Manager of Highland League champions wants to ‘recharge the batteries’ after quitting
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Fresh from steering Buckie Thistle to Highland League title glory, manager Graeme Stewart has resigned from the job after almost a decade in charge.
Stewart said he needed to “recharge the batteries” after a particularly demanding season which he said had left him shattered.
He is stepping down to focus on his family and an increase in business commitments.
Buckie said they were devastated by Stewart’s departure and will now take time to consider who will succeed him in the post.
The manager, nicknamed “Spider” at the club, initially bossed Buckie as a caretaker at the end of 2014 before taking up the position permanently early in 2015.
By 2017 he guided Jags to the Highland League title as well as the Aberdeenshire Cup.
Stewart led the club to another league success in the season just ended.
“After much consideration I have taken the very difficult decision to step down as Buckie Thistle manager,” he said.
“I have given 100 per cent for the last 10 years and have enjoyed every minute, but I have a young family, two beautiful girls, a demanding job, and feel I now need to take some time out to recharge the batteries.
“I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to manage Buckie Thistle and I must thank [president] Garry Farquhar, and the board, for all the trust they have shown me.”
Stewart added: “We should have won more, but we have done our best and have left the club as the best team in the Highland League and in a good position to build on this success.
“I will forever be grateful for being the Buckie Thistle manager and will always be a fan.”
Buckie reached the fourth round of this season’s Scottish Cup, losing 5-0 to Celtic at Parkhead.
After clinching the Highland League title on goal difference from long-time leaders Brechin City, Buckie were thrown out of the promotion play-offs after failing to meet the Scottish Football Association’s bronze-level club licensing requirements.
Wick Academy won at home and lost away in their two league meetings with the Jags in season 2023/24. Buckie won 5-2 when the teams met at Victoria Park in November, then the Scorries had a 3-1 victory at Harmsworth Park in March.
