Dundee United Legends - Week Three - Doug Smith For a generation of Arabs, Doug Smith was the face of Dundee United. A one-club man, Doug played 628 matches for the Club over a period of 17 years during which he was Club Captain. Perhaps his greatest record is that despite playing at centre-half, Doug Smith was NEVER booked during his long career. Born in Aberdeen on March 9th, 1937, Doug Smith made his first appearance for Dundee United at the age of 22 as a trialist and signed for the club shortly afterwards. For two years he was understudy to Ron Yeats. He made his breakthrough into the United first team in the 1961/62 season after Yeats left Tannadice to join Liverpool in July 61. Although Doug never won a major honour with United, he was involved in some of the greatest moments in the Clubs history. He was part of the United team that humbled Barcelona both home and away in the Clubs first ever European tie in 1966. He also led United out at Hampden Park in the 1974 Scottish Cup Final against Celtic, the Clubs first ever major cup final. Although the Terrors lost the match 3-0 it was a monumental moment in the history of Dundee United and laid the foundations for the success that would follow in years to come. After 17 years of loyal service, Smith was released by the club in May 1976. Doug Smith is without doubt one of the greatest players to ever play for, represent and captain the Club. Following his retirement, Smith joined the Dundee United Board of Directors in 1983. He was elected as vice-chairman in 1992 and became Club Chairman in 2000 following the legendary Jim McLeans resignation but left the club in 2002. As a player, in his era he was often described as one of the finest uncapped players in Scotland. Sadly, Doug passed away in November 2012 at the age of 77, there was a minutes applause before the Dundee Derby at Dens Park a few weeks later to celebrate the life of a great. A true leader and a true gentleman, Doug Smith is a true Dundee United legend. Dundee United Career Statistics Appearances - 628 Goals - 27
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 21:51:19 +0000
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