James Tavernier on how Rangers legend Jimmy Bell kept him in check as he admits Ibrox life will never be the same

For someone who filled such a huge space in the hearts of those lucky enough to grace the inside the Ibrox dressing room, it will be the small things that are missed most in the weeks to come as Rangers face up to Jimmy Bell’s sudden loss.

For James Tavernier, it will be the little battles he had to face anytime he wanted to break the legendary kitman’s strict superstition when it came the armband worn by the Rangers captain.

If the Light Blues won, the bold Jimmy would insist the skipper kept the same one on for the following week’s game.

Tavernier was happy to go along with Bell’s good luck charm - so long as the armband wasn’t looking to grubby. If not, he’d grit his teeth and hope to survive the inevitable verbal onslaught for daring to tempt fate.

Legend has it that such an arm wrestle played out ahead of last season’s League Cup clash at St Mirren when the skipper asked for a new strap to go along with the retro kit Gers would be wearing for the first time that December night.

The full-back got his wish but Bell’s fears proved prophetic as Gers crashed out to a last winner winner, with hopes of a treble to go along with their unbeaten league campaign popped in Paisley.

Bell didn’t hold grudges, though - certainly not with the players he grew so close to over 30 years inside Ibrox inner sanctum - and continued his other tradition of making sure he was the man to place the armband round Tavernier’s bicep in the final moments before kick-off right up until what turned out to be his final match at Celtic Park on Sunday.

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