The sad and tragic news that Phil O'Donnell has died has cast a dark shadow over Motherwell. First and foremost our thoughts and condolences are with Phil's immediate family and they can be assured that the thoughts of everyone involved with Scottish football are with them.
He was just thirty five and his death followed a collapse towards the end of the game against Dundee United. Just as his number was shown for a substitution he dropped to the ground at the edge of the penalty box. 
There was an immediate call for assistance and he was surrounded by medics for what seemed like ages. He was carried off five minutes later and first reports suggested that he was conscious and on his way to hospital.
Mark McGhee substituted his nephew, David Clarkson, a few minutes later being concerned about him.
All the fantastic progress that the team has delivered this season is now put into a sad perspective. Tributes are already being made at the gates of the stadium. Motherwell has lost a captain and Scottish sport has lost a fine sportsman.
He scored his first goal for us in the '91 Cup final and returned to us in 2004.
Full and wholesome tributes will be paid to this fine midfielder but these will be of little consolation to his family at this time. Our thoughts are with them.
