BUCKIE THISTLE PART WITH DUNCAN SHEARER  

Buckie Thistle have parted company with Manager Duncan Shearer.

Club President Mark Duncan today said "we had a Board meeting on Sunday afternoon and after a lengthy discussion it was decided that the Management Team had taken us as far as they could and that a change was needed.

The club would like to thank both Duncan Shearer and Graeme McBeath for their contribution to the club, they have both been first class to deal with.

Graham has agreed to take charge of the team for Saturdays away match at Fraserburgh and again we would like to thank him for this.

On a personal level I find it very disappointing as I have enjoyed working with Duncan, we had a great working relationship.  But these things happen in football.

Although there is no rush to appoint a new Manager a few names came up at our meeting and although we will be making inquiries of one or two it will be interesting to see who applies.

The club has made massive progress in the last six years both on and off the pitch and there is no doubt that the Managers job at Buckie is one of the best in the Highland League."

Duncan Shearer said (comments courtesy of http://www.highlandleague.net/) "I was as shocked to be given the news as the players were when I phoned to let them know.  It all happened so quickly, obviously a meeting this morning was called and I have been told they want a different brand of football.  These people pay the wages at the club and that is their prerogative.  It is strange to think what we may be looking forward to if we won yesterday's game, and I wonder whether my future hinged on that single result.

I cannot complain because I was backed to the hilt in this bid for success.  Two trophies in the cabinet, a Scottish Cup run and half a chance of winning the League.  I have to say it is by and by now.

Without question I cannot but pay huge tribute to Mark Duncan, he is the one I had a great relationship with, we worked well together.  He was sad to have to do this but that is football.  I was through it all with Aberdeen in 2004 when it hurt really badly, but at Buckie, all I can say is I gave it my best shot.

I pray they will achieve that elusive league success, there are very good people at that club, great supporters and I hope they do it.  I wish them well."