know some individuals.
“So for me Jimmy Bell is a particular individual as a result of within the first days of my time at Rangers I couldn’t have met such a real Scotsman from the start.
“It was very obscure him however for me he is among the pillars of what the Rangers id is so it’s good to see that Jimmy has been on the membership for a few years and I’m wanting ahead to seeing him once more.
“I’ll in all probability perceive him significantly better than my first time!”
He was a formidable determine across the dressing room and former boss StevenGerrard joked he was “the boss” round Ibrox.
On being requested if they'd proceed to put on a pink shirt the place they'd loved good outcomes, Gerrard stated: “I don’t resolve what equipment we put on however I can drag Jimmy Bell in if you wish to ask him. He's the boss round right here, not me.”
Former Morton star Jim McAlister was appointed final season to help Bell along with his equipment duties and it is understood Bell was was considering retirement on the finish of this season.