Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 12:42 pm

Jimmy Bell has died suddenly at the age of 57, Rangers reported in a statement on official channels. Bell had been working for the Glasgow club for over thirty years. Several former players and former trainers react shocked and devastated to the news, including former Rangers player Ronald de Boer.

“Jimmy, who has served the club for over thirty years and has been a friend and confidant to generations of players and staff, will be terribly missed by everyone at Rangers Football Club,” the Scottish club said. Bell started out at Rangers as a bus driver, but soon took on the role of chief equipment man. In that position, Bell worked with many famous players and coaches over the years. Bell was still on the bench on Sunday for the Old Firm against Celtic (1-1), as part of the staff of Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Rangers chairman Douglas Park is devastated by the news. “As a club we are absolutely devastated to hear of the loss of our colleague and, most importantly, our dear friend Jimmy Bell. Jimmy devoted his life to Rangers Football Club. He worked under managers from Graeme Souness to Giovanni van Bronckhorst and had some of the best times in our 150-year history.”

“Jimmy’s work ethic was second to none. He spent countless hours preparing for every practice and every game. No job was too big or too small for him, and he enjoyed working for his favorite club,” Park concludes. Ronald de Boer also worked with Bell and was shocked by the news. “It is with great sadness that the news that Jimmy Bell has passed away has also reached me. You will be missed Jimmy. The best kitman in the world. RIP.”