Airdrie assistant manager Scott Agnew admits he was stunned to hear of former Rangers colleague Jimmy Bell's passing prior to their Championship play-off semi-final match with Montrose.
Tributes have been pouring in for the kitman from Wishaw, who was around the Ibrox club for decades, and worked with the Premiership champions as recently as Sunday's 1-1 draw with Celtic.
Diamonds boss Ian Murray and midfielder Agnew, plus striker Calum Gallagher and versatile player Rhys McCabe, were all at Rangers during the time Bell worked there.
The 34-year-old says it wasn't the news they expected to be told prior to action on Wednesday night.
He said: "It was a long time ago for me. But he was around the club when I was a youth player so it was a sad day.
"I was shocked more than anything. He was in the dugout at the weekend so it's a surprise for everyone."
Montrose prevailed 1-0 in their first leg match at Links Park, Craig Johnston scoring early on after a defensive mishap by left-back Brody Paterson and goalkeeper Max Currie.
Airdrie also had an array of attacking chances but a mixture of poor finishing and decision making let them down in and around Montrose's box.
A huge second leg now awaits Murray's men on Saturday at New Broomfield and Agnew knows the tie is far from done.
Murray's number two said: "We still have 90 minutes to play on Saturday. In the second half we were on top but we just weren't clinical in the final third.
"Our decision making in that area was poor. It's not like us and we will look to put that right on Saturday. But the tie is very much alive.
"We will be full of confidence for the match and we will be ready. This one is done and I am already looking forward towards Saturday. The boys will be ok."
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