Buckie Thistle attacker Sam Robertson steps down from Highland League football due to work commitments and joins Dyce Juniors
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
STRIKER Sam Robertson has left Buckie Thistle to join north Superleague side Dyce Juniors.
Jags manager Graeme Stewart hinted recently that he may have to move on players due to the size of his squad ahead of the proposed Highland League season start on October 17.
The club announced this week that Robertson had found his increased workload difficult to manage alongside the commitments of playing Highland League football and travelling from his Aberdeen base.
Stewart said: “Although we are sad to lose a player of Sam’s quality, I understand his reasons for deciding to play junior football for a season or two.
“He is a popular player in the changing room so will be a big loss to Buckie on and off the park.
“We all wish him the best and hope we see him back in a Buckie strip in the future.”
Robertson came through the ranks of Aberdeen’s youth set-up and also had a spell with Caley Thistle before making a move to Cove Rangers.
Unable to break into the Aberdonians’ first team line-up, he was loaned out to Buckie at the end of 2017.
He netted his first goal for Jags in a 4-1 win over Keith in December that year.
Robertson also notched the winning goal in a 2-1 victory at Huntly the following month, before making his move to Victoria Park permanent.
He became a regular in the Jags’ attack in season 2018-19, scoring nine Highland League goals and going on to make 33 starting appearances in all competitions.
Last season his appearances were more restricted due to injury, but he still managed to score five goals in 16 starts and five substitute appearances.
Buckie have Marcus Goodall, Kyle MacLeod and Steven Ross in their attack force for next term, while John McLeod is trying to make a comeback from a long spell out after hip surgery.
Stewart signed Jack Murray in the summer and said: “I’m delighted with my squad. I’ll maybe have to move a couple on and there might be one more coming in, but I’m not rushing to do anything just now.”