Football star found dead in home

McGrillen was a member of Motherwell's cup-winning squad in 1991

Former Motherwell footballer Paul McGrillen has been found dead in his home, it has emerged.

Police confirmed the body of the 37-year-old was discovered at his home in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, on Wednesday night.

A spokesman said there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.

The striker was a member of the Motherwell squad that won the Scottish Cup in 1991, although he did not play in the final.

McGrillen is the fourth member of the Motherwell squad of that era to have died.

Winger Davie Cooper died at the age of 39 in 1995 after suffering a brain haemorrhage while filming a children's coaching show for TV.

There would appear to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a full report will be sent to the procurator fiscal Strathclyde Police spokesman

Former team mate Phil O'Donnell died after collapsing during a match against Dundee United in 2007 at the age of 35.

And last year 39-year-old former Motherwell midfielder Jamie Dolan died of a heart attack while out jogging.

The player is survived by his wife Michelle and two children under the age of 10, a son and a daughter.

Neighbours in Hamilton spoke of their shock at the news.

One man, who did not want to be named, said: "They are a lovely family. It's just so unfortunate.

"They are a close family and very pleasant neighbours. It's very sad."

McGrillen made nearly 100 appearances for Motherwell and scored 13 goals.

Friendly match

A statement on the club website said: "Motherwell Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former striker Paul McGrillen.

"McGrillen came through the ranks at Fir Park and emerged in the famous 1991 Scottish Cup winning squad.

"Paul, nicknamed Mowgli by his team mates, 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.

"Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this sad time."

McGrillen also had spells with Falkirk, Airdrie, East Fife, Stirling Albion, Partick Thistle, Clydebank, Stenhousemuir and Stranraer.

He was most recently a striker for junior club Bathgate Thistle, and played for them against Motherwell in a friendly match last week.

BBC football pundit Craig Paterson, who played for Motherwell when McGrillen was starting out with the team in the early 90s, said it was terrible that four players from his era had now died.

I saw him growing from being a raw young kid into a first team player and a good one at that Craig Paterson BBC football pundit

Paterson said: "That's four former team mates 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 team mates from those days is at funerals. It just seems to have been one tragedy after another.

"My thoughts go out to their families."

Paterson paid tribute to McGrillen's determination and likeable character.

He said: "I remember him coming to the club as a young lad full of zest and enthusiasm.

"He worked hard and went on and forged a decent career.

"I saw him growing from being a raw young kid into a first team player and a good one at that. He just wanted to score goals.

"He was a lovely lad, good fun and he always had a smile on his face."

A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said: "There would appear to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a full report will be sent to the procurator fiscal."

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