Rangers fans say farewell to kitman Jimmy Bell as funeral cortege passes Ibrox

Rangers fans lined the streets around Ibrox on Friday to pay their respects to former kitman Jimmy Bell.

The funeral cortege made its way through Govan after a private service for Bell, who passed away aged 69 on May 3.

A private funeral took place at Wellington Church, Glasgow at 10am.

The order of service at the funeral on Friday. SNS Group

Fans have decorated Ibrox in tribute. STV News

Former and current players for the Ibrox club, including Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Richard Gough, Kenny Miller, and Alfredo Morelos, paid their respects during the private ceremony.

Supporters were invited to pay their respects when the cortège passed Ibrox at midday.

Rangers' players and management have been paying their respects to Bell. — Rangers’ players and management have been paying their respects to Bell. SNS Group

Richard Gough is among the ex players to attend the funeral. SNS Group

Jimmy Bell worked for the Ibrox club for more than 30 years, first as a bus driver and before taking up his role as head of kit.

Tributes flooded in from players, fans, and the wider community following the death of Bell, who had been on the touchline at Celtic Park in the final Old Firm contest of the season two days before his death.

The hearse will pass at Ibrox at 12pm on Friday. SNS Group

Jimmy Bell passed away on May 3, aged 69. STV News

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst told how he would be “sorely missed” by everyone one connected to the club.

He 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.

“He was a hardworking, 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.”

Chairman Douglas Park paid tribute to a “dear friend and legend,” in an emotional statement.

He said: “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.”