DUTV
STORY OF THE MATCH | RANGERS (A)
25th November 2024
Dundee United is saddened to learn of the death of Doug Smith, former captain, Director, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Club, who died today after a short illness. As well as being a Club legend, Doug Smith was a true gentleman, on and off the park, and highly respected and admired by all those who made his acquaintance.
Born in 1937, Doug signed for Dundee United in 1959 and spent his entire playing career at Tannadice, making his final appearance in 1976. He had an association with the Club that lasted over 40 years, first as a player and then Director, Vice Chairman and then Chairman in 2002. He also became an official with the SFA and Scottish League, working on various committees, eventually becoming Scottish League President.
Signed from Aberdeen Lads' Club, Doug made his debut as a trialist against Alloa Athletic in April 1959, coincidentally playing alongside Ron Yeats, his former Lads' Club colleague and the man whom he was to supersede for the next decade and a half.
As understudy to Yeats, he was restricted to a handful of first team outings over the next two years. But when Yeats left to join Liverpool in July 1961, Doug made the centre-half position his own.
Indeed, such was his consistency over the next ten seasons, he missed a mere four competitive games. Named the Supporters' Club Player of the Year in 1964, he was a member of the side that humbled Barcelona both home and away and, in the late 1960s, was appointed Club captain.
Regarded as one of the country's best uncapped players, his proudest moment came in May 1974 when he led United out at Hampden Park for the Club's first ever Scottish Cup Final.
After 17 years of loyal service, Doug retired from playing in May 1976. Although he left without winning a major honour, Doug had one major distinction: he was never booked in a career spanning 628 games in major competition. He ranks fifth in United's all-time appearances chart.
In 1983, Doug returned to United as a Director and remained on the Board until 2002, spending the last two years as Chairman. Well respected in Scottish football, he became President of the Scottish League in 1997. Appropriately, Doug was amongst the first group of players to be inducted into the Dundee United Hall of Fame in January 2008.
Our sympathies and thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time, particularly David and Louise. The Club flag is flying at half mast and Dundee United has approached the footballing authorities to request an appropriate mark of respect prior to kick-off on Sunday.
Born in 1937, Doug signed for Dundee United in 1959 and spent his entire playing career at Tannadice, making his final appearance in 1976. He had an association with the Club that lasted over 40 years, first as a player and then Director, Vice Chairman and then Chairman in 2002. He also became an official with the SFA and Scottish League, working on various committees, eventually becoming Scottish League President.
Signed from Aberdeen Lads' Club, Doug made his debut as a trialist against Alloa Athletic in April 1959, coincidentally playing alongside Ron Yeats, his former Lads' Club colleague and the man whom he was to supersede for the next decade and a half.
As understudy to Yeats, he was restricted to a handful of first team outings over the next two years. But when Yeats left to join Liverpool in July 1961, Doug made the centre-half position his own.
Indeed, such was his consistency over the next ten seasons, he missed a mere four competitive games. Named the Supporters' Club Player of the Year in 1964, he was a member of the side that humbled Barcelona both home and away and, in the late 1960s, was appointed Club captain.
Regarded as one of the country's best uncapped players, his proudest moment came in May 1974 when he led United out at Hampden Park for the Club's first ever Scottish Cup Final.
After 17 years of loyal service, Doug retired from playing in May 1976. Although he left without winning a major honour, Doug had one major distinction: he was never booked in a career spanning 628 games in major competition. He ranks fifth in United's all-time appearances chart.
In 1983, Doug returned to United as a Director and remained on the Board until 2002, spending the last two years as Chairman. Well respected in Scottish football, he became President of the Scottish League in 1997. Appropriately, Doug was amongst the first group of players to be inducted into the Dundee United Hall of Fame in January 2008.
Our sympathies and thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time, particularly David and Louise. The Club flag is flying at half mast and Dundee United has approached the footballing authorities to request an appropriate mark of respect prior to kick-off on Sunday.
