Paul McGrillen found dead at his home

Jul 30 2009

Paul McGrillen

FOOTBALLER Paul McGrillen has been found dead at the age of 37.

Paul, who built a successful career with clubs such as Motherwell, Airdrieonians and Falkirk, was found dead at his home in Hamilton last night.

He is now the fourth member of the Motherwell squad which clinched the 1991 Scottish Cup to have died, following the deaths of Davie Cooper, Phil O'Donnell and Jamie Dolan.

Most recently, Paul had been at Bathgate Thistle where he won the Scottish Junior Cup in 2008.

A spokesperson for Strathclyde Police said: "A 37-year-old man was found dead at around 9.40pm on Wednesday, July 29, at his home in Hamilton.

"There would be appear to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a full report will be sent to the procurator fiscal."

Paul, who would have been 38 on August 19, started out his career as a youngster with Motherwell in 1990.

He was with the Fir Park side for five years and was part of the famous team which clinched the Scottish Cup in 1991.

He moved on to Falkirk where he stayed for three years, during which time he won the Scottish Challenge Cup.

He then returned to Lanarkshire to play for Airdrieonians between 1998 and 1999 before spells at East Fife, Stirling Albion, Partick Thistle, Clydebank, Stenhousemuir and Stranraer.

He then went on to become player/manager at Bellshill Athletic between 2006 and 2007 before joining his current club Bathgate Thistle last year, winning the Scottish Junior Cup.

Speaking from Bucharest, where Motherwell are playing in a European tie, a spokesperson for the club said: "Paul will be sorely missed by all Motherwell fans.

"He was actively involved in the club and played in a lot of the legends and testimonial matches - including Dougie Arnott's testimonial and the Phil O' Donnell tribute match.

"Motherwell has obviously had to deal with their own bouts of tragedy over the last few years. He was a part of our great 1991 team and the entire club are deeply saddened by the news of his passing. Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this sad time."

Airdrie United chairman Jim Ballantyne said: "The club are saddened to hear of the sudden death of Paul McGrillen last night, at the young age of 37.

"Paul played for the Diamonds in 1998/99 and all our thoughts are with his family."

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