Rangers legends to play in tribute match for Jimmy Bell in Renfrew

Bars for Bears will take on Dukla Pumpherston on Saturday, July 8, to raise cash for two charities.

Originally starting out as a Facebook group, it now has more than 27,000 members and its own Sunday league squad.

The upcoming match, which will involve Ibrox legends such as Gordon Smith, John MacDonald, Marvin Andrews, Andy Little and Archie Knox, will be held at Renfrew Juniors’ New Western Park.

Jimmy Bell (Image: Newsquest)

Jimmy Bell sadly passed away last year after serving the club for more than 30 years.

Suzanne Oz is the director of Bars for Bears and is also the Facebook group owner.

She revealed that the group aims to connect fans with each other and to recommend Rangers-friendly spots around the world.

Suzanne said: “It was started just as a place where people could put in their stories of where they had been on holiday and days away and which bars they had been to where Rangers fans were welcome, and they could recommend them to other fans.

“We’ve got supporters clubs and bars all over the world now that are involved with the group."

Jimmy Bell passed away last year (Image: Sourced)

The group is intending to hold the memorial match each year.

Suzanne said: “It is just something for the family and the fans to keep his memory going as he was a huge part of Rangers, and he was one of the unsung heroes that held a special place in the fans' hearts.”

All the proceeds earned from the match will go to St Andrew’s Hospice Airdrie and Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal – both of which were selected by Bell’s family, Suzanne said.

She continued to say: "We just want to create something that can be an affordable day for the fans to get together." 

For more information and to buy tickets for the match, click HERE.