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Post by Mitty on Dec 29, 2007 19:30:03 GMT
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Post by jamespatrick76 on Dec 29, 2007 22:57:28 GMT
Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell has died after collapsing towards the end of his side's Scottish Premier League game against Dundee United.
The 35-year-old midfielder fell to the ground just as he was about to be replaced with Marc Fitzpatrick near the end of Motherwell's 5-3 victory.
O'Donnell was treated for around five minutes on the field before being taken to a waiting ambulance.
But his death was later confirmed by the Fir Park club.
Report: Motherwell captain O'Donnell dies
Interview: SFA chief executive Gordon Smith
Interview: Former Motherwell and Celtic captain Tom Boyd
Motherwell chief executive Ian Stillie said: "The management, directors, players and fans are all stunned and having great difficulty in comprehending what has happened over the last few hours.
"At this stage, we do not have all the facts surrounding the tragic death of Phil O'Donnell.
Phil was a great professional and gave everything when he played the game
Motherwell manager Mark McGhee
"We have been in contact with Phil's wife, Eileen, and his family and they have given us their blessing to speak to the media.
"Phil collapsed during the second-half of the game. He was standing alone at the time.
"He was immediately attended to by Motherwell's club doctor and assisted by Dundee United's club doctor.
"He was transferred almost immediately to an awaiting ambulance and taken to Wishaw General.
"It is believed Phil suffered some form of seizure and was pronounced dead at 1718."
PHIL O'DONNELL'S CAREER
1972 - born in Hamilton
1991 - joins Motherwell
1991 - scores in Scottish Cup final victory over Dundee United
1993 - earns only Scotland cap against Switzerland
1994 - sold to Celtic for a club record £1.75m
1999 - signs for Sheffield Wednesday
2003 - released after injury-hit spell at Wednesday
2004 - returns to Motherwell, becoming club captain
O'Donnell, who earned one cap for Scotland, was lauded as one of the country's brightest talents when he broke into the Motherwell first team as a teenager.
He moved on to Celtic for a club record £1.75m fee, but injury problems were to blight his time with the Glasgow club and his next club, Sheffield Wednesday.
O'Donnell returned to Motherwell in 2004 and became club captain, playing beside his nephew, David Clarkson.
Motherwell owner John Boyle said: "Everyone at Motherwell is shocked to the core and we are sure that everyone involved in Scottish football will feel the same.
"Phil was not only an inspirational player for Motherwell and club captain but was an inspirational person."
Motherwell manager Mark McGhee had said immediately after the game that O'Donnell's substitution had been "an absolute coincidence" before his sudden seizure.
The manager had simply been looking to give his captain a rest ahead of Wednesday's game against Hibernian, which has been postponed in light of the player's death.
O'Donnell's nephew, David Clarkson, was substituted moments later after scoring two goals in the match.
MY SPORT: DEBATE
Phil, you were a great lad and a great player
TOTT
"We took Clarkson off because he got a fright from the nature of the collapse," said McGhee.
"We are all totally devastated. This is a shocking tragedy."
Motherwell striker Chris Porter added: "His number had come up for him to go off and he literally just passed out.
"He went down and no-one really knew what had happened.
"Doctors and physios ran on, he was unconscious on the floor and it was clear he was in a bad way, but personally I never thought anything would happen.
"Everyone thought he would be okay and he had just fainted, so it was a real shock to find out he had passed away."
RIP phil...once a celt always a celt.....Hail Hail
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Post by mrfish on Dec 31, 2007 9:06:50 GMT
God bless him and his family. the whole family were in the stand watching him play, f**king terrible!!!
Rest in Peace Phil, You'll never walk alone!!!!!!
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Post by jamespatrick76 on Dec 31, 2007 22:02:36 GMT
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Post by hattori henzo on Jan 2, 2008 0:34:59 GMT
Aye boys, it doesn't really bare thinking about. Horrible thing to happen to any family.
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Post by Lisbon_Lion_67 on Jan 3, 2008 8:34:01 GMT
R.I.P Phil O'Donnell
Really was a down to earth lad whos career never took off because of injury, this was his first full season that he hadnt been injured in then this tragedy happens!!
Anyone who played in Celtic's 97/98 Season to stop 10-in-a-row is a legend in my eyes and that makes Phil a legend as well!!
God Bless Phil and You'll Never Walk Alone
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Post by Jeff on Jan 3, 2008 18:22:13 GMT
Terrible loss to his family and horrific that they witnessed this. Sympathies to his family.
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Post by Lisbon_Lion_67 on Jan 4, 2008 8:42:43 GMT
Well be a very sad day in Hamilton later when Phil O'Donnell is layed to rest, the king of Kings will be at the mass and burial as well as Phil set many of Larssons goals up, so respect must be paid to the young man!!
Still cant believe that hes dead, just happened all so quick and a great tragedy and has happened so many other players as well!! Shocking to say the least!!
RIP Phil O'Donnell
1972 - 07
You'll Never Walk Alone
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