Mark Duncan has returned as president of Highland League champions Buckie Thistle.

The Duncan brothers, Mark and fellow director Murray, resigned a fortnight ago, claiming they had been undermined by alleged attempts from former board members to take over the social club in the town's West Church Street.

Duncan said: "I am coming back in as president.

"The club was in a serious position in the middle of last week because two of the main directors were going to resign and that threatened the position of manager Gregg Carrol in the long term.

"The whole club could have collapsed like a pack of cards, so an emergency meeting was arranged, the outcome of which was very positive.

"The board wants me back, so I have decided to return and I am sure we can move forward from here.

"If I hadn't reconsidered my position things would have been bleak for the club.  The good news for Buckie Thistle supporters is two key directors, Iain Clark and Garry Farquhar, confirmed their long-term commitment to the club.

"They are very important figures at the club as we aim to compete up at the top of the Highland League for the next five to ten years.

"Our first task is to steady the ship and stabilise the club.

"We need to go forward, attract fresh blood at board level and also strengthen the committee."

Duncan added: "I can only commit myself for the season ahead.

"That dosen't mean to say it won't be for longer but I don't know how I am going to feel in six to twelve months.  I have been in the president's chair for eight years but I feel in that time I have put 20 years work into the club.

"The club needs to put a new structure in place.  We have just won the Highland League for the first time in 52 years and on Friday night Gregg Carrol was crowned Manager of the year.

"We are the champions and we need to get this sorted out once and for all."

Report by Dave Edwards, Press & Journal