Memorial service planned at Wellington Church for Rangers legend Jimmy Bell

A memorial service is to take place following the death of Rangers legend Jimmy Bell.

The Ibrox side confirmed Bell, who had been with the club for more than 30 years as a bus driver and later head of kit, had passed away aged 69 on May 3.

Rangers have announced that a private funeral will take place at Wellington Church, Glasgow, at 10am on Friday, May 20.

Supporters have been invited to pay their respects when the cortège passes Ibrox at 12pm on the same day.

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 12noon, with supporters invited there to pay their final respects. pic.twitter.com/Rrogb25yjC
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 16, 2022

Tributes flooded in following the death of Bell, who had been on the touchline at Celtic Park to see Rangers claim a point in the final Old Firm contest of the season two days before his death.

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.”