Tributes have been pouring in from Rangers players past and present following the shock news of the sudden death of legendary kitman Jimmy Bell.
The Ibrox club said this morning they were "devastated" to announce the death of Jimmy, who has served the club for over 30 years and who had been "a friend and confidant to numerous generations of players and staff".
They added that Bell, who had worked under more than 10 managers at Ibrox from Graeme Souness through to Giovanni van Bronckhorst, will be "so sadly missed by everyone at the Rangers Football Club".
Rangers Chairman Douglas Park led the tributes, saying that Jimmy had "dedicated his life to Rangers Football Club" and was someone who had "experienced some of the greatest days in our 150-year history".
"He was a family man, a devoted father, grandfather and husband," he added.
Taking to Instagram to post an emotional tribute to Jimmy, current Gers boss van Bronckhorst wrote: "I am devastated to learn of the sad passing of my friend and colleague, Jimmy Bell. I had a special relationship, I loved being around him, both as a player and subsequently as manager.
Read more: Rangers kitman Jimmy Bell's death 'devastates' Ibrox as club mourns loss of 'dear friend'
"He was a hard working, dedicated and selfless Ranger, who epitomised everything this great club stands for. He will be sorely missed by everyone at Rangers. I send my thoughts and prayers to the Bell family at this difficult time."
His former teammate at Ibrox Arthur Numan commented below: "You’ll be missed big man. R.I.P. Jimmy."
Ex-Gers star Ronald de Boer joined them, posting a photo with Bell and van Bronckhorst in the Rangers dressing room with the words: "RIP Jimmy Bell".
De Boer’s former team-mate Maurice Ross penned his own tribute, writing: “A misunderstood man. Had the heart the size of a house. Behind the hard exterior was a warm and gentle soul. Love his job and the Rangers. Undoubtedly the most prepared and thorough kit man to have walked the earth. Heartbreaking news. Love ya Jimmy.”
Nacho Novo took to Instagram following news of Bell's death, writing: "I can’t believe the sad news this morning. RIP jimmy."
Also paying tribute was former Gers boss Steven Gerrard, who posted "RIP Jimmy" on Instagram above a pic of Jimmy in the Rangers dressing room.
And ex-Rangers coach Michael Beale tweeted a photo with Bell following Rangers' title success last year with the caption: "My friend. Heartbroken. It was amazing to live this moment with you and see how happy you were the club meant the world to you - the stories, the memories you shared with everyone. Rip Jimmy Bell x"
Current Rangers players also paid tribute, with club captain James Tavernier writing: "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 be remembered, He will always be with us, We will never ever forget him!"
"I’m truly going to miss you! Rest In Peace My Friend. I want to send my condolences and love to the Bell family."
Joining him was defender Connor Goldson, who posted: "Nobody outside of our club will ever understand how much you epitomised Rangers. From the moment you walk through the doors, whether it be a as a player or a member of staff, you reminded every person of the standards required. You truly touched me and you will never be forgotten. I’ll never think of Rangers without thinking of you. RIP my friend."
Midfielder Steven Davis wrote: "You epitomised everything that it meant to be a part of our club, knew the standards required and set them everyday in everything you did. The memories of your dedication, humour and service to Rangers will never be forgotten.. so big was your impact on everyone who walked through the clubs doors, but that doesn’t make it any easier to lose another icon of this football club after Walter. You’ll be forever missed. A true Rangers legend. Rest easy mate."
And Striker Fashion Sakala wrote: "GOD BLESS. REST IN PEACE JIMMY. It’s hard to say our best moment together because everyday with you was special and from the first day I arrived you gave me your friendship that I will never forget,I will forever be grateful to you.
"I’m regretting for not finishing that bottle of Coca Cola you gave me on Sunday after game because I never knew that was the last thing you would give me before answering the call of God. To score the last Rangers goal before you passed away makes that even more special. I am so sorry you’re gone."
