ALLY MCCOIST has shared his own touching tribute to legendary Rangers kit man Jimmy Bell.
The former Ibrox striker shared a message on Instagram last night after the news of Bell's passing was confirmed by the club.
Bell had worked for Rangers for over 30 years and was a well-liked figure among those inside Ibrox and supporters of the club.
And McCoist hailed "pal" Bell in an emotional message on social media.
It read: "Jimmy, you were there, pal. From Marseille to Manchester, and from Brechin to Berwick.
"Can still see your face after we borrowed your bus at Turnberry before the cup final 😳😳
"You just knew what the club was all about. Standards.
"Sleep well, pal, and tell the auld yin we send our love. X"
A Rangers statement confirmed the news, it 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, commented: “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. He was excited for Thursday night’s game at Ibrox, particularly having experienced a European semi-final before under Walter Smith.
“Rangers, and Scottish football as a whole, have lost a legend and a friend today. He was a family man, a devoted father, grandfather and husband. Jimmy will be sorely missed and I send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Bell family at this difficult time on behalf of Rangers Football Club.”
Rangers have asked all to respect the privacy of the Bell family at this difficult time and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
