Phil O’Donnell was a respected footballer, who was part of the Celtic team who stopped the ten, but more importantly, he was a well liked individual and a much loved father, husband and friend.
On this, the 13th anniversary of Phil’s tragic passing, we pay tribute to a lovely man and a fine footballer.
Phil O’Donnell came through the ranks at Fir Park and was famed for scoring one of Motherwell’s goals in their 4-3 Scottish Cup Final victory over Dundee United in 1991. His energy and ability from central midfield entice Tommy Burns to make O’Donnell his first signing as Celtic Manager (the deal to bring back Andy Walker was already agreed before Burns’ arrival). £1.75m was the reported transfer fee, which Motherwell used to fund the construction of a new stand at Fir Park. That was a fitting legacy to one of their great academy graduates.
Phil O’Donnell made his debut for Celtic on 10 September 1994. It was an away league match versus Partick Thistle and he scored both goals in a 2-1 victory. That was followed up by another goal from the midfielder in a 2-0 win over Hibs at Celtic’s temporary home, Hampden Park. O’Donnell a ran from midfield beyond the strikers to finish off a cross. His energy and sweet left foot had already been there for all to see and he was quickly a favourite with the Celtic faithful.
It's 13 years now since Phil O'Donnell died – but his smile lives on! #Well #CelticFC #PhilODonnell pic.twitter.com/m2QWhiIhuo
— Phil Gordon (@PJG_Sport) December 29, 2020
After a blistering start, his form wilted a little. This was understandable, for not only did players have to deal with the mounting pressure to stop Rangers’ ten in a row quest, but the club was in turmoil until the Fergus McCann takeover was finally complete. That said, Phil played his part in a monumental moment in recent Celtic history when he headed a the third goal in the Scottish Cup semi-final replay over Hibs, and came off the bench against Airdrie in the Final to earn Celtic their first trophy of the decade in 1995.
Unfortunately, O’Donnell’s Celtic career was plagued by injury. He had shaken off a niggle before the aforementioned Scottish Cup triumph in 1995, but after a good start to the following campaign back at Celtic Park, he was sidelined again. This was a great source of frustration for the player and fans alike, for Phil’s passion, energy and ability was renowned, yet he was too often unavailable for selection.
The best of O’Donnell in a Celtic shirt was when Wim Jansen arrived in the most important season since 1966/67. Under Wim’s managership, Phil was utilised as a left midfielder and played a part in stopping the ten. His injury problems had ruled him out of the League Cup triumph and other key matches, but he had performed admirably when in the team. Fittingly, he was in the side on the final day as Celtic sealed the title.
Today we remember former #CelticFC player, Phil O'Donnell who sadly passed away 13 years ago today.
RIP, Phil. 🍀💚 pic.twitter.com/L5TEbOkxuI
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 29, 2020
O’Donnell gave it his best at Celtic and contributed well when he was able to play. He was frustrated by injury problems and opted for a fresh start, along with Simon Donnelly, at Sheffield Wednesday. Sadly, things continued in similar vein at Hillsborough in terms of injuries and he barely featured. As such, Phil returned to Motherwell, where he was welcomed as a hero, and duly named club captain.
On 29 December 2007, in a Motherwell v Dundee Utd game, Phil O’Donnell fell to the ground just as he was about to be replaced by Marc Fitzpatrick near the end of Motherwell’s 5-3 victory. He was treated for around five minutes on the field before being taken to a waiting ambulance. However, the shocking news that he had died from a cardiac arrest was later confirmed by the Fir Park club.
Phil was only 35 and to make matters worse, his nephew had been playing for Motherwell in that same game. In fact, his nephew scored two goals that afternoon, but joy turned to despair and he had to be taken off after witnessing the horrific tragedy.
Remembering Phil O'Donnell today, 13 years on from his passing. A good player & a good guy. #RIP pic.twitter.com/Ves3F4nFMI
— Lisbon Lion (@Tirnaog10) December 29, 2020
Phil O’Donnell left behind a loving wife and four children. He was loved as a person at every club he played for, and was admired for his industrious style of play.
A tribute match was held for him at Celtic Park. It was played between Motherwell and Celtic, and included colleagues from his playing days such as Henrik Larsson.
RIP Phil O’Donnell – a wonderful man and one of the men who stopped the ten.
13 years gone today… never forgotten.. God bless you Phil O'Donnell.. Heaven gained another @CelticFC great the day God called you to Paradise 💚⚽💚⚽💚 xxxx pic.twitter.com/3SOyLZEHDS
— Babs McMahon 💞💚 #RememberNoah💙 (@BarbaraMcMahon8) December 29, 2020
