A Dundee United FC player who appeared in more than 100 matches has died at the age of 69.
Stuart Markland, who also played for the Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath and Montrose died after a long illness on Saturday.
He made his start in football with junior side Penicuik Athletic, going on to begin his senior career with the 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, no-nonsense defender during his tenure.
Markland made a total of 106 appearances for the club, scoring three competitive goals including the equaliser in a match against Grashoppers 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 local side 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.
Popular fansite, The DUFC Archive, said in an online post: “We would like to send our condolences to Stuart’s family at this difficult time and thank them for getting in touch with our friend, ex-broadcaster and life-long Arab, Fraser Elder who passed on the sad news to us.
“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.”
