Motherwell's class of '91 loses fourth player

TOGETHER they played their way into history, winning silverware and the hearts of an entire town, but the fond memories of Motherwell FC's revered class of 1991 have once again been tinged with tragedy by the death of another of its illustrious members.

Paul McGrillen, a former striker for the Lanarkshire club, was discovered dead earlier this week.

He is the fourth member of the squad that won the Scottish Cup to die in their 30s.

The body of McGrillen was found in his home in Hamilton on Wednesday evening.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

The 37-year-old made nearly 100 appearances and scored 13 goals for the Steelmen, although he did not play in the 1991 final, which saw Motherwell defeat Dundee United 4-0.

It was a victory which remains one of the Scottish Cup's most celebrated games. Motherwell conquered the likes of Aberdeen and Celtic en-route to the final, giving a much needed morale boost to a town struggling to accept the impending closure of the Ravenscraig steelworks.

Yet the proud legacy of the game has become bittersweet in recent years. The legendary figure of Davie Cooper was the first of those who wore claret and amber to pass away. He died aged 39 in 1995 after suffering a brain haemorrhage while filming a children's television coaching show.

Two years ago, his Fir Park team-mate, Phil O'Donnell, died after collapsing during a match. The former Celtic and Scotland player was just 35.

Ten months ago, ex-Motherwell midfielder Jamie Dolan died at the age of 39 after suffering a heart attack while jogging.

Craig Paterson, the former Motherwell defender and a member of the 1991 side, said yesterday: "That's four former teammates of mine who are gone, all from the same period of time and the same club. It's devastating news.

"The only time you ever see your old teammates from those days is at funerals.

"It just seems to have been one tragedy after another."

In a statement posted on the club's website, Motherwell said McGrillen had been an important part of the side, both on and off the pitch.

It read: "Motherwell FC are deeply saddened to learn of he death of former striker Paul McGrillen. He came through the ranks at Fir Park and emerged in the famous 1991 Scottish Cup winning squad."

"Paul, nicknamed Mowgli by his teammates, was also an active member in the former players' club and played in many charity games and events, including Dougie Arnott's testimonial and Phil O'Donnell's tribute match."

McGrillen, who leaves behind his wife, Michelle, and two children, Joshua, 10, and Chloe, six, wore the strip of a number of clubs throughout his career, including Falkirk, Airdrie, East Fife, Stirling Albion, Partick Thistle, Clydebank, Stenhousemuir and Stranraer.

Latterly, he was a striker for Bathgate Thistle, with whom he won the Scottish Junior Cup last year. Only a week ago, he played for them against Motherwell in a friendly fixture.

Stephen Easton, a close family friend and manager of Glasgow junior side Petershill, said: "Words can't describe how devastated we are by this. I had known him for a number of years and he was a lovely guy and a real family man. Our thoughts and prayers are with Michelle and their two children."

JAMIE DOLAN: 1969-2008

A FORMER midfielder with the Lanarkshire side, Dolan died after suffering a heart attack while out jogging.

He made nearly 200 appearances for Motherwell, becoming a fan's favourite for his tireless enthusiasm. He also played for Dundee United, Dunfermline Athletic, Livingston, Forfar Athletic and Partick Thistle.

PAUL McGRILLEN: 1971-2009

The former Motherwell striker was found dead at his Hamilton home on Wednesday evening. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

He also played for teams including Falkirk, Partick Thistle and Airdrie, before embarking on a successful spell in junior football. Last year, he won the Scottish Junior Cup with Bathgate Thistle.

PHIL O'DONNELL: 1972-2007

The Celtic and Motherwell veteran died from heart failure after collapsing during a Motherwell game.

He was just 17 when he played – and scored – in the 1991 Scottish Cup final, the first victory in a long and celebrated career. The midfielder was capped by his country and regarded as one of Scottish football's greatest role models.

DAVIE COOPER (1956-1995)

THE former Rangers and Motherwell player died in 1995 from a brain haemorrhage while filming a children's football show.

The left-winger, who won 22 caps for Scotland, was regarded as one of the game's most skilful practitioners. In a tribute to Cooper, Rangers manager Walter Smith said: "God gave Davie Cooper a talent. He would not be disappointed with how it was used."