In pictures: Football fans outside Ibrox prepare to say goodbye to Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen

The Dutch defender died last week aged 43 at a hospice in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, following a motor neurone disease diagnosis six years ago.

Supporters lined the streets outside the stadium to pay tribute to Ricksen with his funeral cortege driving past before the funeral being held at Wellington Church in Glasgow's west end.

Tributes which had been left at the Ibrox gates had grown in number since the Dutchman's death with more tops, scarfs and flowers lain by well-wishers on Wednesday.

Jim Boyd, who had come to Ibrox from Livingston, West Lothian, where Rangers play on Wednesday night, said: "He was solid, he was just brilliant.

"It's sad but proud as well, it just shows you how much people liked the guy as a footballer and a person.

"I'd met him a couple of times at the training and he always took time out to take pictures and sign stuff.

"He could have a laugh with you and stop and talk to you, he was really good."

Another fan, Stefan Souttar, had only watched highlights of Ricksen but said: "You see all the different clubs here (among the tributes). I've seen a Villarreal scarf and all the Celtic tops.

"It just shows he was a well-liked guy. Even though there's the Rangers and Celtic rivalry, they still come together for respect. 

Shortly before the cortege's arrival, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard and the first team were dropped off by a coach at the stadium ahead of the funeral.

Fans applauded the squad's arrival and continued as two other coaches drove past.

One of the coaches was carrying several nurses as well as club legends Mark Hateley and Richard Gough.

Our photographers Colin Mearns and Jamie Simpson have captured the scenes at Ibrox Stadium below: