Phil's Death Is Painful Reminder

Jan 13 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

SCOT Jamie McCunnie was devastated at Phil O'Donnell's death - just nine weeks after losing his own team-mate in a horror car smash.

The Hartlepool midfielder couldn't believe the news a fortnight ago that O'Donnell had collapsed and died at Fir Park during Motherwell's game with Dundee United.

Like everyone connected with Scottish football Jamie was saddened by the tragedy and it brought back memories of Michael Maidens' death in October.

The 20-year-old Pool star was killed in a road accident on the A174 as he sat in the passenger's seat. Shocked team-mates were told on the morning of their fixture with Swansea but decided they couldn't go ahead with the game.

McCunnie revealed Maidens had helped him settle into his new club after moving from Dunfermline last summer. He said: "It was a horrible, difficult experience when Michael died.

"We were away for the Swansea game, staying overnight in a hotel on the Friday.

"On the Saturday morning after breakfast we were told to meet at reception. The gaffer told us Michael had died in a road accident.

"Immediately we were asked if we wanted to go ahead with the match but within five seconds the whole squad said no.

"Michael had been at the club a long time and some of the boys had grown up with him. There was no way they could face a game of football that day.

"I had only known him for three months and he made me feel really welcome. To some of the other lads he was like a best mate and it was terrible for them.

"They were distraught. We had a six-hour bus journey back from Swansea and it was the longest trip ever.

"Everyone was still in shock and there was a knock-on effect.

"It took a while for the funeral and the boys were really affected. I don't think they are over it even now.

"I certainly thought about Michael when I heard Phil had passed away.

"Football goes out the window, it's the families you think about because Michael had two brothers as well.

"I know Phil's nephews David Clarkson and Stephen O'Donnell well and it puts life into perspective. That's two players this season who have died at a young age in different but tragic circumstances."