IT isn’t just injury and suspension which is hampering Buckie Thistle’s Highland League challenge this year, says Gary Hake.
For the brassed off Jags’ boss is seeing holidays, weddings and even anniversaries having a negative impact on his team selections.
Hake could scarcely hide his disgust at the dwindling number of available players for big matches, and he is set to be without four key men for the Scottish Cup dress rehearsal against Turriff this weekend.
With David MacRae and Martin Charlesworth already on the injury list, Hake blasted top scorer Zander Sutherland for a “stupid” red card in Saturday’s 2-1 derby defeat at Deveronvale.
The manager had already been promising changes to his front line after criticising them for squandering scoring chances which have cost Buckie valuable points and left them languishing down the league.
But with striker Shawn Scott understood to be missing this weekend’s match due to holiday commitments, Hake’s hand is being forced into bringing in players from the fringes.
“It’s incredible. I can’t believe the amount of players I’m losing for holidays, weddings, anniversaries,” Gary said. “It beggars belief for me.”
See Northern Scot for full story.
