WICK ACADEMY NEWS

WICK ACADEMY FOOTBALL CLUB The Way Forward Action Plan The attached action plan has been prepared by the supporter's group "Academy For Change" and lays out proposals for the club based on the Vision, Mission and Values outlined below. It is intended that the plan will be a "living" document and develop with the club over the next few years.   Vision- To be a successful club challenging for honours in the Highland League with a fully integrated youth development structure and close community links. Mission - We shall partner with representatives from the community involved in business, football, schools, youth groups and local authorities to ensure a focused strategy leading to football success on the park and in the community. Values - Football excellence -Youth Development - Total Community Involvement - Open Communication - Fiscal control   The timescale for the short-term goals is in the region of 12 months whilst the medium to long-term goals could require between 1 and 5 years. Academy For Change   January 2003

AREA Community involvement

WHERE ARE WE NOW Attendances at a record low.   The reputation of the club at an all time low, both in Wick and throughout the County.   Seen as a "Wick only" team.

WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE Wick Academy to be considered a well-respected and popular football club throughout Caithness.   Playing an active role in the community befitting the senior football club in the County.

HOW DO WE GET THERE Short term: Encourage the setting up of supporters' club, part of whose remit will be to encourage more integration between club and the wider community.   Medium/Long Term: System in place where youth teams/schools are invited to home games.   An annual open/fun day to take place in the pre-season.   Investigate the potential for special ticket prices to encourage families.

AREA Football

WHERE ARE WE NOW Regular bottom 4 finishers in the Highland League.   No cup final appearances since joining the H.L.   Wide spread perception that the football side of the club is secondary to other projects in the eyes of the office bearer's i.e. Development Fund.   Confusion surrounding the football management set up.

WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE Fielding a team that Caithness can be proud of and will fulfill the potential of Caithness football and eventually challenge for honours in the Highland League.

HOW DO WE GET THERE Short term: Make the Development of the football team the no.1 priority of the new Wick Academy. Work with the football management team to ensure they have resources to utilise current squad's potential. Medium to long term: Channel all available resources to assist the management team. This will involve regular meetings to discuss the following - 1. Squad Strengthening 2. Matters effecting team progress 3. Training facilities 4. Team transport & equipment 5. Team management structure   Look to attract Scottish league teams back to the Harmsworth for pre-season friendly matches.   Continue to develop the Harmsworth Park and make full use of the new all-weather pitch to be sited by the Highland Council at the high school park for winter training.

AREA Club structure

WHERE ARE WE NOW Management system outdated and struggling to meet the demands of running a semi-professional football club.   All major decisions taken by a very small number of people.   Former players, officials, sponsors and supporters being denied membership.   No vehicle for supporters to have any input in the decision making.

WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE More involvement by supporters, members and business people in a set-up equipped to run a successful semi-professional football club.

HOW DO WE GET THERE Short term: Encourage the involvement of business and professional people to utilise their expertise in order to move the club forward both on and off the park. Continue to examine how more successful Highland League teams are set up. Review and propose updates to the club's constitution and encourage new membership. Medium/Long term: Put in place and review the new set-up to ensure the club is being run efficiently. A representative from the supporters club to have position on WAFC committee.

AREA Youth development

WHERE ARE WE NOW Running a successful U18's team.   A stated policy of youth development but relations with all other youth teams in the county have completely broken down.

WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE Close links with all youth teams to ensure a conveyor belt of talent through the age groups to the Wick Academy senior team and beyond

HOW DO WE GET THERE Short term: Meet with all those involved in youth football and share views for the future of Caithness football. Aim to build links that will be mutually beneficial. Assist Caithness United in their efforts to regain their place in the Highland Youth League so as ensuring Caithness youth are competing at the highest possible level. Medium/Long term: Consolidate the links established and continue to meet on a regular basis to ensure everyone is working together. Extend the links outwith the county towards Ross County, ICT and Aberdeen. Senior youth teams invited to WAFC training sessions. A WAFC player to visit and coach at each of the county's youth set-ups at least once a season.

AREA Communications	WHERE ARE WE NOW Dialogue with many areas of the community non-existent.   Unwilling to listen to the views of others.	WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE Have systems in place to enable the club to communicate effectively with other football clubs, the Highland Council, the business community, press and of course supporters.	HOW DO WE GET THERE Short term: Establish links and agree the most suitable method of communication. Medium/Long term: Make more use of Internet site. Carry out annual survey. Continue with regular meetings with Thurso fc, Halkirk and CAFA for the mutual benefit of all parties.
AREA Fiscal Control/ fundraising	WHERE ARE WE NOW Unsure if any financial planning is in place. Turnover of the club dropping - £6K less last year than in 1998.   Perception that some current sponsors feel they are not getting value for money.   No significant merchandising taking place.   No weekly fund-raising ticket for the Football Club.	WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE Working with the wider community to optimise the income available to the club and ensure sponsors etc are getting full value for money.   Income greater than expenditure and a balance in the bank of at least three months monthly expenditure.	HOW DO WE GET THERE Short term: Ensure proper financial controls are in place for all income and expenditure. Prepare yearly budgets and stick to them. Research whether a weekly "lottery" ticket could boost club funds. Medium to long term: Review match day sponsorship packages to see how this can be extended and improved. Canvass existing sponsors to establish what they want from the club and continue to work with them to ensure they feel they are getting value for their investment. Investigate potential for greater merchandising taking advantage of fact that WAFC are the most Northerly senior football club. Make use of the internet to promote the club to exiles.

WICK ACADEMY FC THE WAY FORWARD It has been proposed that a group of prominent Caithness businessmen take an active role in overseeing the running of Wick Academy Football Club (WAFC). This proposal has come about following concerns over the way the club has been run of late, and in an effort to improve the fortunes of the Club. These businessmen would become directors of the Club by name only and have agreed to pay a sum of money towards Club funds for this title. The new directors are willing to use their experience and expertise in an advisory role, overseeing the running and future of WAFC. A new chairman would be named, with positions for the current executive and general committee in the new set-up. We have received feedback and examined how a number of more successful Highland League clubs are organised. The new chairman and his committee would take the final decision. However, one option that appears to be popular is a system of various subcommittees taking responsibility for various aspects of the day-to-day running of the Club. This idea would have the benefit of tasks being spread among a group of people rather than a small number, as is the case at present. We would develop better working relationship with Highland Council to ensure: 1. Wick Academy can make full use of the new all-weather pitch to be sited by the Highland Council at the high school Park. 2. The Harmsworth Park continues to develop. Informal discussions have already taken place with Caithness United with the intention of fostering closer links between both clubs to ensure a conveyor belt of talent from Caithness United U12s right through the age groups to the Wick Academy senior team and to ensure Caithness United participate in next year's Highland Youth Development League. We would aim to develop better links between Wick Academy and Halkirk/Thurso/Caithness Amateur Football Association. Our aim would be to work both with the football and wider communities to make Wick Academy a well respected and popular football club and an ambassador for Caithness. Directors' role: 1. To oversee and advise on all Club affairs, and work directly with the chairman. 2. To pay a fee to be a director. 3. To use their business expertise to promote WAFC for match-day sponsorship and other financial deals. 4. To set up subcommittees which would be run by an elected committee member who can ask for advice from selected directors of that subcommittee. This would spread the load and allow directors and office-bearers to run the club smoothly. 5. Each subcommittee would elect a member from the committee to run this group and they would then report to directors. 6. Directors not to have any more voting rights than any other member. 7. Directors would be responsible for monitoring their own numbers. Current Position: Seeing the way our local senior club is being run, this has raised a lot of concern. We appreciate that Caithness United is not affiliated to WAFC, nor is any other football club in the county. But looking at WAFC as their senior club it has to be asked what WAFC are doing for football in Caithness? The answer has to be 'nothing', apart from taking. What that means is any young player coming through, with sufficient talent, will end up at Academy. But what about players with potential, seeing and reading about their senior club's actions as things stand? They must wonder if it is worth carrying on or should they stick to a certain level. Also, what could WAFC do for the community? Well, open football days could be organised with the aim of putting some fun back into the hearts of the supporters and their families.   LET'S TALK: 1. One of the first aims of the Club would be to start discussions with Caithness United to see what we can do for their youth teams this season - then do all we can to get them voted back into the Highland Youth Development League. 2. Wick Academy must also meet with Thurso, Halkirk and Caithness Amateur Football Association to foster better relations. 3. WAFC, as the county's senior club, must do its utmost to unite football in Caithness, as it is the club to profit most from this action. POTENTIAL: Very little needs to be said on this point. Crowds of over 1000 have trooped along to the Harmsworth Park and can do so again. But in order to gain the support of the county, WAFC must show some interest in Caithness football in general. Pentland United and Wick Thistle have done the county proud in the Highland Amateur Cup, and Caithness United did particularly well last season in the Highland Youth Development League and in the Orkney tournament. Also Halkirk and Thurso have had success in the North Caledonian League over the past few years, and finally Academy's under-18s won the Highland Youth Development League two years ago. The above points just confirm how strong football is in Caithness, and if we all start working together we can all share in everybody's success. SUPPORT THEM AND THEY WILL SUPPORT YOU We think it is imperative that WAFC, with its connections and affiliation to the Scottish Football Association, does everything in its power for youth football and amateur football in Caithness. A FEW SUGGESTIONS: Form links with Caithness United immediately; also all other youth league football clubs and schools. Send an invitation to primary schools boys and girls to come and watch home games free of charge - i.e. Dunbeath and Lybster pupils to come and watch Wick Academy v Forres, then the next game at home Halkirk and Castletown pupils to be invited, etc. WAFC must also start working with Caithness amateur clubs, firstly by sitting down and speaking with them to see what they can offer. Meet with Wick Amateur Football Association to discuss the Harmsworth Park feud. Ask the local business and sponsors if WAFC can do anything in return instead of just taking all the time. Encourage supporters to get more involved in the Club.   We consider it important that all members of the current committee be offered posts in the new set up in order that the club benefits from their experience. Please note that these proposals are not the finished article and we now need you to help finish this document off and ensure the club takes it on board.   For further information contact anyone involved with Academy for Change or e-mail Allan Tait on There is an "Academy For Change" meeting this Thursday the 26th of September at 7:30pm in the Mackay's Hotel. All Welcome.

22/5/2002 Approx 30 members attended the club's AGM and the main points are as follows - Chairman's Report - Thanked the players for their commitment over the season and in particular at the end of the season when some long midweek trips were made. Mr Gunn believed that there was silverware in the young team, and was confident that Darren Strong will be with the club next season. The members were advised that the "Sports complex" was near. Elections - M/s Gunn and Carter returned unapposed. Treasurer's Report - a/c's showed a profit compared to a small loss last year. The improved financial position was largely down to the Qualifying/Scottish cup run which attracted payments for each round as well as extra gate money and TV income. Managers Report - Mr. Miller also praised the players for their commitment and said that there had not been one call off during the period they were playing twice weekly. He put down the poor league position to a number of factors including the loss of Gordon Robertson, the stop start season due to poor weather and the lack of training facilities. He confirmed that the hunt for a goalscorer continued. AOCB - The rest of the meeting took the form of a heated debate over the development fund and the lack of access for WAFC members to information. Mr. Gunn confirmed membership of the development fund was by invitation only and that this course had been agreed at a meeting in January 2000. Opinions from the floor suggested that this course of action was both illegal and un- constitutional. A proposal that all WAFC members are automatically members of the Development fund was carried without objection and Mr Gunn said a meeting of the fund would be held shortly and they would consider this proposal.

20/5/2002 Academy have started to add to the squad in preparation for next season. At the weekend both David Cowie and Alec Lamb were signed as Pat Miller looks to build a team capable of looking for at least a mid table position. Wicker Alec Lamb is a left sided defender who impressed during his last two seasons at Ross County where illness during his last year possibly cost him a contract. David Cowie from Helmsdale played a number of games at the end of last season and showed enough promise to earn himself a contract. Hopefully it is obvious to everyone that the squad needs added to further bearing in mind that both Stewart Ross and Gordon MacDonald will be leaving for the university in Edinburgh after the summer.

3/5/2002 With Deveronvale requiring a win to keep their title challenge alive it looks like it will be an injury hit Academy squad that travels South tommorrow. Craig Shearer is doubtful after going over his ankle in the first few minutes of Wednesday's defeat at Buckie and already ruled out are Martin Gunn, Steve Murray, Gordon MacDonald and David Cowie.

22/3/2002 Academy travel to face Huntly in the Highland League Cup with some injury problems. Craig Shearer has been ruled out and both Steve Murray and Martin Gunn face fitness tests tomorrow and are only rated 50/50. Some good news is the return of Jamie MacKenzie after his suspension against Brora. Huntly ran out 3 - 0 winners when Academy were the visitors on the first day of the season but Academy did achieve a no score draw in the return game in January.

31/1/2002 Following a pitch inspection this morning which ruled the Harmsworth unplayable for this Saturday's home tie against Deveronvale it has been agreed that the match should be switched to Vale's ground which is currently playable. This arrangement in an effort to avoid worsening Academy's fixture pile-up could be in vain if the storms forecast for the weekend arrive.

9/1/2002 Academy continue to get more of their squad signed on professional forms after Ross Sutherland signed a two year contract this week. It is fitting reward for the player who has surprised many doubters to become a permanent fixture in the Academy team. It is understood that Academy hope to sign Gordon MacDonald on a similar contract this weekend. Meanwhile the Academy fans who read this morning's P & J which reported on the possibility of the club playing a number of home game in Brora can rest assured that this will not happen. A club official confirmed that this was a non starter bearing in mind the inconvenience to fans, sponsors etc and the considerable resultant loss of revenue not to mention the additional costs of transport down to Brora.

14/12/2001 Academy are back home this weekend when they play Rothes in a match both teams will be hopeful of all the points to move them from the bottom of the League. Academy will have Steve Murray back from suspension but have announced they have put on hold any move for Caley Thistle's forward Neil MacDonald on loan.

7/12/2001 Academy make the trip to Inverurie to play their first ever match against the Locos. Academy will be looking to get some points to try to move up the table but Inverurie have performed well in their first season and deserve their place in mid table. Academy will look to Gordon MacDonald to put away some of the chances their decent build up play has been creating this season. Steve Murray will still be absent following his sending off against Clach earlier in the season.

14/11/2001 The build up to Academy's historic Scottish Cup match at the Harmsworth on Saturday continued with Grampian's camera's up at the training last night. I understand that Pat Miller, Jamie MacKenzie and Willie Wydmuch were all interviewed and the clip is expected to be shown on Friday night. Camera's from BBC including Dougie Vipond and Sky are arriving on Friday to film Threave's arrival and the match on the day. Ewan Smith the Sun reporter who had such a good time covering the Golspie game a few years ago will be back up and our very own John Baikie will be covering the game and supplying photos to the national press. Let's hope that now he has hit the big time he does not forget his old friends at the unofficial web-site who gave him his chance!!! Tennant's are the Cup sponsor with Nicholson Engineering sponsoring the match. Threave are arriving on Friday night and are staying in the Mercury both Friday and Saturday night's. On the playing front Academy expect to have a full squad to choose from except long term absentee Gordon Robertson.

25/10/2001 In the run up to Academy's Scottish cup game against Threave the cup sponsor's Tennants are looking to make the most of the distance factor and the number of years since Academy last appeared in the cup proper by taking the actual trophy up to Wick. It is hoped this photo opportunity will take place in the next few weeks. It is also expected that the tv cameras will be in Wick to cover the story with Grampian expected to be the first next week. Meanwhile club officials are hopeful that Academy's game against League leaders Clach will go ahead this weekend as long as there is not another lenghty spell of rain.

15/10/2001 Academy's cup adventure is set to go into the history books after being drawn in a tie against Threave Rovers who are based in Castle Douglas. It is likely Threave's trip to Wick in the first round will be the longest journey in Scottish Cup history. The winners face a second round away game against Forfar. Ist Round involving Highland teams - played 17/11/2001 Wick Academy v Threave Rovers Stirling Albion v Buckie Thistle 2nd round - 8/12/2001 Forfar v Academy or Threave East Stirlingshire v Forres Deveronvale v Spartans Gala v Stirling or Buckie

12/10/2001 Academy have been boosted by the signing of Martin Gunn before tomorrow's Qualifying Cup semi-final against Deveronvale at the Harmsworth. It is expected that Gunn will replace Ross Sutherland who is suspended in the squad. Whilst Deveronvale beat us home and away last season they are without one of their main players Jamie Watt who is out suspended after being sent of against Clach in the last round. A large crowd is expected for Academy's first semi-final in 66 years.

5/10/2001 Only Gordon Robertson is unavailable for Wick Academy as they prepare for the biggest game to be played at the Harmsworth for years. Tomorrow's game must be played to a finish with Academy getting David Mowat up from Edinburgh and also hope Gordon MacDonald will be signed in time to provide an option upfront.

2/10/2001 If any further incentive was needed for Academy to win the Qualifying cup replay against Nairn on Saturday it has been provided in the shape of a home tie against Deveronvale for the winners. The full draw is - Buckie v Cove or Forres, Nairn or Wick Academy v Deveronvale Ties to be played on 13/10/2001.

28/9/2001 A decent sized travelling support will be out to cheer Wick Academy into the Scottish cup proper for the first time since the 1930's. Academy's main injury doubt will be Gordon Robertson who is again struggling with a knee injury but Craig Shearer is expected to return to the squad who drew 1-1 with Lossiemouth last week. I understand that Academy officials were today making a last minute effort to sign a Caley Thistle forward on a loan deal in time for the Cup game but only time will tell if they have been successful. Gary Farquhar is expected to be fit enough to return to the Nairn team who are vastly improved from four or five years ago but let's not forget that we won home and away last year and let's hope we are turning into Nairn's bogey team. All the best ACADEMY!!!! Unfortunately the Supporter's forum is still not working but hopefully it will be up and running shortly. If the problems continue I will consider changing it for a new one. anyone can post any messages in the

21/9/2001 Despite Academy having beaten Lossiemouth just a couple of weeks ago Scotscoup make the visitors the slight favourites at 5/4 with Academy 6/4 and the draw 13/5. It is strange that this is Academy's first home game so late in September and hopefully a decent crowd will turn out to cheer on the team who by all accounts did well against Fraserburgh last week despite going down 2-0.

12/9/2001 After a limited pre-season and a sluggish start in the Highland League, Academy have taken steps to improve the teams fitness levels. Willie Beattie will now be taking weekly fitness sessions where he will undoubtedly pass on some of the fitness tips picked up during his long career as successful sprinter on the Highland games circuit. I am sure that if everyone gives this a bit of time the improvement will be noticeable.

10/9/2001 Academy will cross swords with Nairn County including Gary Farquhar in the next round of the Qualifying cup with a place in the Scottish cup up for grabs for the winners. The full draw was as follows- Deveronvale v Fort/Clach Buckie v Rothes/Golspie Forres v Cove Nairn v Wick Academy Games to be played on Saturday 29 September 2001

7/9/2001 Academy have injury worries before tomorrow's game in the Scottish Qualifying cup against Lossiemouth with Alan Sinclair, Jamie MacKenzie and Stewart Ross all facing late fitness tests. In addition to that Steve Murray is suspended again!! There have been rumours this week that Academy are trying to clinch a loan deal with Caley Thistle which will result in a deal for a striker and I understand Academy officials have been down to Inverness this week at least once to discuss this. Lossie have improved a lot this season and any thought of a repeat of the 7 - 0 victory of last season are wishful thinking. One player the band of Academy fans will recognise is Marco De Barros who has caused Academy defences a few sleepless nights in the past.

14/8/2001 Following their exit at the hands of Rothes in the North of Scotland cup last week , Academy have a free week this week with the scheduled league game against Clach now being played on Wednesday the 22rd of August in Inverness. The absence of a game can only be good news for the U18 squad as this saves the significant number of the players involved with the full team team from lining up on Sunday afternoon after playing 24 hours earlier. Hopefully the team can now go onto to clinch the Highland youth title in front of a decent crowd on Sunday.

10/8/2001 Academy's young team look set to be strengthened by the return of Jamie MacKenzie and Gordon Robertson for tomorrow's home game against Rothes in the North of Scotland cup. Rothes have tended to be a bogey side for Academy in recent year's, beating us home and away last season but hopefully we can get the breaks and progress into the next round. Whether Martin Gunn play's for Academy in the near future appears to be in some doubt with rumours of big spending Halkirk offering him a lucrative contract. Pat Miller is reported in the Groat today suggesting that Gunn will only be regaining fitness at Halkirk with Academy's blessing before returning to play in the Highland League where surely someone of his talent should be playing.

3/8/2001 Keep an eye out for the table in Safeway's where Academy committee members are selling raffles this weekend for the chance to win next years summer holiday for the whole family. All profits are going to club funds.

2/8/2001 The Highland League season kicks off this Saturday with Academy travelling to play Huntly. This will surely be a test of Academy's new team following the well documented departures over the close season and the absence of Jamie MacKenzie through suspension and Martin Gunn's involvement in the Highland Amatuer Cup will not help. Saying that no one fancied us to get a win last year against Cove Rangers in the opening game so you just never know. In the corresponding fixture last season Academy lost 2 - 1 with Steve Murray getting the Academy goal. I understand that the second leg of the Highland youth final against Rothes will be played on Sunday the 19th of August and not when previously posted here. The game is scheduled for a 2pm kick off and hopefully a decent sized support can help the youngsters clinch the silverware. The first leg ended in a 1 - 1 draw.

26/7/2001 Rovers were the opposition for Academy in a friendly game tonight at the lower Harmsworth. In constant rain Academy won by around seven goals to nil with Jamie Mackenzie getting most of them. Academy used 16-17 players with a constant flow of subsitutions being made. Among the players getting a run out were A Thomson, C Davidson, M Elder, A Sinclair, D Mowat, R Sutherland, S Reid, C Ross, M Makhouli, N MacKenzie, J Mackenzie, G Munro, C Shearer, G Manson, I Munro, A MacLeod. There was also a lad with the number 5 shirt who I did not recognise!!! Other players likely to be involved during the season but not playing tonight were G Robertson, M Gunn S Murray, D Strong, M Bremner and S Ross.

23/7/2001 The SFA have made the draw for the Scottish Qualifying cup today and have handed Academy an away draw against Lossiemouth. Whilst a home draw would have been good we have missed the bigger teams and if we are organised by them must have a decent chance of getting that long awaited win in a cup tie. The full draw is - Keith v Nairn County Cove Rangers v Brora Rothes v Golspie Fraserburgh v Forres Lossie v Wick Academy Huntly v Buckie Fort William v Clach Deveronvale got a Bye, Ties to be played on 8 September 2001. I notice Inverurie are not included and can only assume they are not an SFA affiliated club.

21/7/2001 It's a big day for Academy's U18 team tomorrow when they travel to play Rothes in the first leg of the Highland Youth League play off. Academy won their section with a 100% record but Rothes will be a tough proposition when you consider they got the better of the likes of Huntly and Fraserburgh's youth squad's. The lads under Colin Cormack's leadership have done well to date and hopefully they can keep the match close and make it all to play for at the Harmsworth in a fortnight's time.

12/7/2001 Tonight's training saw a welcome increase in numbers with approx. sixteen players going through their paces under the watchful eye of Pat Miller and Colin Cormack. Whilst a number appeared to be under 18's Gary Manson was there as was Mark Makhouli who looks a good prospect. One player who will not be signing at least for the moment is Colin Banks who has opted for Halkirk to gain more experience. Highland League Betting Scotscoup the bookies have issued their odds for this year's Highland League Title with Academy outsiders at 100-1. Possibly surprisingly newcomers Inverurie are on shorter odds than both us and Nairn who might be worth a pound at that odds. The full list is : Cove Rangers2-1, Huntly9-4, Buckie5-1, Keith5-1, Fraserburgh10-1, Forres10-1, Deveronvale20-1, Clach16-1, Lossie80-1, Inverurie80-1, Nairn100-1, Rothes100-1, Academy100-1, Brora125-1,Fort William500-1 We hope to include the odds for each Academy game on the site throughout the season if all goes to plan.

9/7/2001 I understand that the influential midfielder Martin Gunn has signed a two month contract with the club and this news is obviously a boost with all the departures of late. I expect that the short term nature of the contract gives the club a chance to assess Shoe's fitness after his long injury problems and the player to see what ambitions the club have as regards strengthening the team. It now appears that the above is incorrect at least for the moment - see Academy fc 2001/02 Topic in

6/7/2001 The Wick Academy chairman Jackie Gunn getting praise is not something that happens very often so we felt obliged to report this occurence. The person involved was the departing Academy player Andy MacLeod who thanked Mr Gunn for his dealings with his new club Forres Mechanics when the transfer was being negotiated.

23/6/2001 Wick Academy kick of next seasons Highland league campaign with a tough home tie against Huntly on 4/8/2001. New boys Inverurie visit Wick in October and the full listing is now on the page. On thepage you can find new links to websites for Wick Groats, John o Groats and Buckie Thistle.

20/6/2001 I understand that as expected Wick Academy have agreed a deal and sold Andy MacLeod to Forres Mechanics where he is to link up with another ex Academy player Gordon Connolly as the Mechanics new management team. It seems in modern football that if a player wants to leave there is little a club can do regardless of what contract he has signed, and in this case Academy are probably just as well to take the money and run for a player who for various reasons hardly played last season.

6/6/2001 Following the decision of Gary Farquhar to turn down an offer from Academy in favour of a package from Nairn County it appears that Andy MacLeod could be the next player to leave Academy. This coupled with the recently announced news that Gordon MacDonald is going to Australia for a year would be another blow for the long suffering Academy fans. It is understood that Forres Mechanics want to team MacLeod up with another former Academy player Gordon Connelly as their new management team following the departure of Fraser Kellas and have approached Academy to this affect. Whilst MacLeod is under contract it is unlikely that Academy will be able to keep him if he is keen to go and the only consilation will be if they can screw some money out of Forres.

1/6/2001 The Highland League have voted unanimously to admit Inverurie Locos into the League from this forthcoming season which will increase the numbers from 14 to 15. The Aberdeenshire team comes from a town with a population of 12 thousand and have been very successful in the Junior ranks and will be a welcome addition to the League. Inverurie actually came top of a monthly poll on this site on who should be admitted, but the fact that they have a social club probably was the deciding factor. For anyone wanting more info about the Locos see their Rothes will be the opposition for Academy's U18 squad when the winners of the two Highland League's have a play-off to decide the overall winner.

30/5/2001 I understand that this years pre-season training is due to commence on Saturday the 16th of June. In addition to the team that finished last season a number of other players have been asked along including Graeme Reid and Alec Thomson from Acks and Alan Sutherland from Pentland Utd.

28/5/2001 Academy are in a race against time to have the drainage and pitch improvement work completed before the start of the season in August. The work has been delayed initially because of the Wick FA teams refusing to give up their right to play on the pitch, and then delays by the Highland Council in tendering for the materials needed for the work. Once the Council get organised, volunteers from Academy will carry out the work with the the help of equipment from local firms. As the consultation process continues prior to funding applications for the new ground being submitted, officials have been invited to Parkhead to discuss various aspects involved in such a project. Thankfully the writer has been assured that the seats in the new ground will not be green!!

21/5/2001 A reasonable turnout of Wick Academy members were present at a lively Annual General Meeting tonight with the main topic being the proposed new stadium. Accounts - This years A/C's showed a trading loss of one thousand three hundred and seventy eight pounds compared to a profit of a similar amount last year. The main reasons put forward for this was the money paid to Caley Thistle for the services of David Craig and Gary Farquhar and the reduction of nearly four thousand pounds xfered this year compared to last from the A-T tickets. Sponsorship - the deal with Norfrost has finished and talks are at an advanced stage with a new sponsor. Friendlies - None likely in view of the drainage work being done on the park. Manager's Report - Pat Miller said he had mixed emotions about last season and felt his and the team's naiveness resulted in so many odd goal defeats. He is looking ideally to have a squad of 15-16 signed players and the club are currently looking to add to the squad. Mr Miller said he had heard the rumours regarding players not signing and said because of that he had spoken to all the players and been told that they would all be signing and that included Darren Strong and Gary Farquhar. Hopefully Martin Gunn will be involved by September/October. Mr Miller hoped to have a signed squad to prevent the problems of players asking for a release to play Highland Amateur. Constitution Changes - Members were not willing to completely back the wish of the executive committee to be able to terminate someone's membership, and after concerns were raised that this was giving to much power to a small number it was agreed that any member would have the right to appeal in front of the full committee. Membership Fees to remain at 5 pounds and it was confirmed the club has 62 members. New Stadium - The chairmen confirmed that after travelling thousands of miles and speaking to a lot of people he was even more confident that the new stadium described as a community based project will go ahead and asked for the backing of everyone. Mr Gunn hopes the funding will be in place by the end of the year and the first of a rolling programme of grants will be applied for. While the members supported the project there was concern that there was a cloud of secrecy surrounding the whole issue but Mr Gunn denied this and said that the development fund's AGM will be held shortly and applications for membership could be had from Andrew Carter. A number of sites have been identified and the club are confident that they will get a site and appropriate planning permission. It is hoped that details of the plans will be highlighted in the Groat once they are finalised. Committee Elections - Executive committee members C. Harper, W Wydmuch and D Gray all re-elected unopposed.

9/5/2001 Nairn County's two one victory over Forres tonight means they leapfrog Academy to go into ninth place in the league and therefore leaves Wick in tenth place. Obviously Forres were still recovering from their weekend celebrations after winning the Highland league Cup at the weekend.

6/5/2001 Academy have announced that this years Annual General Meeting will be held in the Assembly Rooms on 22nd of May at 7:30pm. This meeting is open to members only. It is hoped that we might hear more information about the plans for the new ground , Pat Miller's plans for the new season and of any pre-season friendlies.

27/4/2001 After last weeks free week and the summer season commencing we had almost forgotten that Academy have another game before they finish when they head off to Nairn. Nairn have had an up and down season but are certainly not the whipping boys they once were. Academy came out 4 - 2 winners at the Harmsworth earlier in the season and will be out to complete the double but have a number of injury doubts and have Jamie MacKenzie suspended.

22/4/2001 The North of Scotland Cup draw for next season has already been made with Academy being granted a home tie against Rothes in the first round with the winners playing Fort William. The Rothes game is scheduled for 11 August with hopefully Academy playing Fort William on 18 August. Whilst Rothes beat us home and away this season a home draw gives Academy a great chance to progress. Obviously this gives everyone the incentive to get organised for the very start of the season.

21/4/2001 Academy's unbeaten U18 team return to home business tomorrow afternoon. They play Invergordon with a 2PM kick off. This promises to be a good game after Academy beat Invergordon 3 - 2 a few weeks ago. Seer Colin Cormack's posting. Meanwhile I understand that Inverurie Locos made a very good presentation to a Highland League meeting last week and are favourites to be joining in time for next season. See the new

19/4/2001 Cove Rangers have recovered from their defeat by Academy on the first Saturday of the season to clinch the Highland League title. Their 2 - 1 victory away to Keith last night has seen them clinch the title for the first time in the 15 years they have been in the highland League. Well done to them.

13/4/2001 Pat Miller has pledged to play an attacking formation in the season's last home game against Lossiemouth. Whilst Academy are still hit by suspensions they can now recall some of the U18 players who were unavailable against Keith such as Gary Manson and Michael Bremner. Lossiemouth have recently parted company with all their Aberdeen based players as well as their Aberdeen based manager. Former Elgin city manager Graham Tatters has now taken over and is likely to field a number of local youngsters. Last game so let's all get up to the Harmsworth to cheer the team on for the three points. Before the game there will be the player of the year poll.

6/4/2001 Young Gordon MacDonald who has featured for Wick Academy this season has suffered a broken leg whilst playing for Wick Groats at Lybster in a cup match. Gordon who is now involved with the Ross County set up is believed to have broken his leg in two places just above the ankle and was flown down to Inverness this morning. Lets hope he makes a speedy recovery. Academy have got themselves into a war of words with the Highland league and Keith officials in particular over a new rule restricting clubs from signing players for the League cup games. Academy maintain they were never advised of any rule change whilst Sandy Stables the chairman of Keith blamed a breakdown in Wick's administration. In the absence of any new players Academy will have to go with the squad that got last week's excellent result with Jamie MacKenzie rated 50-50 and Andy Macleod very doubtful.

1/4/2001 Following yesterday's excellent result away to Keith, Academy are planning to put on an extra special show for next weeks return match. Officials are hoping to encourage enough volunteers to form a cheerleader team and plan for the first training session to take place on Monday night at the Harmsworth. The new squad will go through their paces under the watchful eye of the committee and it is expected that there will be a full turnout of the committee for the first time this season.

30/3/2001 Unless there is a late change of venue Wick are scheduled to make the trip to Keith for the first leg of their Highland League cup tie. A difficult game has been made even worse when you consider the number of players we have unavailable for various reasons ( see forum for more details). In an effort to form a squad a number of the U18's will be drafted in. Site News - Just added a link to the new Wick Rovers web site in the

27/3/2001 Everyone with any involvement with football in Caithness will be saddened to hear of the untimely death of John MacDonald at the weekend. Mr MacDonald was probably Academy's most successful manager in the club's history with a spell in the late 70's early 80's in which the club won four reserve titles in a row. He also helped guide the club through the difficult first season in the Highland League as co-manager to a respectable league position when the so called experts were given odds on Academy going the whole season without gaining a point. In addition to his involvement with Academy he also helped a number of other teams both at senior and junior age levels.

24/3/2001 Academy's game at Keith was called off this morning due to a snow bound pitch. It is expected that the game will now go ahead next week with the return the following week. Academy now appear to be facing a selection crisis following the news that Steve Murray and Hugh Miller now face a three game suspension. This suspension probably means that Miller has played his last game for Academy in view of his forthcoming immigration to Canada.

23/3/2001 Academy face a daunting trip away to current Highland League champions Keith tomorrow in the first leg of their Highland League Cup tie. Whilst Academy will be boosted by the possible return of Jamie Mackenzie, Steve Murray is an injury doubt and youngsters Gary Manson, Stuart Ross and Michael Bremner are unable to play following their controversal decision to get released from their SFA registration so they could play in the Highland Amateur.

16/3/2001 Following their impressive win at home to Brora, Academy travel to Buckie Thistle hoping to avenge a 2 - 1 defeat earlier in the season. In that game Academy out played Buckie for large parts of the match but paid the price for failing to convert chances. Our cause won't be helped by the loss of Jamie MacKenzie who it was confirmed had a broken toe following a visit to the hospital on Thursday morning.

9/3/2001 Academy are back in action after a two week break when the travel to Deveronvale for a game that was due to played last September. In the corresponding home game in January Deveronvale won 2 - 1 and Wick will have to control Jamie Watt who scored both goals that day. Academy are reported to have a full squad apart from Shoe and Gordon Robertson.

7/3/2001 Academy are about to lose the services of one of their best players when Hughie Miller immigrates to Canada. The players visa has now come through and he expects to leave for Canada sometime next month. Hughie is probably one of if not the most committed player on the club's books and his presence in the heart of the Academy defence will be greatly missed. I dare say a few opposing forwards will be glad to see him go and doubtless it will free up some space in some referee's notebooks! We all wish Hughie and Julie all the best and trust they will pack their PC so they can continue to log on and find out what's happening at the Harmsworth.

3/2/2001 The latest attempt to play the Brora v Academy derby game has failed due to the hard frost overnight which has led to a frozen pitch. I suppose the only consolation was that we were all spared a wasted trip.

2/2/2001 Although it is hard to believe when you look out your window up here, the pitch at Brora is apparently playable and there is a good chance that at last Academy and Brora will "get it on". Academy hope to have a full strength team and will be roared on by a large travelling support ( Brora are reported to have a few players out through suspension and work commitments. As the supporter's bus is due away early I will update this site with a report from them on the road conditions around lunchtime tomorrow. Newow set up with the opportunity to vote for the young player of the year.

27/2/2001 Academy's Highland League Cup campaign has been hit by a number of players requesting to be released from their SFA forms to enable them to play in the Highland Amateur Cup during the summer. This action bars them from playing in the Highland League Cup with Academy. The players in question are Stewart Ross, Gary Manson and Michael Bremner. It is likely that pressure from people probably including their friends who play for the summer teams has resulted in this decision to opt for the lesser of the two trophies. I suppose these developments will rightly only encourage Academy to continue with their policy of signing as many players on professional forms as possible.

24/2/2001 The derby game against Brora was called off on the stroke of three with supporter's of both sides already in the Harmsworth. The snow showers began to worsen at lunch time and it was near blizzard conditions at 2:30pm but incredibly the referee gave the game the go ahead at 2:50pm. Not surprisingly the game was called off within ten minutes of that in farcical conditions.

24/2/2001 As at 10.45 this morning the game was still on and the pitch was being cleared. More updates as we hear!

23/2/2001 Apart from long term absentees Martin Gunn and Gordon Robertson Wick Academy manager Pat Miller has a full squad to pick from for tomorrow's game against Brora Rangers at the Harmsworth. The only black cloud on the horizon is one full of snow and there will doubtless be a pitch inspection in the morning. We will try to update this site with any news of whether or not the game is going ahead as soon as I hear!!

20/2/2001 As the management and team prepare for this Saturday's home match against Brora the fans are also preparing for the annual invasion of Brora the following week. Transport will be leaving Wick and anyone wanting to join the "Barmy Army" should contact Maree or Johnnie. If all goes to plan we hope to have the story of that day in pictures similar to the trip to Forres last yearOn the playing front Academy will be happy that Andy MacLeod made his return to the team last week away to Fraserburgh and will be hoping that a number of the players who have been suffering from Flu etc will have made a full recovery. One player who has been out injured for around a year is Martin Gunn but the good news is he is back training although he has not yet kicked a ball (some things never change!!). Hopefully Martin will be fit for the start of next season.

16/2/2001 Following last weeks postponement due to adverse weather, Academy face one of their longest trips of the season to Fraserburgh. The Broch are currently in sixth place which they will probably consider disappointing after challenging for the title in most recent years. Academy registered an exciting two nil win at the Harmsworth in November and will be looking for a notable double. It is reported that Academy have a number of players recovering from the recent flu bug and have injury doubts over Andy MacLeod as well as Nigel MacKenzie who has been ever present this season.

2/2/2001 After last week's free week Academy travel to face Clach and a win would see them leapfrog Clach in the League table. Academy are without Gary Manson and young Gordon MacDonald who are on north of scotland schools duty but will have Kevin Miller and Mark Elder available after suspension and Andy MacLeod will have a late fitness test. Clach who have a good home record over Academy recently have a few suspensions but will be looking to recover from a 5 - 1 defeat by Huntly last week.

31/1/2001 Inverurie Locos who were one of the teams that applied for Highland League status the year Academy were successful have been reported to be about to apply again. The League are keen to increase the number of teams back up to sixteen and the Locos have a long history of success in Junior football. The team who take their name I believe from the Locomotive works that were once based in a town which is one of the largest in Aberdeenshire with no Highland League team. Have your say on who should join the Highland League with our latest

26/1/2000 Wick Academy have been handed the very difficult task of beating Highland League champions Keith to enable them to progress in the revamped Highland League Cup competition. The previous format was arranged geographically in groups of four with Wick being in with Fort William,Clach and Brora. Now that the league is down to only 14 teams a change to a home and away format has been devised. The two teams have already played twice this year with Keith winning 3 - 1 at home and a 0 - 0 draw at the Harmsworth. The winners of these ties due to be played on 24 March and 31 March will play Brora Rangers who received a bye.

19/1/2001 Deveronvale are the visitor's to the Harmsworth tomorrow and they are currently on a good run of form following a respectable showing in the Scottish Cup against Partick Thistle and a two nil win at home to Fraserburgh in the last two weeks. Academy who beat Deveronvale 3 - 0 in the corresponding fixture last season will be strengthened by the return of defender Hugh Miller and the news that Gary Farquhar will remain with the club until the end of season at least.

15/1/2001 Following Gary Farquhar's loan period being extended to the end of the season there is speculation in the national press that he will be an Academy player once his Caley Thistle contract expires. Farquhar who is still only 29 is said to be keen to return permanently to his home town and play for Wick and gain employment locally.

12/1/2001 Rumour has it that Gary Farquhar will be available against Forres tomorrow which is welcome news considering Academy's other injury and suspension problems.Forres hope to be at full strength but have also had an interupted schedule playing only one game in the last five weeks that being a win over Nairn at xmas.

5/1/2001 Academy have another free week following today's cancellation of the game at Station park Nairn.The only consolation is that early pitch inspections prevent any wasted trips and money, I am sure many Academy officials and players have bad memories of aborted trips to Huntly to name one.

29/12/2000 The game has been cancelled following a pitch inspection this afternoon at Dudgeon park. Both the derby games are now likely to be played in March /April and are unlikely to attract the crowds expected this last week.

29/12/2000 Tomorrow's game against Brora still hangs in the balance dependant on how the weather goes tonight. Academy are still short in defence with no Hugh Miller,Gordon Robertson or Mark Elder. The inclusion of some of the younger players and people like Craig Shearer moving back into defence will be required. Brora are also reportedly very short of players through suspension and injury and new manager Billy Ferries being forced to play himself. An interesting aspect of this clash is the number of Academy players who have previously turned out for Brora ie N MacKenzie,J MacKenzie,G Farquhar,A MacLeod,G MacDonald, S Murray.

28/12/2000 The forecast of more snow and freezing conditions make's it look unlikely that the match against Brora at Dudgeon park this Saturday will take place. Whenever we hear either way I will post a message on this site.

23/12/2000 I assume that heavy overnight rain caused the cancellation of today's game against Brora much to the disappointment of the Academy fans and relief for those supporting Brora. Never mind this time we can accurately say there's always next week. For those kind people who have taken the time to visit this site I hope you have a very happy Christmas.

21/12/2000 It is the first of the derby games this Saturday as Brora Rangers are the visitors to the Harmsworth Park. Hopefully Academy can repeat the success of last years fixture when late goals from Shoeshine and Gordon MacDonald clinching a memorable win for Peter Budge's team. Last year Brora were favourites and were managed by Andy MacLeod who is of course now playing for Academy. This year the league table would suggest that Academy are the favourites but Brora will be hopeful after their 3 - 1 victory at Fraserburgh last weekend and Academy's defeat at home to Rothes by the same score. I have no doubt that Academy will give it 110% and that along with their superior football should be enough to make it a merry Xmas.

8/12/2000 Weather permitting Academy are away to face Highland League champions Keith tomorrow. The sides have already met once this season and drawn 0 - 0 at the Harmsworth. Academy have injury doubts over Gordon Robertson and Kevin Miller and the team will have to play at their best to stop Keith's prolific front pair of Nicol & Robertson.

4/12/2000 Penalty Miss  Academy manager Pat Miller has been reported to have no complaints about Saturday's result agreeing that Huntly were the better team.He also mentioned that things might have been different had among other things Nigel MacKenzie not made a mess of his penalty kick.It is arguable whether Nigel should ever had the opportunity to miss the kick considering he did not score with his last effort against Nairn and on the field were two players namely Farquhar and MacLeod who have played at a significantly higher level! Thurso In the Highland League? Thurso are the latest team to be rumoured as a candidate for joining the Highland League.I personally hope that this never happens as i believe there are barely enough quality players in Caithness for one Highland League team let alone two and Academy's final league positions since 1994 would tend to support that view.What we would be left with would be two basement teams and that would be no good for either club. I agree that Thurso has a larger population than many other towns with a team but all the other clubs take a large percentage of their players from Aberdeen and to a smaller extent Inverness something a struggling Caithness team would be unable to do.A more realistic option would be team from Ross-Shire an area not currently represented such as Invergordon or Alness.

1/12/2000 Academy have a full squad as they face up to the challenge of Huntly tomorrow at the Harmsworth.Huntly ended Deveronvale's unbeaten record last week despite having four players suspended and they have already beaten Academy 2 - 1 earlier on this year.

30/11/2000 Supporter's Bus The next bus to an away game has been arranged for the trip to Brora on 30/11/2000. See Golspie In Highland League? Golspie are reportedly considering formally applying to join the Highland League to bring the number of teams up to 15 and this could happen from as early as next season. Golspie are understandably concerned at the cost of running a team in the Highland League and when you consider the financial problems of near neighbours Brora it would be a big step to make.On the plus side they are close enough to the larger centre's of population in Inverness and Ross-Shire to attract a decent standard of player. We can vouch for that following last season's defeat at Golspie's hand's in the qualifying cup. Brora Player In Glass Incident Brora's transfer listed defender Paul Bradshaw was this week found guilty of throwing glasses one of which struck someone in the face in a hotel in Alness. Bradshaw will have to perform 120 hours community service. I wonder if that will be on a Saturday?

23/11/2000 Following Academy's great win against Fraserburgh last week they face an equally important game away to Fort William.This is a fixture against one of the more unfancied teams that Academy must look to win to keep up with the league leaders. There are varying reports about whether Andy MacLeod's injury has cleared up to enable him to make his debut. Whilst it will be difficult to change last weeks winning team a place must eventually be found for MacLeod with his proven goal scoring record.It is interesting to see from the league table Academy have one of the best defensive records in the league but cannot match the top teams in relation to goal scoring. Wick beat Fort William 2 -1 at the Harmsworth less than a month ago and with the Fort being strengthened by a couple of young defenders from Caley Thistle another close game is on the cards but I am sure Academy can come out on top again.

21/11/2000 Following a suggestion I have added a Rumour Mill to enable people to post the latest gossip that seems to circulate the County on a weekly basis.This can be found within the section.There is no space to enter a name as all that is required is a note of the rumour you heard regardless of whether you think it is true or not!! Thankfully the site hosting the seems to be back in working order after a few days of being unobtainable.I cannot complain to much since I don't pay for the service. I notice that the lucky letters has just been won with a prize of over three thousand pounds by someone working off-shore.It starts again at one thousand and tickets are available from committee members,shops etc a win would be very handy before Xmas!!

19/11/2000 Academy fans are wondering if they witnessed yesterday the best result since the club joined the Highland League back in 1993.Certainly it was a game Academy for long periods dominated against many peoples favourites to win the League this season!! Academy's odds of 750-1 at the start of the season now look rather generous. The Highland League within the next 3 years.The results up to yesterday suggest around 75% think that will not happen but it will be interesting to see if things change after yesterday game. Academy have now arguably got the strongest squad ever with some excellent young players and remember there is still Andy MacLeod and Martin Gunn to try to find a place in the team,exciting times ahead!! The only slight minus point is that Hughie Miller is expecting a suspension shortly with Kevin Miller also probably only a booking away from a similar fate. I notice that David Craig who is now on loan to Forfar was an unused sub last week got a slightly better deal this Saturday when he got on in the 89th minute.

17/11/2000 Following Darren Strong's sending off last week Alex Thomson will make his Highland League debut for Wick Academy. Thomson has been arguably the best goal- keeper in Caithness over the last couple of years and deserves his chance at this level. Fraserburgh have this week transferred their talented if not temperamental midfielder Ian Murray to former rivals Peterhead and in addition have a number of injury worries. Andy Macleod has trained during the week and is expected to play at some stage.

14/11/2000 Academy youngster Gordon MacDonald has been down South this weekend at trials for the Scotland U18's squad.He was part of a group of forty and whilst he has not been selected to make the final squad it is a great achievement to be in contention when you consider the number of players coming from the central belt. It has been reported that former Academy player Gordon Connelly has been transfer listed by Forres Mechanics at his own request.Connelly was the Forres assistant manager but it is fair to say that the team are having a disappointing season compared to their own expectations.

10/11/2000 Academy face a difficult away game against Cove Rangers a team that are on a high following their win in the Qualifying cup last week.Academy will be without David Craig whose loan period has finished and he is returning to Inverness(Is that to continue his singing career !!- if you don't understand ask a youngster) Alan Sinclair is also out injured and Gordon MacDonald is on trials for Scotland u18's. Academy beat Cove with a Nigel MacKenzie goal on the first game of the season and let's hope they can make it a memorable double.

9/11/2000 Wick Academy have finally announced the signing of former Brora Rangers manager Andy MacLeod.Everyone will be hoping that the former Aberdeen and Ross County forward will show some of the form he produced last season when he scored 20 goals. MacLeod is apparently carrying an injury(let's hope his middle name is not Prodan!)and will miss the Cove Rangers game but expects to be fit to face Fraserburgh at the Harmsworth on 18/11/2000. Gary Farquhar's loan spell has also been extended another two months which suggests than Inverness Caley have conceded that the player is likely to see out his contract and therefore the contribution Academy are making to his wages is better than nothing. It looks like exciting times are ahead at the Harmsworth and a few people have also mentioned that possibly Patty Miller maybe concerned about his position with two such experienced people as Farquhar and MacLeod in the dressing room - time will tell.

8/11/2000 It has been reported that former Ross County winger Billy Ferries has been appointed the new player manager of Brora Rangers. the 35year old was a player with Brora last year but appeared to have quit them this season and was turning out for non league team Tain. Ferries was a former target for Academy a number of years ago when Don Cowie was manager but interest cooled following his wage demands and a certain incident with a beer glass!! There has still be no signing of former Brora manager Andy MacLeod and his situation seems very strange when you consider he left Brora over 5 weeks ago.

02/11/2000 It has been reported that whilst Caley Thistle may be willing to extend the loan of David Craig after Saturday's game against Lossiemouth they expect Wick Academy to decide on Gary Farquhar from the five games he will have played in this loan spell. It appears that the Inverness club who are still in financial difficulties are keen to remove Gary from their wage bill. Whilst Academy will no doubt be keen to sign the player they obviously cannot match his current wages and the final decision will be with Gary on whether he sees out his current contract until the end of the season or join a Highland League team and look for employment outside the game.

31/10/2000 Former Brora player manager Andy MacLeod is finally expected to sign for Academy this week and line up against Lossiemouth this Saturday.It is understood that the delay has been caused by the player seeking advice on the validity of his contract with Brora in view of the substantial back wages he is owed and I believe that at this stage Academy will not be paying a transfer fee to the Sutherland club. The loan deal bringing Gary Farquhar and David Craig up from Caley Thistle has run it's course but it is expected that the deal will continue for the foreseeable future.