PICTURES: Shaun Wood enjoys his Buckie Thistle testimonial day against Elgin City and calls it quits on his Highland League football career
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet” - that was Buckie Thistle favourite Shaun Wood’s reaction to bringing down the curtain on his football career.
The 32-year-old was Jags’ captain in a 60-minute appearance in his own testimonial against Elgin City on Saturday and said it was a memorable occasion.
After 12 years at Victoria Park, the Portsoy boy finally had to call it a day on his playing days as the impact of a cruel injury in November 2022 took its toll.
Wood had already scored in a Banffshire coast derby clash at Princess Royal Park against Deveronvale when his ankle was broken and dislocated, leading to plates being inserted in the joint during surgery.
Attempts at comebacks proved difficult and with early signs of arthritis being diagnosed in the ankle, the defender made the decision to hang up his boots after his testimonial game.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” he said, sitting in the home dressing room at Victoria Park for the last time following Saturday’s clash with Elgin.
“Probably in the next few days I will be, like ‘that’s me finished’.
Any strangers to Wood’s talents in the bumper crowd on a rainy Buckie day would have assumed the right back was still Buckie’s established number two, as he put in a typically solid and organised display to tame Elgin’s energetic left-sided attacker Ryan Sargent.
“I think I played alright. My ankle held out anyway, but I’ll be sore tomorrow so it is time to call it a day.”
The Jags supporters chanted Wood’s name when he walked out to a guard of honour from both sets of players, hand-in-hand with his stepson Grayson (3).
“Grayson enjoyed himself - he was wanting to go and score a penalty but we didn’t quite have time for that,” Wood added.
Talking of penalties, Buckie had a loud first half shout for one when Andy MacAskill tumbled in the Elgin box during the visitors’ 2-0 win, but ref Harry Bruce waved away their appeals.
“I was on pens for today but Harry never gave it. I’ve scored one for Buckie before in a shoot-out but I’ve missed a few as well!
“It was more about the occasion, saying bye to the fans and the players. I’ve got good memories with them overt the years and it was a good day for me.
“I was definitely feeling the emotions as well, and it’s sad to go but I just want to look after myself now.
“It’s been 12 years and some great memories, a few great Scottish Cup days and winning the league.
“I’ve played with some great players over the years and it’s a great club to be involved with.”