Phil+O'Donnell

Philip O'Donnell was a professional scottish footballer born on the 25th of March 1972. He started his career at the Motherwell youth developmentand then recieved a 1990 debut v St Mirren under the reign of Tommy McLean. He was a 1992 and 1994 SPFA young player of the year.

__ Early career __

Phil was born on the 25th March, 1972, in Bellshill not too far away from Fir Park (the Motherwell Stadium). He made his debut for Motherwell (his local team) in the 1990-91 season against St. Mirren and later was in the 91 cup squad with the first team. In the 1991 final, O'Donnell scored and practically won the game. The score was 4-3 to Motherwell. Despite an injury to Ally Maxwell (the Motherwell goalkeeper, Motherwell had won the 1991 Scottish cup. At his time at Motherwell he had been awarded the 1992 & 1994 S.P.F.A. young player of the year and even a cap for Craig Brown's Scotland in 1993 against Switzerland after coming on as a sub. O'Donnell was then transefered to Celtic in 1994 for £1.75m (the highest amount Motherwell have ever had for a player). O'Donnell had been hampered by injury at Celtic, making only 90 appearances in 5 years. However he still managed to score 15 goals at the club. Phil was then transfered down South to Sheffield Wednesday. He made his debut against Everton however injuries still swamped his career. Wednesday were relegated from the premier league and then from Division1. O'Donnell, like many other players at the club, were given free transfers in 2003.

(1990-1994) || 124 || 15 || (1994-1999) || 90 || 15 || (1999-2003) || 20 || 0 || (2004-2007) || 77 || 9 || __Later career__ O'Donnell was then brought back to Motherwell under the reign of Terry Butcher. And in 2006, after Scott Leitch's retirement, he was made captain of the club, This was a excellent boost of confidence for the club and for O'Donnell. Phil was also with his nephew, David Clarkson, earning him the nickname "Uncle Phil". His two other nephews, Stephen O'Donnell and Brian Dempsie had also played with the club. Phil still recieved injuries that ruined his later career however 77 appearances were still good enough. Phil scored 9 goals since his return to Motherwell and was a favourite amongst most fans.
 * **Team** || **APP.** || **Goals** ||
 * Motherwell
 * Celtic
 * Sheffield Wednesday
 * Motherwell
 * **Total** || 311 || 39 ||

__Death__ Phil was played against Dundee United on the 27th of December, 2007. It was the 78th minute when Phil collapsed and was unconscious on the pitch. He was treated for 5 minutes on the pitch by Motherwell and Dundee UTD medical staff before being rushed to Wishaw General Hospital. Phil died. This rocked the whole of worldwide football and even headlines on the news. Tributes began to fly in at Fir Park and Celtic Park (Parkhead). Phil had died due to heart failure (when the heart stops pumping blood round the body). __Tributes__ Phil's death was a tragedy. It was as if the tributes were endless.