Phil O'Donnell facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Phillip O'Donnell | ||
| Date of birth | 25 March 1972 | ||
| Place of birth | Bellshill, Scotland | ||
| Date of death | 29 December 2007 (aged 35) | ||
| Place of death | Wishaw, Scotland | ||
| Playing position | Central midfielder | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1990–1994 | Motherwell | 124 | (15) |
| 1994–1999 | Celtic | 90 | (15) |
| 1999–2003 | Sheffield Wednesday | 20 | (0) |
| 2004–2007 | Motherwell | 77 | (8) |
| Total | 311 | (38) | |
| National team | |||
| 1992–1993 | Scotland U-21 | 8 | (?) |
| 1993 | Scotland | 1 | (0) |
|
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Phillip "Phil" O'Donnell (born March 25, 1972 – died December 29, 2007) was a talented Scottish football player. He was known for playing in the midfield. Phil played for several big clubs during his career. These included Motherwell, Celtic, and Sheffield Wednesday. Sadly, he passed away after collapsing during a game in 2007.
Phil O'Donnell's Passing
On December 29, 2007, a sad event happened during a football game. Phil O'Donnell was playing for Motherwell against Dundee United. Just as he was about to leave the field, he suddenly collapsed.
Doctors from both teams quickly helped him on the pitch. After about five minutes, he was taken by ambulance to Wishaw General Hospital. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at 5:18 PM. Phil was 35 years old. He was married and had four children.
An examination later showed that Phil died from a heart problem. His funeral took place on January 4, 2008. It was held at St Mary's church in Hamilton.
Remembering Phil O'Donnell
Many people shared their sadness and respect for Phil O'Donnell. Jack McConnell, who was the First Minister of Scotland, spoke highly of him. He called Phil a "great professional" and said he would be deeply missed.
Craig Brown, a former Scotland coach, described Phil as a "perfect gentleman." He believed Phil was a wonderful role model for young footballers. Craig also said Phil was one of the best midfield players in the UK during his first time at Motherwell.
Fans of Motherwell and other teams placed flowers, scarves, and other items at the gates of Fir Park. This was their way of showing respect. Two of Motherwell's upcoming games were postponed. This was done to honor Phil and his family.
Football clubs in England also paid tribute. Players in some English Premier League matches wore black armbands. This was to show their respect for Phil. At Sheffield Wednesday, where Phil used to play, flags flew at half-mast. Before their games, fans gave a minute of applause.
James McFadden, a Scottish player who played with Phil at Motherwell, scored a goal. He dedicated it to Phil by pointing to his black armband and then to the sky.
Many tributes came from all over the world online. Motherwell's website received messages from places like Korea and Ukraine. The Spanish club Sevilla F.C. also sent their condolences. They understood the pain, as they had lost their own player, Antonio Puerta, earlier that season.
As a lasting tribute, Motherwell announced that the Main Stand at Fir Park would be renamed The Phil O'Donnell Stand. Also, Phil's teammates wore his signature on their jerseys for the rest of the 2007/08 season.
On May 25, 2008, a special football match was held. It took place at Celtic Park to remember Phil. Money raised from the game went to different charities. The match featured players from Celtic's 1998 title-winning team and Motherwell's 1991 Scottish Cup-winning team. Other players like David Clarkson and James McFadden also played. The stadium was full with 60,000 fans. It was a sad day, but also a celebration of Phil's life and career.
