Jan 4 2008 By Joe Quinn, Scottish Press AssociationFAMOUS faces from the world of football were joined by ordinary fans today to say farewell to Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell, who died after collapsing during a match.
Hundreds of mourners turned out to pay their respects to the player who suffered heart failure last Saturday, aged 35.
O'Donnell collapsed towards the end of his club's 5-3 victory over Dundee United at Fir Park.
He leaves his wife, Eileen, and their four children.
He leaves his wife, Eileen, and their four children.
Mourners began arriving a full two hours early for the midday Requiem Mass at St Mary's Church in Hamilton.
But even before that, fans began to line the streets outside in silent tribute to the former Scotland, Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday player.
The early arrivals included Celtic captain Stephen McManus, O'Donnell's former assistant manager at Celtic, Murdo MacLeod, and former Motherwell manager Maurice Malpas.
Former Celtic team-mates Peter Grant and Pat Bonner were also among the early arrivals.
Among the fans waiting to pay tribute was Derek Moore, 33, a Motherwell fan for 25 years, from Carfin, Motherwell.
Former Celtic team-mates Peter Grant and Pat Bonner were also among the early arrivals.
Among the fans waiting to pay tribute was Derek Moore, 33, a Motherwell fan for 25 years, from Carfin, Motherwell.
Waiting in the street outside, 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 as a Motherwell fan.
"He was just a perfect gentleman, an absolute gentleman, and I'm here to pay my respects for his family."
"He was just a perfect gentleman, 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."
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 football clubs, including Dundee United.
There were also floral tributes from the Lisbon Lions, European football chiefs Uefa and many football clubs, including Dundee United.
O'Donnell's Motherwell team-mates arrived an hour before the start of the service, led by manager Mark McGhee.
The scores of mourners from the world of football also included ex-Scotland captain Gary McAllister and former Scotland manager Craig Brown.
Former England international Terry Butcher, who signed O'Donnell when he was manager of Motherwell, was also present.
Former England international Terry Butcher, who signed O'Donnell when he was manager of Motherwell, was also present.
Mourners also came from the world of politics.
Former First Minister Jack McConnell, the MSP for Motherwell, was there, along with fellow Labour MSP Michael McMahon.
Former First Minister Jack McConnell, the MSP for Motherwell, was there, along with fellow Labour MSP Michael McMahon.
Former MSP John Swinburne, a director of Motherwell football club, also attended.
The Celtic team arrived later with manager Gordon Strachan and club chairman, Dr John Reid, the former Home Secretary.
The Celtic team arrived later with manager Gordon Strachan and club chairman, Dr John Reid, the former Home Secretary.
Rangers captain Barry Ferguson and the club's assistant manager, Ally McCoist were also present, along with former players John Greig and Sandy Jardine.
Everton's James McFadden, a former Motherwell player who dedicated his New Year's Day goal to O'Donnell, was also there.
Everton's James McFadden, a former Motherwell player who dedicated his New Year's Day goal to O'Donnell, was also there.
The entire Dundee United team - Motherwell's opponents on the pitch last Saturday - arrived at about 11.30am to pay their last respects to O'Donnell.
O'Donnell's family arrived 15 minutes before the start of the service.
They emerged from the funeral cars in front of a guard of honour formed by the Motherwell youth team, clad in claret and amber tracksuits.
They emerged from the funeral cars in front of a guard of honour formed by the Motherwell youth team, clad in claret and amber tracksuits.
O'Donnell's widow, Eileen, was with her four children.
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.
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.
O'Donnell's former Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday team-mate Simon Donnelly was also among the family mourners.
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