Buckie Thistle winger Paul Napier won the Jags "Clubman of the Year" award at the annual Highland League Dinner at the Newton Hotel, Nairn last friday (5th June). 

Paul is pictured with his trophy at the dinner.

 

 

Wick Academy's great season - they shot up the table to finish fifth - was also capped at the awards dinner .

Academy striker Richard Macadie became the first Wick player to win the player of the year award, while the Caithness Club's co-managers Ian Munro and Richard Hughes beat opposition from title winner John Sheran to lift the Manager of the year trophy.

Macadie, 22, formed a prolific strike partnership with Gary Weir and they scored 35 goals between them.

Macadie was rendered speechless when the announcement was made - but recovered to say: "Its a dream come true.

"To be the first Wick Academy player to receive this prestigious trophy and the fact that other Highland League players have voted for me makes this award even more special.

"I am delighted that Ian and Richard have also been recognised as managers of the year.  They richly deserve their award and it makes this even more memorable.

"I would also like to thank Ian, Richard and all the backroom staff, as well as my Academy team-mates and our fans for all the help and encouragement they have given me since I came back from Ross County."

John Sheran retained the title for Cove Rangers but then ended his time at the Aberdeen club.

Sheran was widely tipped to retain the manager's trophy but the roar which greeted the Wick double showed just how much Academy's entertaining style of football has been appreciated throughout the league this term.

A jubilant Munro said: "This award is as much down to the efforts of our magnificent players at Harmsworth Park as to Richard and myself so we must thank them all most sincerely.

"It has been a tremendous season for ourselves, moving up from 11th to fifth place in the table, the highest we have ever been in the Highland League, after going to places like Keith, Huntly and Inverurie and coming away with deserved victories."

Munro's co-manager Richard Hughes said: "It means so much to Ian and I to have won this award.  It just tops off a wonderful season both for ourselves and our club and, with Richard Macadie making it a memorable double, this award is even sweeter."

 

 

Cove Rangers forward Martin Johnston picked up the top scorer's award.  Johnston hit 17 goals in total last season.

CLUBMEN OF THE YEAR

Brora Rangers - Mark Kennedy, Buckie Thistle - Paul Napier, Clachnacuddin - Gordon Morrison, Cove Rangers - Eric Watson, Deveronvale - James Blanchard, Forres Mechanics - Stuart Knight, Fort William - Sean Ellis, Fraserburgh - Russell McBride, Huntly - Russell Guild, Inverurie Locos - Craig Ross, Keith - Mark Perry, Lossiemouth - Darren McConnachie, Nairn County - Shaun Kerr, Rothes - Steven Sim, Wick Academy - Richard Macadie.

Report by Dave Edwards (Press & Journal)