Funeral cortege will give Rangers kitman one final trip past Ibrox

Rangers kitman Jimmy Bell will make a final trip to his beloved Ibrox as his funeral cortege passes the stadium.

Lifelong supporter Bell died earlier this month at the age of 69.

He had worked for the Ibrox club for more than 30 years.

Rangers have announced a private funeral service will take place at Wellington Church in Glasgow at 10am on Friday.

Supporters will then have the chance to say their final farewell as the cortege passes Ibrox at midday.

A club statement said: “Rangers can today confirm funeral details for our much-loved kitman, Jimmy Bell.

“A private service will take place at Wellington Church, Glasgow at 10am on Friday.

“The funeral cortege will then pass Ibrox at noon, with supporters invited there to pay their final respects.”

Bell initially drove the Rangers team buses to matches across the country, before moving on to his role as first-team head of kit.

After his death was announced, Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst said: “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. I send my thoughts and prayers to the Bell family at this difficult time.”

A minute’s silence was held before the club’s Europa League semi-final clash against RB Leipzig.

A wreath was also laid outside the stadium by the management and players.

Bell had his name included in the embroidery of the club badge for a league meeting against Dundee United, while James Tavernier’s captain’s armband also featured the late kitman’s name.

A special commemorative programme was also produced ahead of the game.

Jimmy Bell.