FORMER Rangers star Jermain Defoe has penned an emotional tribute to the late, legendary kitman Jimmy Bell. 

Rangers announced the sad passing of Bell, aged 69 this morning. 

Several key figures, past and present, have paid their respects to the iconic Ibrox backroom staff member, including Giovanni van Bronckhorst, James Tavernier and Steven Gerrard.

Now, former Gers attacker Defoe has shared a touching tribute of his own. 

He hailed Bell as "an amazing person", as he recalled a brilliant tale about a bottle of whisky - despite Defoe not touching alcohol.

He posted on Instagram: "Jimmy my friend, I'm absolutely gutted. It's not often at a football club that someone becomes a legend without kicking a ball.

"You were the heart and soul of the club, someone who always stressed the importance to me about winning, the range of standards and the greatest players before me. You always spoke to me about Graeme Souness, Gazza, McCoist and all the great memories and stories at the club.

"I always used to sit in the kit room and you would show me pictures of your dog, caravan, and speak about your family.

"I remember speaking to you about the goals I scored in England, and you said to me 'Yeah, but you've not won anything here yet, and you've not scored as many goals as Coisty!'

"But what you were doing, was keeping me on my toes to stay focused and make sure we would win. I would always get you to smile, and not many people could do that.

"Such an amazing person. You will definitely be missed, and it will simply not be the same without you.

"A funny story that will always stay with me..so after we won the league, I remember being in the changing rooms, and you said to me 'Weeman, go over there in my bag, there's something in there for you.'

"So I went over to get your bag and took this big pouch out and opened it. It was a big bottle of Scottish Whisky. I'm obviously tee total, so I gave it back to you and you said 'You've got to have a shot'. I said 'But I don't dink, Jimmy!'

"You said ' you better drink this right now, we've just won the league, it's 55 titles, so you better drink it'. So for you, I did!

"I will never forget you. Love you lots. God bless and rest in peace my friend."