The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
‘No-nonsense’ Dundee United defender Stuart Markland
Former Dundee United player Stuart Markland has died at the age of 69 after a long illness.
Mr Markland appeared in more than 100 matches for the Tangerines, and also played for Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath and Montrose.
He made his start in football with junior side Penicuik Athletic, going on to begin his senior career with Berwick Rangers in 1966.
The centre-half, who was first signed for Dundee United in 1968, found himself playing in every position along the back line in his time at Tannadice. He built a reputation as a tough, nononsense defender during his career.
Mr Markland made a total of 106 appearances for the club, scoring three competitive goals including the equaliser in a match against Grasshoppers Zurich in 1970.
His goal saw Jerry Kerr’s men bounce back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Three years later he joined Montrose, before travelling to Australia to sign for Sydney Olympic in the National Soccer League in 1978.
He returned to Montrose in 1980 and also played for Penicuik again before his retirement.
Fansite the DUFC Archive said in an online post: “We would like to send our condolences to Stuart’s family at this difficult time... We thought it appropriate to pay tribute to the man, who made a real contribution to a great Dundee United side in his time at the club and will be sadly missed.”