It’s almost four years since we lost our captain and the unveiling has been timed to coincide with a visit from Dundee United. Their representatives (and fans) have also been invited along with the O’Donnell family, Motherwell officials and players past and present and members of the Supporters Trust.
Funds for a lasting tribute to Phil were raised in the year or two after his passing. Tam Cowan and friends delivered a memorable Night for Phil at the Civic concert hall and a fundraising dinner took place in a local hotel.
The last kick off
The Trust engaged the Gorbals Art Project to consult with the O’Donnell family before they designed and produced the piece that will be placed on the prominent wall of the stand that has been named in Phil’s memory. It will be illuminated and will become part of the fabric of the stadium. If the club ever moves to a new stadium it will be relocated.
One heartening outcome of the tragedy was the coming together of the wider football community. Old rivalries and past tensions were put aside and well meaning support was offered to the family and to Phil’s team mates. The United players and fans played their part on that fateful day as did Hearts when Motherwell returned to play their first game at Tynecastle and later Celtic hosted a testimonial game.