THOUSANDS of mourners today joined family and friends of tragic Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell as he was laid to rest in his home town.

The world of football united in grief today at the funeral of tragic Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell.

More than 500 mourners turned out to say farewell to the father of four.

Wife and 4 kids meant world to him'

ONE of the many moving tributes paid to Phil O'Donnell was read during the service by his former Motherwell team-mate Chris McCart.

McCart, now a youth development officer at Motherwell, told how the tragic death had "left a great void in all our lives".

He said: "Phil O'Donnell; family man, wonderful footballer, inspirational captain, role model, a great human being - and of course Uncle Phil.

"These are just a few of the tributes paid to Phil over the last week. He was an inspiration to the young players."

McCart recalled how O'Donnell had been told he needed to "toughen up" after being given a hard time on his Motherwell debut.

McCart said: "Move forward to May and he sticks his head where boots were flying to score in the Cup Final. Lesson learned!"

McCart also revealed that despite his success in football, O'Donnell's real love was his family.

He added: "His wife and four kids meant more to Phil than anything he achieved in his football career. His family was, quite simply, his world."

Hundreds more fans lined the streets outside St Mary's Church in Hamilton in tribute to the former Scotland and Celtic star.

A guard of honour was formed by the Motherwell youth team for the arrival at the church of the player's grieving widow, Eileen, and their four children, who each carried a single rose.

O'Donnell, 35, collapsed towards the end of his club's 5-3 victory over Dundee United.

A post-mortem revealed he had suffered heart failure.

His Motherwell team-mates arrived an hour before the start of the service, led by manager Mark McGhee.

Celtic and Rangers were well represented, while the entire Dundee United squad attended the funeral.

Everton's James McFadden, a former Motherwell player who dedicated his New Year's Day goal to O'Donnell, was also there.

Two of O'Donnell's nephews, both footballers, were among the family mourners - David Clarkson, who plays for Motherwell and was on the pitch when his uncle collapsed - and Stephen O'Donnell, who plays for St Mirren.

Other mourners from the world of football included ex-Scotland captain Gary McAllister, former Scotland manager Craig Brown, and the former England international Terry Butcher.

Politicians also came to pay tribute, including former First Minister Jack McConnell and former MSP John Swinburne.

People began arriving a full two hours early for the Requiem Mass, which started at noon.

Family, football personalities and fans gathered in Hamilton to say farewell to Motherwell stalwart Phil O'Donnell who died tragically last weekend.










Among the hundreds who gathered to hear the service relayed on loudspeakers was Derek Moore, 33, a Motherwell fan for 25 years, from Carfin.

He said: "When Motherwell won the Scottish Cup in 1991 and he scored one of the goals, it was one of the greatest days of my life.

"He was just an absolute gentleman, and I'm here to pay my respects for his family."

Outside the church, floral tributes lined the walls.

One said: "The best Beat The Goalie ever."

Another from former Celtic player John Collins and his wife, Susan, paid tribute to: "A great man and a great team-mate who will be sadly missed."

There were also floral tributes from the Lisbon Lions, European football chiefs Uefa and many other clubs.