MOTHERWELL and their supporters were last night mourning Fir Park icon Joe Wark, who has died aged 67.
Regarded as one of the Lanarkshire side's greatest-ever players, the defender was a one-club man who played more than 500 games in claret and amber.
The sad news announced by the club yesterday stated that Wark had lost his long battle with illness.
After making his debut for Motherwell in a friendly against Tranmere Rovers back in 1968, Wark embarked upon a 16-year love affair with the club.
Bizarrely, the full-back spent 87 minutes of his debut in goals after goalkeeper Keith McCrae was injured. Not only did he acquit himself well, he kept a clean sheet.
Wark went on to make more than 460 league appearances for Motherwell, a post-war record that is unlikely to be beaten. In an era that boasted fierce competition in defence for the national side, a Scotland cap would prove elusive but Wark was unquestionably in the top tier as a player.
Motherwell – who will wear black armbands in their match against Dundee at Dens Park tomorrow – said in a statement: “Motherwell FC is today devastated to learn of the passing of one of its greatest sons, Joe Wark, after a long battle with illness.
“Everyone at the club would like to express our deepest condolences to Joe’s wife Maureen, his sons Steven and Kenneth, along with his close family and friends at this difficult time.”
Fans took to social media to talk about the player who famously was the subject of the chant ‘Joe Wark knew my father’ among the Motherwell support.
Ian Mulvey Tweeted: “Such sad news about Joe Wark – he was an absolute legend in a great ‘Well team when my dad took me to games. Thoughts with his family.”
Jason Henderson added: “The term ‘legend’ is banded about all over the place but today marks the passing of a true Well legend. RIP.”
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