United Debut: v Clydebank (A) 2/5/78.
Signed From: Kirkton Boys Club, March 26/3/75.
Transferred to: Retired at 26 due to injury in 1985.
Stark was a tough tackling midfielder who was heavily involved in United's League Cup victories in 1979 and 1980 and League Championship success in 1983, and played a part in some fantastic European nights in the early 80's. Saved most of his goals for Europe, including the long range effort in the 1st Leg of the European Cup Semi-Final against Roma in 1984. A versatile player who, along with John Holt and Billy Kirkwood, could cover nearly every position on the park, Stark missed only 4 goals of the League winning campaign and scored 2 important goals against Kilmarnock in the run-in. Had to retire at the age of 26 in 1986 due to a serious knee injury and became a Policeman in the Fife Constabulary. Before becoming a full-time player, Derek was farmed out to local outfit Glenrothes Juniors and worked as a panel-beater in a Kinross garage!
League Cup Winner 1979
9 Appearances
Premier League Champion 1983
32 Appearances 2 Goals
League Cup Winner 1980
9 Appearances
| League | Scot Cup | League Cup | Europe | Total | ||||||
| App. | Gls. | App. | Gls. | App. | Gls. | App. | Gls. | App. | Gls. | |
| 1977-78 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 0 |
| 1978-79 | 31 | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | 33 | 1 |
| 1979-80 | 33 | 1 | 2 | - | 9 | - | 3 | - | 47 | 1 |
| 1980-81 | 22 | - | 3 | - | 9 | - | 4 | 1 | 38 | 1 |
| 1981-82 | 20 | - | 4 | - | 8 | - | 3 | - | 35 | 0 |
| 1982-83 | 32 | 2 | 1 | - | 9 | - | 8 | - | 50 | 2 |
| 1983-84 | 25 | 3 | 4 | - | 5 | - | 8 | 3 | 42 | 6 |
|
Total
|
164 | 7 | 15 | 0 | 41 | 0 | 26 | 4 | 246 | 11 |
