Vale Darren Stewart

Football Federation Australia (FFA) is saddened to learn of the passing of former Socceroo Darren Stewart.

Stewart, who was 52, represented the Socceroos on three occasions and made his national team debut in a 3-1 win over Croatia in Adelaide in July 1992. 

Stewart enjoyed a highly respectable career in the National Soccer League (NSL), playing for Newcastle Rosebud, APIA Leichhardt, and Newcastle Breakers between 1982 and 1993. 

After his time in Australia’s top-flight, Stewart played professionally for five years in Malaysia with Johor FA, and later in Singapore with Balestier Central.

While in Malaysia, Stewart captained Johor to Malaysian FA Cup success. 

After retiring from playing professional football in 2001, Stewart remained in Singapore and commenced a 15-year professional coaching career.

Stewart’s coaching career saw him serve three Singaporean clubs – Gombak United, Balestier Khalsa, and Woodlands Wellington – as Head Coach, and one – Geylang International – as Assistant Coach. 

Between 2016 and 2018 Stewart was Head Coach of the Maldives national team.

FFA extends its condolences to those closest to Darren Stewart, especially his family and friends.

Newcastle Jets today confirmed that their team will wear black armbands on Sunday as a mark of respect for Stewart when they play Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium in New Zealand.