Jimmy Bell, the iconic Rangers kit man, died on May 2, 2022, at the age of 69. The club paid homage to Bell, who is revered by supporters as a cult icon and a mainstay at his childhood club.ย According to reports, the deceased suffered from life-threatening health difficulties, causing him to degenerate and damage his internal organs.
The club issued the following statement:
“‘Rangers Football Club is saddened to announce the passing of Jimmy Bell, our much-loved and iconic kit man.” Jimmy, who has been a friend and confidant to many generations of players and staff, will be greatly missed by everybody.”
Jimmy Bell’s legacy
Jimmy Bell dedicated his life to the Rangers Football Club. From Graeme Souness to Giovanni, he worked for many managers. Rangers chairman Douglas Park emphasized Bell’s significance to the club and his consistent presence, saying he had “witnessed some of the finest days in our 150-year existence.” Bell stayed with the club when it was at its lowest point and showed unselfish commitment regardless of the work at hand.
The chairman praised Bell, calling his work ethic “unrivaled.” He said,
“For each training session and game, he put in endless hours of practice and game preparation.” He enjoyed working for his youth club since no project was too large or too minor for him.”
He went on to say,
“Today, Rangers and Scottish football as a whole lost an icon and a friend.” He was a man of the family, a loving father, grandfather, and husband. He will be greatly missed, and on behalf of Rangers Football Club, I extend my sincere sympathies to the whole Bell family during this sad time.”
Following the devastating news, a torrent of tributes from fans flooded in on social media.
Jimmy Bell received several tributes.
๐ Jimmy Bellโs 41 year association with The Rangers.
From joining the club as coach driver and mechanic in 1981 to the dug out alongside the likes of Souness, Smith, McLeish etc.
His standards, traditions and superstitions are the epitome of a Ranger.#AbsentFriends pic.twitter.com/tPGkT4Khqn
โ ๐ ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ๐ฒ๐น (@SeafarerMichael) May 3, 2022
If there is one photo that speaks a thousand words it’s this of Jimmy Bell when the enormity of Rangers winning 55 really hit him…
I for one are glad the man saw it after everything our club was put through!
May you rest in peace good man ๐๐ค๐ pic.twitter.com/d3DsXHrlZM
โ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ ๐พ (@SG68RFC) May 3, 2022
The outpouring of tributes to Bell’s services and long-standing affiliation with the Rangers football team continues to overwhelm social media. Rangers FC has lost one of its icons and friends today, and the news has left everyone saddened. He cared deeply for his family. He lived with his father and grandparents. Everyone who knew him will miss him, and many have conveyed their sympathies to the family.
