MOTHERWELL fans paid an emotional tribute to Phil O’Donnell on the 17th anniversary of his passing at Fir Park today.
The former Well midfielder tragically passed away on this day back in 2007 during a match against Dundee United.
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The club renamed their main stand after the player back in 2008 and his passing has been remembered every year since.
And in their last home game of the year against Rangers, Well supporters paid tribute to their former player.
Fans rose to their feet and applauded on the 10th minute, the number of the shirt he wore while playing for the club.
A billboard was also erected inside the stadium, depicting O’Donnell in the colours of Motherwell.
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Sky Sports presenter Ian Crocker said: “Everyone stands to their feet to remember a legend and a captain here, Phil O’Donnell.
“17 years after his passing.
“One of the good guys. One of the very good guys.”
Co-commentator and Ibrox hero Neil McCann also shared his memories of the player.
He added: “Absolutely tragic. Taken from us way too early.
“I spent a bit of time in Phil’s company.
“And he was just a brilliant guy but I tell you what, what a footballer.
“He was a proper central midfielder. We used to call him the deer, because of how he used to run and gallop.
“And it’s such a sad, sad thing to be taken from us.
“Lovely little touch from his club Motherwell.”
O’Donnell was born and raised in Bellshill and began his career with his local team.
He went on to lift the Scottish Cup in 1991 with the club, beating Celtic on the way to the final before pipping Dundee United to the post.
He played for four seasons before making his move to Celtic, spending five years in the East End of Glasgow.
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And he had a four year spell afterwards with Sheffield Wednesday before returning to his home at Fir Park for his second spell with the club in 2004.
Affectionately known as ‘Uncle Phil,’ O’Donnell captained his boyhood club as his football career came full circle and put him back in front of the Fir Park supporters.
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