RANGERS legends took to the field to honour the memory of iconic kitman Jimmy Bell in a touching memorial match.
The game took place on Saturday, July 8 at New Western Park, which saw a Bars for Bears Legends team take on Dukla Pumpherston FC with proceeds going to St Andrew’s Hospice and Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal.
We previously reported that it is the inaugural year of the event which has been named the Jimmy Bell Memorial Cup.
The match saw many ex-pros and former Gers players turn out for the occasion, with Dukla Pumpherston winning on penalties after the game ended in a 3-3 draw.
Suzanne Oz, founder of Bars for Bears Facebook page and organiser of the event with John Ogilvie, said that it was a “fantastic day” as she praised everyone for coming together to make the occasion.
She said: “What an occasion it was. It was such a special day to be part of.
“The full of the Renfrew ground had such a buzz about it and to have 500 people come along and help raise the money we did is a credit to everyone.
“Jimmy’s daughter Ashley spoke to the crowd as she thanked them for showing their support for the occasion.
“And to have Jimmy’s grandson James kick off the match was a brilliant way to start what was a great day out.
“All of this is to remember Jimmy who was a Rangers legend without ever playing for the team, which says a lot about the type of person he was.
“It was simply fantastic."
Former Gers players such as Colin Hendry, Marvin Andrews, Willie Henderson, Andy Little, Gordon Smith, John MacDonald and Gordon Durie all played for the Bars for Bears Legends team.
Other ex-pros including Brian McPhee and Jose Quitongo helped make up the team, with Archie Knox also attending.
Suzanne also added that she is grateful for the support she and the team received in the build-up to the game, as well as thanking all the pros who came along to play in the match.
She said: “Overall we raised £8,000 so far with still a few things to auction off and that is all from the Rangers fans who made this happen.
“I know that the Bell family loved the occasion, with the grandchildren really enjoying being part of the day.
“And the pros who all came along were brilliant and I can’t thank them enough for taking time out of their day to do it.
“And to have a few of them come to the hospitality event afterwards was brilliant as they all spent time with the family remembering Jimmy.
“James did say to me that he was wanting to keep the ribbons of the trophy as a memory of his papa, so he was pretty buzzing when I told him that his gran was keeping the trophy until next year when we do it again.”
And the former players who attended were glad to be part of a day that was in memory of the iconic kitman, with many speaking about the event being a great way to remember the Rangers legend.
Former assistant manager to the late Walter Smith, Archie Knox said: “It was great to be part of any tribute for Jimmy Bell.
“Rangers can be very grateful to have had a member of staff for the length of time Jimmy contributed to the football club. We’ll never see the likes again."
Gordon Durie, who played for Rangers from 1993-2000, also commented on being part of the occasion as he said: “It was a privilege to be part of the Jimmy Bell Memorial Cup game as Jimmy was a massive part of the Rangers family.
“He was a special friend during and after my playing days.
“Top man was our Jimmy.”
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