Highland League football champions Buckie Thistle part company with manager Graeme Stewart
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Fresh from steering Buckie Thistle to Highland League title glory, manager Graeme Stewart has resigned from the job after almost a decade in charge.
Stewart said he needed to “recharge the batteries” after a particularly demanding season which he said had left him shattered.
He is stepping down to focus on his family and an increase in business commitments.
Buckie said they were devastated by Stewart’s departure and will now take time to consider who will succeed him in the post.
The manager, nicknamed ‘Spider’ at the club, initially bossed Buckie as a caretaker at the end of 2014 before permanently taking up the position early in 2015.
By 2017 he had guided Jags to the Highland League title as well as the Aberdeenshire Cup.
After seven barren trophy years, Stewart led the club to another league success in the season just ended.
“After much consideration I have taken the very difficult decision to step down as Buckie Thistle manager,” he said.
“I have given 100 per cent for the last 10 years and have enjoyed every minute, but I have a young family, two beautiful girls, a demanding job and feel I now need to take some time out to recharge the batteries.
“I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to manage Buckie Thistle and I must thank Garry Farquhar, and the board, for all the trust they have shown me.
“The last 10 years have been amazing, and I have loved every minute.”
He expressed his thanks to assistant manager Lewis Mackinnon and coaches Darren Strong, Hamish Munro and Davie Young, and said without their input and the work of previous coaches like Andy Low, Stephen Bruce and Frank McGettrick, the club’s success would not be possible.
“We should have won more but we have done our best and have left the club as the best team in the Highland League and in a good position to build on this success.
“I will forever be grateful for being the Buckie Thistle manager and will always be a fan.
A Jags’ spokesperson said: “Spider has been a massive influence over everything at Victoria Park and has put in a power of work over the last ten years as manager and behind the scenes at the club.
“We are all devastated by the news, but understand his reasons for going.
“We will now take time as a club to consider our options.”
