‘Loved his football, his friends and his family’: Tributes to Stonehaven Athletic coach after sudden death near Mackie Academy

A family man, dad-of-three and football coach who died suddenly in Stonehaven  has been described as a “true legend”.

Mark Campbell, 46, died suddenly while running near Mackie Academy in Stonehaven on Tuesday morning.

He leaves behind devoted wife Danielle and much-loved three daughters, Amy, Emma and Grace.

Mr Campbell, also known as Coo, has been described as a “legendary” Stonehaven Athletic double cup-winning former captain.

After playing with the club since the 1990s, he went on to be the secretary and member of the management team.

In April 2021 he took over as one of two coaches at the club.

A ‘true legend’

Describing Mr Campbell as a “a true legend” the club said it was with “immense sadness”, the club had to announce his death.

A tribute on Facebook said: “Everyone involved in Stonehaven Athletic, are heartbroken by the news and all our thoughts are with his family at this extremely difficult time.

“Mark simply is a club legend.

“As a player, he played since the late 90s, joining a new influx, of then a breed of young talented players.

“A great, fully committed and determined defender, stopping many a cocky forward with a tough tackle or two.

“And after a few years learning from the older players, he was made our club captain, helping the team to new levels, leading the team to the league and cup double in 2008.”

It continued: “After hanging up his boots, he continued the hard work for the club as secretary, ensuring everything ran smoothly off the field allowing the players and management team to concentrate on winning football games.

“Not content with just being the club secretary, he latterly became part of the management team which he enjoyed immensely, passing on his knowledge and experience to our new breed of players.

“A great guy to have at the club, on and off the field. One of the reasons, the club is as good as it is.

“He will be sorely missed by all players and staff, past and present.”

Adding: “Thanks for everything, Rest in Peace Coo!”

Tributes paid to a ‘true gent’

On social media, John Sim said: “So so sorry to hear of the passing of Mark. He was one of the finest guys you could meet.

“Loved his football, his friends and his family.”

Barry Sim said: “Very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Mark personally as well as through football also.

“Thoughts to all his friends and family as well as the club from myself and also all at JS XI.”

Matthew Grant said: “Was so sorry to hear of this. A familiar face at the station and around stoney. Thinking of his family and close ones and all you lads that know him so well at athletic.”

Richie Thomas described Mr Campbell’s death as “so sad”. He added: “A true gent and instrumental in the creation of the Stonehaven community FC and linking up of all Stoney clubs.

“Such a loss. Thoughts with his family and friends.”

A police spokeswoman earlier said: “At around 9.50am on Tuesday December 27 we were called to a report of a man taken ill within the grounds of Mackie Academy, Stonehaven.

“Emergency services attended and a 46-year-old man sadly died a short time later. His family is aware.”