He came from an ordinary working family background, the youngest of seven brothers and sisters and a life full of love but not a lot of luxuries, he made it to the top.
He was an outstanding player who was cursed by injuries, he struggled through all of them to overcome his bad luck and still survived in a profession which can by turns be glorious and cruel.
He was blessed with skill, a sweet left foot, lungs like Red Rum and the temperament and nerve of a 'river boat gambler' and now at the ridiculous age of 35 yrs. he is gone.
I've known others before who had great ability and talent only to have it all snatched away from them by cruel fate, Phil. had a good career but he and everyone else around him would gladly give that up to still have him with them, I don't ever remember him being sent off or being picked up off the pavement drunk or being involved in any scandals of any kind, a real pro. 'the first name on the team sheet'.
His loved ones are distraught as is all of football but life will go on and his family will survive, the pain and emptiness they feel now will gradually ease all though they won't believe that at the moment.
A time will come when they will remember with a smile and tell some good stories about a brief but worthwhile life and the happy memories will last for ever. If god's watching I hope he takes care of him and them.
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8 comments:
i think you have summed it up for all with what you have written ..
Very well said! What a tragic loss for his family and fans, all of whom are in my prayers.
The last time you used the phrase 'first name my team sheet,' you were talking about Richard Manser.
How dare you link Phil O'Donnell with him.
(Anonymous) 02/01/08 -
There are no depths to which some people will not sink - no wonder you cling to anonymity.
Councillor
So you agree it's shameful to link Manser with someone as decent as Phil O'Donnel.
Now tell us why this is so
(Anonymous) 03/01/08 - It’s quite disturbing to come across people like you. I’m not prepared to let you use Phil O’Donnell, this is your last sick comment on this, you are no better than that creep who used the wee McCann girl to get at me.
"'the first name on the team sheet'."
Peronally, I'd never heard of the guy. I'll just have to take your word for it, I guess.
DK
(Devil's Kitchen) 13/01/08 -
"'the first name on the team sheet'." _ the top man, the genuine article,
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