THERE IS to be a minute’s applause before Sunday’s derby against Dundee as a tribute to Dundee United legend Doug Smith.
The former Tannadice centre-half, who was club captain and made more than 600 appearances for his only team without being booked, passed away this week.
Doug was a hugely respected figure throughout Scottish football and fans of both city clubs will be able to show their appreciation before the SPL match at Dens Park.
United’s players will also be wearing black armbands in honour of one of the most important figures in the Tangerines’ history.
In this pictorial tribute, we see skipper Doug leading United out at Dens for a derby in August 1965.
This League Cup tie finished goalless but he was back with his team less than a month later for the famous “Dens Park Massacre” when they won 5-0 in the league.
A smiling Doug is next seen collecting the club’s Player of the Year award in April 1973.
He is leading United out again, this time accompanied by England’s World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore before a match between United and West Ham in the United States in the summer of 1969.
United represented Dallas Tornado in the International League tournament, while the Hammers were playing for Baltimore Bays. It was at that competition that United decided to adopt the tangerine colours of Dallas as their own.
Finally, before his last game for United in May 1976, Doug is congratulated by his manager Jim McLean. Looking on in the background are team-mates (from left) John Holt, Billy Steele, Ray Stewart and Paul Sturrock.
iroache@thecourier.co.uk