Double blow for Buckie Thistle with Joe McCabe and Daniel Bell leaving the club
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BUCKIE Thistle have been dealt a double blow by the departure of two first team players.
It was announced last week that Joe McCabe has left the club to take up a job in London, while goalkeeper Daniel Bell is set to leave at the end of his contract and play junior football – which is more suited to his offshore work commitments.
Bell will be replaced by the returning Kevin Main – but both players will be a miss in the dressing room, according to manager Graeme Stewart.
He said: “Joe and Daniel are both leaving for work. They are two big characters in the changing room who give a lot to the team. They are both positive and easy to manage. They socialise and like to mix with the other boys.
“Joe had a great season and a half, he is versatile, physical and a great athlete.
“It’s a huge blow to us but we wish him well. He’s not leaving for another club and leaves on good terms. He is going to stay involved with WhatsApp group.
“Daniel is also not leaving to go directly to another club but this is part-time football and work commitments come first.
“Buckie is a very good club to be at, the guys are devastated to be leaving but they have to for their jobs.”
Joe McCabe has mixed emotions as he makes a positive step in his career but is forced to leave the Jags.
The 24-year-old makes the move to work for Subsea 7 in London having just finished a Masters in mechanical engineering at RGU in Aberdeen.
He said: “It’s bittersweet and hasn’t really sunk in yet. I handed in my dissertation on Tuesday and got the job offer on Thursday.
“Spider (Graeme Stewart) was one of my first phone calls. He kind of knew I’d be looking for jobs all over the UK and I landed the perfect one – something I have worked hard to do.
“In terms of football I’m gutted to leave but it would be silly of me to turn down this opportunity.
“I’m 100 per cent sure Buckie will go on to do great things without me.”
McCabe is looking to continue playing football down south and will contact clubs in due course.
He will also be keeping in touch with the Jags.
He added: “Hopefully I’ll be moving to play in a different league but I’ll be staying in the group chat for the banter.
“My relationship with Spider was really good and it will be good to see the boys when I come back up.”
