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Buckie Rovers launch volunteers appeal as club eye summer return to action


By Alan Beresford

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WITH the summer holding the prospect of the return of Junior football, Buckie Rovers have launched an appeal to get more volunteers on board.

Buckie Rovers FC are hoping football will return to Merson Park this summer. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Buckie Rovers FC are hoping football will return to Merson Park this summer. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

While Covid wiped out the remainder of the 2019-20 season, the pandemic also laid claim to the 2020-21 tournament.

Initially suspended after the second wave of the virus, the SJFA declared the season null and void in the middle of March.

However, the late summer may see competitive football return again and Buckie Rovers want to be ready to face the rigours of a new season after deciding not to participate in the 2020-21 tournament.

There was much to look forward to for Rovers president Grant Sutherland.

He said: “It’s fair to say that the last 12 months has been a trying time for everyone across all age groups, and the impact that Covid has had on the town and local economy has been huge.

“At the beginning of season 2020/21 due to the pandemic, we made the decision to take a year in abeyance at the club and sit out the season.

“During this time all players were released and most joined other clubs to try and get what football was still on offer at the time.

“Most of our committee stepped down for various reasons also so it was a pretty quiet year at Merson Park.

"We are very hopeful that Junior football will kick off again this season and fingers crossed come June/July we will be able to return to the Regional junior league and kick start the season again.”

To do this, however, it is essential that both volunteers and players come on board at the club.

“We are actively looking for members of the public to come along and join the committee at Buckie Rovers as we can’t run the club without this in place,” Sutherland continued.

“Most importantly we need a squad back up and running and a new manager in place.

“So, to any of our ex-players, or any new players who are keen to get the Rovers back up and running please get in touch.

"I realise this is not an easy task and we are still in a bit of unknown territory as far as Covid goes, but it would be a great shame to see the club sit idle after all these years.

“The club is steeped in history and it would be fantastic to see the boys buzzing again for Saturday game.

“All at Buckie Rovers FC would like to pass on our regards to everyone who has been affected in any way by Covid and wish you all the best for the coming year and hope all local businesses can get back to some normality soon.”

Anyone interested in joining either as a volunteer or a player can get in touch either via the club Facebook page or by emailing Sutherland at grntsutherland@yahoo.co.uk


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