Motherwell have renamed their main stand after fallen captain Phil O’Donnell, who died in December from heart failure towards the end of a 5-3 win over Dundee Utd.
The Fir Park main stand is a distinctive structure, with steel girders running for the full length of the pitch, but the stand only continuing for two-thirds the length. This was due to a planning issue during construction, but adds a certain character to the ground, which holds 13,742 overall.
O’Donnell joins Scottish football legend Davie Cooper, who died in 1995, in having a commemorative stand at the stadium.
"The family regard the naming of the stand after him as a great honour," said Phil’s father, Bernie O’Donnell.
"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."
Gretna are groundsharing with Motherwell this season while their Raydale Park ground in the Borders is redeveloped.
Respect
Following two postponed games – against Hibernian and Celtic – the ’Well players requested that special shirts be made up with O’Donnell’s autograph stitched on the chest.
They will wear the commemorative kits for their first game since the 35-year-old skipper’s tragic collapse, a Scottish Cup Fourth Round clash with Hearts, and for the remainder of the season.
"It will be exclusive to the first-team kits as it's the team's own tribute," said club kit-man Alan McDonald.
Rangers captain Barry Ferguson previously wore a number 10 armband. A special match programme will also be available at Tannadice on Saturday.
The Fir Park main stand is a distinctive structure, with steel girders running for the full length of the pitch, but the stand only continuing for two-thirds the length. This was due to a planning issue during construction, but adds a certain character to the ground, which holds 13,742 overall.
O’Donnell joins Scottish football legend Davie Cooper, who died in 1995, in having a commemorative stand at the stadium.
"The family regard the naming of the stand after him as a great honour," said Phil’s father, Bernie O’Donnell.
"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."
Gretna are groundsharing with Motherwell this season while their Raydale Park ground in the Borders is redeveloped.
Respect
Following two postponed games – against Hibernian and Celtic – the ’Well players requested that special shirts be made up with O’Donnell’s autograph stitched on the chest.
They will wear the commemorative kits for their first game since the 35-year-old skipper’s tragic collapse, a Scottish Cup Fourth Round clash with Hearts, and for the remainder of the season.
"It will be exclusive to the first-team kits as it's the team's own tribute," said club kit-man Alan McDonald.
Rangers captain Barry Ferguson previously wore a number 10 armband. A special match programme will also be available at Tannadice on Saturday.
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