stars will turn out to pay tribute to phil

Paul Cuddihy
CELTIC and Motherwell legends will take part in a special Phil O’Donnell Tribute Match at Celtic Park on Sunday, May 25.

And among the players who will turn out in the green and white hoops will be Henrik Larsson, a team-mate of Phil’s from the famous Celtic squad that 'stopped the 10' in 1998.

The Swedish star will join up with the likes of Jackie McNamara, Paul Lambert, Tom Boyd, Morten Wieghorst, Alan Stubbs, Craig Burley and Stephane Mahe for the game, when they will play Motherwell’s 1991 Scottish Cup-winning side.

The Phil O’Donnell Tribute match, which will take place on Sunday, May 25 (kick-off 2pm), will raise funds for the O’Donnell Family Trust and a number of great charitable causes, and is expected to draw thousands of supporters who wish to pay their respects to Phil, a much-loved figure in Scottish football.

Former Celtic boss Wim Jansen will be in charge of the Hoops side while Tommy McLean will take his place in the Motherwell dugout.

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “Everyone at Celtic was devastated at Phil’s tragic and untimely passing and we wanted to do all we could to honour him in some way.

“Phil was a true gentleman, a great husband and fantastic father. He is someone who commanded great respect. Some of the biggest names in the histories of both clubs have kindly agreed to become involved in this match – a demonstration of the very high regard in which Phil was held.

“We are sure this match will be a tremendous success and a fitting tribute to a man who was loved by so many.”

Ian Stillie, Motherwell Chief Executive, said: “We felt this is one of the most appropriate ways in which to remember and honour Phil.

“The match will involve players who knew Phil personally and will clearly be an emotional occasion. It will also be an opportunity for supporters of any team to pay their respects to a man who was taken at a young age in such tragic circumstances.

“Everyone at Motherwell was deeply affected by Phil’s death, and we are proud to unite with Celtic and football fans everywhere to celebrate the life of such an iconic player.”

A special website has been established for further information on the fundraising match, including ticket sales.

Supporters wishing to access this should log on to: www.philodonnelltribute.com

Tickets for the match at Celtic Park on Sunday, May 25 are priced at £10 for adults, £5 for children.
These can be ordered from Thursday, May 1, as follows: 
Celtic: 0871 226 1888
Motherwell: 01698 333333

Tickets will also be on sale from Wednesday, May 7, 2008, through all Celtic retail outlets and the Celtic Ticket Office.