Phil O’Donnell, gone but not forgotten

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The Celtic Star

·29 December 2023

Phil O’Donnell, gone but not forgotten

Phil O’Donnell, gone but not forgotten. It’s now 16 years to the day that former Celtic player collapsed and sadly passed away while playing for Motherwell…

Phil was only 35 years of age and left behind a wife and four young children. They must have been deeply devastated to lose such a loving husband and father so prematurely.

An empty Celtic Park, as an Old Firm match was due to take place was cancelled due to the sudden death off Phil O’Donnell, January 2, 2008. Phil O’Donnell aged 35, collapsed near the end of the match between Motherwell and Dundee United. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

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Phil was not only a decent footballer, but more importantly he was a decent human being. He of course achieved plenty in the game. His most notable achievement was not surprisingly scoring a goal as a teenager in Motherwell’s historic Scottish Cup victory over Dundee United in 1991. A game that is still recognised as one if not the greatest Scottish Cup Final of all time.

Phil also won his only cap for Scotland while playing for the Steelmen. He signed for his boyhood heroes Celtic in 1994, and in doing so become the club’s record transfer at that time. He famously scored two goals on his debut in a 2-1 win over Partick Thistle at Firhill.

Phil would add another Scottish Cup medal to his honours as he helped Celtic end a six year trophy drought by beating Airdrie to win the 1995 Scottish Cup.

Unfortunately Injury problems plagued his time at the club, but he was an important part of Wim Jansens side who stopped the ten, and clinched the clubs first league title in a decade. Guaranteeing him legendary status at the club. Phil made a total of 121 appearances for the club scoring 20 goals, and of course won the Scottish Cup and the League Championship.

Phil went on to play for Sheffield Wednesday before returning to Motherwell where he spent the last days of his career and as it sadly turned out, his life. Phil was one of football’s good guys and is fondly remembered by not just the Motherwell and Celtic supporters, but by all the footballing world. Phil may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.

God bless you Phil.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy