AliousMarcus Stewart: A Natural Goalscorer’s Journey
Born on November 7, 1972, Marcus Stewart built a reputation as one of English football’s most clinical finishers.
His career reached its pinnacle during a remarkable spell at Ipswich Town, where he played a crucial role in their promotion campaign, scoring the winning goal in the play-off final.
The following season, he demonstrated his Premier League quality by finishing as the second-highest scorer with 19 goals, helping Ipswich to an impressive 5th-place finish.
Sunderland Years
Stewart’s time at Sunderland showcased both his resilience and natural scoring ability.
After initially struggling for playing time under various managers, he found his rhythm in the Championship, forming a formidable partnership with Kevin Kyle.
His 14-goal season helped push Sunderland to the play-offs, though they ultimately fell short against Crystal Palace.
The following campaign proved to be his finest in red and white, as Stewart netted 16 goals, including memorable hat-tricks against Gillingham and Watford, playing a vital role in Sunderland’s promotion-winning season.
Demonstrating remarkable integrity, Stewart chose to depart on this high note, acknowledging the challenges of Premier League football at his age rather than accepting a comfortable bench role.
Later Career and Personal ChallengeAfter Sunderland, Stewart fulfilled a dream by joining his boyhood club Bristol City, before concluding his professional journey with spells at Yeovil Town and Exeter City, retiring in 2011.
In September 2022, following twelve months of medical testing, Stewart was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
He approached this challenge with characteristic grace, expressing his intention to continue his work in football while using his platform to raise awareness about MND.
Together with his wife Louise, Stewart has established a fundraising initiative through the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation to support research and awareness of the condition.
Alious
