Motherwell skipper O'Donnell dies

Last updated: 29th December 2007

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O'Donnell: Passed away at 35

Phil O'Donnell Factfile
1972: Born on March 25, in Hamilton.
1990: Makes his Motherwell debut as a 17-year-old.
1991: Scores for Motherwell in 4-3 victory over Dundee United in Scottish Cup final.
1993: September - Makes his debut - and only appearance - for Scotland as a substitute in the World Cup qualifier against Switzerland.
1994: Signs for Celtic for £1.75million.
1999: Moves on to Sheffield Wednesday.
2003: Released by Wednesday after injuries prevent him making an impact at Hillsborough.
2004: After being handed the chance to train with Motherwell, O'Donnell is awarded an 18-month contract by manager Terry Butcher and makes his second debut against Dundee United in January 2004, a game in which his nephew David Clarkson scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win.
2005: Plays for Motherwell in Scottish League Cup final, which Rangers win 5-1.
2006: Appointed captain of Motherwell after former skipper Scott Leitch joins Ross County. Injury ruins his season though, and after playing three games early on he is ruled out for the rest of the campaign.
2007: April - Signs a new one-year contract as player-coach.
December 29 - O'Donnell dies, aged 35, after collapsing during Motherwell's home match against Dundee United in the Scottish Premier League. Motherwell chairman Bill Dickie says: "This is a tragic happening."

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Motherwell midfielder Phil O'Donnell has died after collapsing during his side's 5-3 win over Dundee United.

O'Donnell collapsed to the ground as he was about to be substituted at Fir Park and received five minutes' treatment before being stretchered to an ambulance.

But Motherwell chairman Bill Dickie has confirmed that the 35-year-old has died after being taken to hospital.

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."

Devastated

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."

Speaking after the game, before news of O'Donnell's death had come through, McGhee confirmed the substitution was 'a coincidence'.

McGhee later replaced David Clarkson - O'Donnell's nephew - who had been shaken up by the incident.

"We took Clarkson off because he got a fright from the nature of the collapse," said McGhee.

"A few of the boys got a fright."

O'Donnell started his career at Motherwell before leaving for Celtic in 1994 and then joining Sheffield Wednesday five years later.

He returned to Fir Park in January 2004 and was captain of a Well side who have been performing above expectations this season.