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O'Donnell Widow 'Devastated'

Tue 01 Jan, 05:09 PM


The widow of Motherwell footballer Phil O'Donnell has spoken publicly for the first time since his death on the field.

Eileen O'Donnell said she has been left "devastated" by her husband's death, adding that he would want to be remembered as a family man.

Mrs O'Donnell, mother of the couple's four children, visited a makeshift tribute created by fans of scarves, strips and pictures at Motherwell's Fir Park ground on Monday.

And she said on Tuesday: "Although he achieved so much in football the most important thing for him was his family.

"He would like to be remembered as a family man and we were all so proud of him.

"We are all devastated by what has happened.

"We hope we will now be given peace and time to grieve but we are overwhelmed by the messages or support we have received."

The player collapsed and died as he was substituted during his side's 5-3 defeat of Dundee United at Fir Park on Saturday.

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