Ronald de Boer in Jimmy Bell Double Dutch exchange as Rangers hero insists iconic kitman was one of a kind

It didn’t take long for Ronald de Boer’s first encounter with Jimmy Bell to take a wrong turn as the conversation got itself lost in translation.

But by the time the Dutch great had developed a common language with Rangers’ legendary kitman, they were able to communicate on a level that would survive the test of time.

So much so that when the former Ajax and Barcelona ace returned to Ibrox just five weeks ago for the legends match marking the club’s 150th anniversary, Bell was the first figure he sought out for a hug.

Nearly two decades had passed since de Boer departed Glasgow but the bond developed during his four-year spell at Ibrox remained as strong as ever.

But that was not unique, as illustrated by the outpouring of shock, sadness and grief as the stunning news broke on Tuesday morning that Bell had passed away aged 69.

Members of Gio van Bronckhorst’s current Ibrox crop joined stars from yesteryear in rushing to pay tribute to a man they claimed embodied everything the club represented.

De Boer was among those left reeling by the news but through the anguish he was able to raise a smile as he remembered a man he dubbed “the best kitman in the world”.

“I spoke with Dave Vos, Gio’s assistant, and he told me the sad news about Jimmy’s passing,” the former Holland attacker told Record Sport.

“It was such a shock to hear that awful news. I remember telling Dave when he agreed to join the club that he would meet the great Jimmy Bell.

“I remember the first impression he had on me when I joined Rangers myself. At that time my English was OK but the Scottish accent was not so easy to deal with.

“On my first day after signing from Barcelona I had to go to Jimmy and ask for some tracksuits. I went to his room and said,