Buckie Rovers swan song for Mackay
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SATURDAY'S game was a poignant affair for Buckie Rovers when they said farewell to their co-manager Kyle Mackay.
The game itself, though, was not the perfect send-off with a 4-1 defeat away to Longside. The visitors took the lead through Grant Bryceland in a strong first half performance, but lost their way after the break to remain mired in the relegation zone.
Mackay said: “It’s the same every game, we’re good in the first half then just don’t turn up for the second.
“We did have a bare bones squad with quite a few trialists but we’ve been losing our way in games for a while.
"Bullet [Grant Bryceland] took his goal well, heading in from a cross ball, but I think all the lads have to put their hands up and say they weren't good enough in the second half and say they weren't good enough."
Looking back on his two and a half seasons, Mackay commented: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here over the last two and a half seasons, but the travelling back and forth from Keith is becoming an issue.
"It was a tough decision, one I didn't take lightly.
“Daz [Stewart, co-manager] has moved to Buckie now and is happy to take over. For me, my proudest moment was the cup final last season, it’s just a pity we didn’t win.
"Helping boys through to a higher level of the game has also been a high point. We had Lee Alexander, for example, who we took on and eventually sold to Rothes in the Highland League”
Mackay was originally recruited as a centre half by the late Dave 'parro' Findlay when the club won promotion for the first time to the Superleague, later assuming a joint managerial role with Stewart. Player unavailability at some points saw Mackay reprise his defensive role for Rovers.
He went on to appeal for the local community to help out the small but dedicated band who make up the club committee.
"It'd be great to see the committee getting more help, they do a lot for the club," he added.
In a statement, Buckie Rovers said: "We are sad to see him go as he has played a big part in the running of the club over the last few seasons.
"The committee, management and players at Buckie Rovers would like to thank Kyle for his efforts and commitment during his time at the club and wish him all the very best for the future."
Rovers head back to the Granite City on Saturday to face Aberdeen University, kick-off 2pm.
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