A Wishaw charity champion has paid tribute to beloved Rangers kitman, Jimmy Bell, who he says was always on hand to help his foundation out.
Les Hoey spoke warmly of the legendary Jimmy, who lived in Wishaw, and thanked him for assisting his DreamMaker Foundation, which helps children with life-limiting illnesses, on many occasions down the years.
Les said: “It was a big shock when I heard the news, as I had been speaking to Jimmy’s wife over the weekend.
“He was so good to our charity over the years. Whenever one of our kids asked for a signed shirt, goalie gloves or a pair of boots, Jimmy was always on hand to help us out.
“A lot of people didn’t see that side of him but he was always great with us.
“I know one woman in Wishaw who asked me to get in touch with Rangers to try and organise a signed shirt for a relative who had been diagnosed with cancer.
“I told her to speak to Jimmy and within a week he appeared with a shirt signed by the players.
“He will be sadly missed and my thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Former and current stars of the Ibrox club have paid tribute to Jimmy after his sudden death at the age of 69 was announced on Tuesday.
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst wrote on Instagram: “ 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.
“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.”
Club captain James Tavernier wrote: “Although he was officially a “kitman”, he was 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 forget him!.
“I’m truly going to mis you! Rest In Peace my friend.”
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