Richard Hughes praises fans ahead of Wick Academy’s season finale

Richard Hughes (left) and Ian Munro say they are focused on the game against Rothes – their last one as co-managers.

Retiring Academy co-manager Richard Hughes has praised Scorries fans ahead of his last game in charge of Wick Academy.

Hughes and co-manager Ian Munro will head to Mackessack Park tomorrow (Saturday, May 28) for their final game as Academy take on Rothes in the second of a double-header. The Scorries are looking to capitalise on last week’s 1-0 win against the Speysiders, according to Hughes.

He said that despite the fact that it will be the last game of his and Munro’s four-year tenure, they have their heads down and are focused on the fixture.

"We’re concentrating on the game and getting a squad together for Saturday as our priority," said Hughes.

"Obviously Ian and myself have had a fantastic few years at the club and our record shows that with some of the things we’ve achieved.

"However that’s due to the players and everyone involved with the club, right through to the fans who have been absolutely fantastic and brilliant over the years that we’ve been there, and we just want to thank them and everyone at the club. Long may it continue."

Meanwhile no decision has been reached yet in the search for a new manager.

Chairman Colin Stewart said the club had expected to appoint someone by the middle of this week.

Five candidates have been interviewed but Mr Stewart says the club wants to take its time "and make sure we appoint the appropriate person".

Read more in this week’s John O’Groat Journal.