Motherwell to honour O'Donnell

Motherwell FC are to rename the main stand at their Fir Park Stadium in honour of former captain Phil O'Donnell who died during a match last month.

Family support
The 35-year-old former Celtic FC and Sheffield Wednesday FC midfielder collapsed and died of heart failure towards the end of Motherwell's game against Dundee United FC on 29 December. Club owner John Boyle said of the decision: "We consulted members of Phil's family who have indicated their support and appreciation of this tribute."

'Deeply touched'
The player's father, Bernard O'Donnell, added: "The family regard the naming of the stand after him as a great honour. We have all been deeply touched by the reaction to Phil's death and Eileen [Phil's wife] and the rest of the family will always be grateful for the kindness that has been shown. We will always appreciate this in the years to come."

Special programme
Motherwell return to action for the first time since O'Donnell's death on Saturday when they face Heart of Midlothian FC in the fourth round of the Scottish FA Cup at Tynecastle. Mark McGhee's players will wear strips with O'Donnell's autograph embroidered on the front and the home side have commissioned a special matchday programme as a tribute to the former Motherwell skipper.