Motherwell captain O'Donnell dies

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Main stand tribute to O'Donnell

The main stand will be renamed after the former Well captain
Motherwell have renamed their main stand after former captain Phil O'Donnell, who died last month.

O'Donnell, 35, collapsed and died of heart failure during a match against Dundee United on 29 December.

Well owner John Boyle said everyone at the club wanted a lasting tribute to O'Donnell and revealed that the stand would be renamed for next season.

O'Donnell's father, Bernard, said: "The family regard the naming of the stand after him as a great honour."

Boyle said the club were keen to recognise the outstanding contribution O'Donnell had made to the Fir Park club.

"We consulted members of Phil's family who have indicated their support and appreciation of this tribute," said Boyle.

Bernard O'Donnell said: "We have all been deeply touched by the reaction to Phil's death and Eileen and the rest of the family will always be grateful for the kindness that has been shown.

"The family regards the naming of the stand after him as a great honour and we will always appreciate this in the years to come."

Martin Rose, chairman of the Motherwell Supporters' Trust added: "On behalf of the Motherwell fans I would like to say we are fully behind this decision."

Motherwell postponed two of their games following O'Donnell's death as a mark of respect.

Well face Hearts in the Scottish Cup fourth-round tie at Tynecastle on Saturday and the Motherwell players will wear strips with O'Donnell's autograph embroidered on the front.

The players asked for the signature to be woven into their shirts as a tribute to their former skipper.

Club kit-man Alan McDonald said: "It will be exclusive to the first-team kits as it's the team's own tribute.

"It's something small but sometimes it's the small things that make all the difference.

"It's on the home and away kits as well as the coach's gear and we'll wear it proudly for the rest of the season."