Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst leads tributes to kitman Jimmy Bell

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has led the tributes to Jimmy Bell, describing the long-serving kitman as a “selfless Ranger, who epitomised everything this great club stands for”.

The popular staff member’s death, aged 69, was announced by the Ibrox club on Tuesday morning. Bell had been in the technical area alongside Van Bronckhorst as Rangers drew 1-1 away to city rivals Celtic on Sunday.

“I am devastated to learn of the sad passing of my friend and colleague, Jimmy Bell,” the Rangers boss wrote in a poignant Instagram post.

“I had a special relationship, I loved being around him, both as a player and subsequently as manager.

“I send my thoughts and prayers to the Bell family at this difficult time.”

Van Bronckhorst’s fellow Dutchman and former Rangers team-mate Arthur Numan replied: “You’ll be missed big man. R.I.P. Jimmy.”

Bell, a boyhood Rangers fan, worked with the Ibrox club for more than 30 years. A former employee of private coach hire organisation Park’s of Hamilton, he initially drove the Rangers team buses to matches across the country, before moving on to his role as first-team head of kit.

Former Ibrox manager Steven Gerrard posted a message saying “RIP Jimmy”, alongside the prayer emoji, on his Instagram story.

Rangers players also took to social media to pay their respects.

Captain James Tavernier described him as “the beating heart and soul” of Ibrox. He posted: “Jimmy Bell. Although he was officially a “kitman”. He was much much more than that. Few people are synonymous with a football club in the modern day era.

“He was at Ibrox for longer than I have been alive. The beating heart and soul of our club, The hardest worker, The most dedicated, He was Rangers through and through. He will always