King's signed book raises cash for Jags
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A SIGNED copy of world-famous author Stephen King’s new book has provided Buckie Thistle with a well-timed funding boost.
King recently released a collection of four novels called If It Bleeds. The Jags are mentioned in one of the four.
The story is centred around American pupils learning about Buckie Thistle, while Scottish students learn about the Pittsburgh Pirates.
King, from Maine, USA, used the club’s name because he found it “colourful”.
After being contacted by Thistle director of football Graeme Tallis, who sent Mr King a Jags shirt and scarf, the author decided to send two signed copies of his book to Thistle.
The club put one up for auction and are planning on keeping the other safe at Victoria Park.
The auctioned book sold for £900 – going to Lancashire-based fan Jamie Watt and his daughter Lucy – providing the club with a nicely-timed cash boost.
The funds will go towards basic running costs, with the coronavirus pandemic having a continuing negative effect on the finances of clubs throughout the country.
Commercial director Lynne Sutherland said: “We have no income at the moment, no gate money and no sponsorship.
“The club needs funds to run, even with no football, so this will be going towards running costs at the moment.
“It is all good publicity for the club as well.
“For example, we had Graeme on the radio on Thursday speaking about it.”
Asked about the possibility of Mr King getting over to Buckie for a match, she added: “That would be fantastic.
“He has shown interest and has said that once Covid-19 is past and he is travelling again, he would like to see Buckie.
“He is from Maine and I believe the coast there is very similar to the coast here – so that may appeal to him.”
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