Chance to say a last goodbye
DARRYL BROADFOOT, Chief Football Writer January 12 2008

At the behest of their ever-impressive manager, Mark McGhee, Motherwell will today attempt to return to a semblance of normality. The private grieving process for their departed captain, Phil O'Donnell, is ongoing but the club and its supporters will attempt to emerge from the pall of O'Donnell's death on December 29 to provide an honourable return to duty in the Scottish Cup fourth round against Hearts at Tynecastle.

McGhee has been statesmanlike in his responsibilities since the 35-year-old collapsed in uniform at Fir Park, seconds before he was due to be substituted, in a thrilling but wholly irrelevant 5-3 victory against Dundee United. The manager and his staff, among them O'Donnell's former team-mates Scott Leitch and Chris McCart, have provided a support network that has been of comfort and solace to a young squad for whom such sudden mortality was incomprehensible.

During 30 minutes worth of tentative, respectful questioning from the media yesterday, McGhee spoke compassionately but pointedly on the elements he hopes will combine to produce a game to remember. On a day when the club announced the main stand would be renamed in O'Donnell's honour and unveiled a commemorative jersey which will include the former captain's signature embroidered on the chest, the manager also appointed a new leader.

Paul Quinn will stride out as the new club captain, a surprise choice given Stephen Craigan's status as vice-captain but one that reflects McGhee's investment in youth.

"I had a long conversation with Stephen Craigan and ultimately decided Paul Quinn will be the new Motherwell captain," McGhee confirmed. "Stephen is happy with his role as vice-captain and it allows him to concentrate on his job. It was an opportunity to push a young player on and I feel he is a strong enough character to handle it."

McGhee also considers unnecessary Hearts' offer to observe a momentary silence as the Motherwell squad participate in a collective embrace before kick-off in remembrance of O'Donnell. Instead, the manager would prefer an atmosphere befitting what he hopes will be a classic cup tie.

"There has been some confusion between Hearts and us," said McGhee.

"I was at their game against Kilmarnock and the minute's applause was fantastic in the way Phil was recognised. I think that's it now, there is a line drawn through it all and it would be unnecessary to do it all again.

"I was going to suggest, covertly, that the players might want their own little huddle before the game. I am saying now I don't want or expect a minute's silence as the players have their moment together; a private moment to do whatever they feel is right.

"I want the Hearts fans to give their team the best support they can and for the Motherwell fans to do the same.

I want this to be a game to remember and one played in the right spirit, with two teams getting about each other in a fair and sporting way."

The weight of the occasion will be felt most profoundly by David Clarkson.

The striker scored a hat trick against Dundee United that has been forgotten amid the tragedy of his uncle dying as they shared the same pitch. Clarkson will start against Hearts and his manager, coaches, colleagues and supporters will attempt to ease an unenviable situation.

"He will play and I think the only danger is he becomes over-emotional by trying too hard," said McGhee. "He was outstanding against Dundee United and it is unfortunate no-one got to see his goals. One was easily goal of the season. For this game, the connection between the players and fans will be stronger than normal."

McGhee will not countenance O'Donnell's contribution to Motherwell's current success being forgotten and the inheritor of his position will feel an added responsibility and a sense of unease. This will be dealt with by a manager who has encouraged his squad to express themselves freely and without fear of insensitivity.

"I was very conscious that I had to remove any guilt among the players of how they were feeling; of laughing and joking, or celebrating a goal or a victory," he said. "They should not feel embarrassed or inhibited. They can respect Phil for what he was by doing these things and be aware there is no disrespect to him.

"It is impossible not to talk about Phil because somebody will have to play who didn't play against Dundee United. He will feel he is taking Phil's place and I will have to help him with that. I cannot do that without referring to Phil. We are not going to put him to the background and pretend he was never here."

McGhee has confessed to sleepless, tearful nights reflecting on the unique circumstances of a football fatality. He has been soothed by the family rapport at Fir Park. "It has been all hands to the pump, that is just the way it is here," he said. "If the dressing room needs swept, I will sweep it; if the groundsman needs a hand with some groundwork, I will help out. We have a normality about our relationships around here. I get on as well with the two tea ladies as I do my assistants. Everyone works in equal terms, so it has made it easier for us all to pull together.

"It has been a sad time for everybody and after the initial shock of that evening and the Sunday, we have tried to get used to the reality of the situation and deal with it. The sadness has never really gone away, nor will it."

McGhee's status as a leading contender to be the new Scotland manager is now a more complex issue with the new emotional bind to Lanarkshire.

The SFA are expected to begin their interview process next week, but have pledged to be sensitive regarding McGhee's situation and even availability.

While he would derive immense pride from leading his nation, McGhee will only ever leave Motherwell with the unanimous blessing of the club and its supporters.

"It is reaching the stage where it is driving me mental," he said of the persistent speculation. "I have gone from odds-on favourite to I don't know what. If Scotland request me and offered me the job, or phoned me to request I leave the club, I would only do it with the absolute consensus of everyone here.

If they felt I needed to be here longer, then I will be here. I will not leave with resentment."

Starting today, McGhee and Motherwell will step forward together.

Taken from the Herald