Derek Stark

Early life Derek Stark was born in Dunfermline, Fife, on 19 November 1958. He represented the Scottish Schools football team.

Playing career Stark played for Glenrothes and joined Dundee United as a provisional signing in March 1975, He appeared for the first team in a friendly against East Fife in August 1977. His competitive debut came in a Premier Division match against Clydebank at Kilbowie Park on 2 May 1978.

Stark won two Scottish League Cup winner's medals early in his career. He played in both matches of the 1979 final against Aberdeen and was an unused substitute in the 1980 final against Dundee. He also gained runners-up medals in both the Scottish Cup and League Cup during 1981. Having signed a full-time contract in 1982, he was part of the side that were Scottish Football League champions in 1982–83, playing in 32 out of 36 league matches that season.

The 1983–84 season was Stark's last in senior football. Having played with a knee injury throughout the season, he developed a problem with a cyst on his cartilage. He scored a long range goal against A.S. Roma in a European Cup semi-final tie at Tannadice in April 1984, but played his last senior match less than three weeks later.

After football Several operations failed to cure Stark's injury problems and he officially retired in September 1985, aged 26. He subsequently resumed his former career ambition, becoming a police officer with Fife Constabulary. He was inducted into the Dundee United Hall of Fame in 2015.

Honours Dundee United Scottish Football League Premier Division: 1982–83 Scottish League Cup: 1979–80, 1980–81