Phil O' Donnell

[Strainsear]

29 December 2007: Phil O'Donnell, the Motherwell captain, has died tonight after collapsing during his team's 5-3 victory over Dundee United.

Motherwell chairman Bill Dickie confirmed the tragic news that O'Donnell, 35, who was taken off the Fir Park pitch on a stretcher in the closing stages of the thrilling SPL clash, [had died].

O'Donnell had been about to be substituted by Marc Fitzpatrick, but collapsed onto the turf as the change was being made.

He was treated for around five minutes on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.

O'Donnell's nephew, David Clarkson, was also playing in the match, but was clearly distressed by the incident and was quickly taken off.

O'Donnell began his career with Motherwell and rejoined the club in 2004 after having also played for Celtic, whom he joined in 1994 for a £1.75 million fee, and Sheffield Wednesday. He also played once for Scotland.

Dickie said: "Unfortunately I can confirm very, very sad news that Phil O'Donnell has lost his life.

"We don't know what it was but there will be a post-mortem.

"This is a tragic happening and that's all I can say."

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee said: "I don't want to say anything more than how devastated everyone at the club is for his wife and his young children.

"That's what we are all feeling tonight, nothing else matters.

"Obviously from the club's point of view we'll gather round to give his family as much support as they need."

Peter Lawwell, the Celtic chief executive, spoke for the Parkhead club, expressing their great sadness at the death of a former player.

"When the news came through, everyone at the club was obviously shocked," said Lawwell.

"Obviously our thoughts are with his family to whom we offer extreme condolences for a tragic loss of a young life.

"Everyone at Celtic Park will mourn him."

Gordon Smith, chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, said: "This is absolutely devastating news.

"Phil was not just a wonderful footballer, he was a great human being. My thoughts are with his family at this tragic time."

Phil O'Donnell's career milestones

1972: Born on March 25, in Hamilton.

1990: Made his Motherwell debut as a 17-year-old.

1991: Scored in Scottish Cup final for Motherwell as they beat Dundee United 4-3 to lift the trophy.

1993: Earned his one Scotland cap - as a substitute in the World Cup qualifier against Switzerland.

1994: Joined Celtic for £1.75million.

1999: Transferred to Sheffield Wednesday.

2003: Released by Wednesday after an injury-plagued four years.

2004: Given the chance to train with Motherwell by then manager Terry Butcher, and awarded an 18-month contract, making his second debut against Dundee United in January of that year, when his nephew David Clarkson scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win.

2005: Played for Motherwell in Scottish League Cup final, but Rangers won 5-1.

2006: Appointed captain of Motherwell, but was injured for most of the season.

2007: April - Signed a new one-year contract as player-coach.

2007: December 29 - Dies, aged 35, after collapsing during Motherwell's 5-3 home win against Dundee United in the Scottish Premier League.

Motherwell captain O'Donnell, 35, collapses & dies

[Scotsgait]

A tragedy which puts our usual moans about our favoured football clubs into perspective.

[singforsam]

Was agreat soccer player, and really was a leader not only at Motherwell, but for the Scottish national team as well. May he rest in peace

Sam
Fontana

[joachim]

The two Phill O'Donnel threads are now merged .

[ScotSites]

Originally Posted by singforsam

really was a leader not only at Motherwell, but for the Scottish national team as well...

No disrespect to Phil O'Donnell, but he played for Scotland 9 times and 8 of those were at Under 21 level... so when was he a leader for the national team?

[joachim]

Phil O'Donnell - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

He won the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year Award in 1992 and 1994, and he earned one cap for the Scotland national football team, playing for 15 minutes as a substitute against Switzerland on September 8, 1993, replacing David Bowman. [5] This form made him a target for bigger clubs and he signed for Celtic in September 1994. The fee of £1.75m is the highest Motherwell have received for a player.[4]