MICHAELMURRAY
October 2024: A Month of Success and momentum
As we head deeper into the 2024-2025 season, our team has given us a thrilling October to remember with a series of good results.
1. Unbeaten Run:
One of the most striking aspects of October has been our impressive unbeaten streak, highlighting the ability of our team to perform consistently under pressure. Whether at home or away, the team came together to deliver solid performances. Our unbeaten run has sent a clear message that we are a team to be reckoned with this season.
2. Defensive Solidity: Solid at the Back
Defensively, we have been nothing short of exceptional this month. Key players in the backline, along with a reliable presence in goal, have created a resilient defence that teams have struggled to break through. Our defensive strength has not only limited opposing teams' chances but has also provided a solid foundation for the squad to build from. This being said, our team as a whole has performed exceptionally well scoring 11 goals.
MichaelMurray
3. A Tight-Knit Squad:
An underrated aspect of our success in October has been their squad unity. Our good spirit is evident on the field, as players celebrate each other’s successes and work tirelessly for one another. This chemistry, fostered by both seasoned leaders and emerging talents, has proven invaluable so far.
4. The Fans: Fuelling Fraserburgh’s Passion
The team’s success during October wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the support from our fan base. You have all filled the stands and travelled in numbers, bringing an undeniable energy to every game. The impact of the fans at Bellslea Park can’t be under estimated, pushing the players and providing an atmosphere that has made Fraserburgh’s home ground a challenging venue for visiting teams.
5. Looking Ahead: Building on October’s Success
As the season continues, we are in an undoubtedly strong position to build on Octobers success. With a tough schedule ahead, the focus will be on maintaining consistency, staying disciplined, and continuing to capitalise on the hard work during October.
Conclusion: A Month to Remember
I hope that October 2024 will go down as a pivotal month in our season, a period when we displayed the resilience needed to challenge at the top level.
We have proven we’re now a team on the rise, and I trust we can carry this momentum into the rest of the season, we all have every reason to be optimistic.
MATCH CENTRE
MARK COWIE
We have a plan to get as much info as possible on Annan and at the Bellslea you never know.
What a better month that was – not quite perfect but a lot more consistent than previously. Five games with only one draw and only 2 goals conceded whilst we managed to score 9.
A solid 4-0 home against Keith followed by a slightly disappointing 1-1 draw at Nairn County. In all honesty, especially in the first half, I thought we played some of our best football of the season. We simply didn’t take the chances that came our way and were hit with a sucker punch.
We then played Formartine Utd and Inverurie Locos at Bellslea back-to-back, winning both games, 2-0 and 1-0 respectively. This kept up our strong record against the sides at the top end of the table, all be it most of the games have been at Bellslea.
Our final game in October was the second round of the Scottish Cup where we had familiar faces in the shape of Turriff United come and be our opponents. I knew we would be in for a difficult game, so I tried to motivate the players In to the importance of this game and in the bigger picture, the competition itself. It has been easy of late as all I have had to do is remind the players of what happened to them in 2018 when we navigated our way through the first three rounds and then drew Rangers FC at home in Round 4. However, as time goes by it means players move on and this is what is happening. It is important that any new players who come in to the club either from a transfer, loan, or through the youth ranks understand the history that the club has
with the Scottish Cup. I try and remind them as much as I can because it really is a great competition to compete in. We have had some momentous occasions in this cup with some David v. Goliath battles.
Some of my greatest memories in the game are from a Scottish Cup experience. The Rangers game will stick out to most however we also faced Falkirk away when they were riding high at the top of the Championship. We were 1-0 down but after a rare run forward, we managed to equalise and, for a split second, I thought we were going to beat Falkirk at their own place. Unfortunately, this didn’t materialise as they went on to win 4-1 but it was a great experience for all and a match that I will always remember.
One of the best matches I played in was against Montrose at home. It was one of if not the worst days to play a game in. The wind was really strong and there was rain and almost too dark to see. I remember hearing the half time whistle and running in to the changing rooms shouting at the team saying we were going to win the game as I felt Montrose didn’t take enough advantage of the wind and were only 1-0 up. Graham ‘Gizzy’ Johnston then does what only he can do and smash a left footed strike in to the top comer of the net to make the match 1-1 and then very late on Grant Noble manages to find himself through on goal and thankfully it was him as he was the coolest man in the place and calmly slotted the ball past their goalkeeper to put us 2-1 up. I think the miserable
conditions, tied in with the effort we put in to the game, gave for a much bigger reaction at the full time whistle.
These games are the ones I tend to remember. There are plenty more however I am sure we have all got different memories of this great cup competition. Hopefully there are plenty more in the future, fingers crossed starting at the end of November when League One Annan Athletic visit Bellslea.
However, the best bit of news to come out of Fraserburgh FC in October has to be the signed contract extensions of captain Willie West, midfielder Paul Young and defender Kieran Simpson.
With regards to Willie West then I think everything has been said already. He continues to look after himself as good as anyone else does and that is what is helping him to keep on going. I want to stress how much this contract extension is deserved by Willie. He is consistently one of our top performers each week and, as mentioned before, because of the effort he puts in to make sure he looks after himself physically means that he stays clear of injury more and allows for more appearances in the black and white shirt. It’s inevitable to me that he will overtake club legend and record appearance holder Billy Gordon sooner rather than later.
Paul Young has penned a three year deal which will give him a richly deserved testimonial at the end of it – coincidentally 30 years after his own Dad had his with the match against the great Aston Villa. He has
been one of if not the main part of the engine room for so long now. I feel at times that the intensity of the team is determined and driven by him and his energy levels. Another lad who continues to look after his body to hopefully allow him to play out this contact and potentially one more after that.
Last but by no means least we have secured Kieran Simpson on a deal for the next three seasons also. This is a great piece of news as he is the next generation of FFC. He is young yet has so many leadership skills that help drive the team on. He is vocal on and off the park and puts in giant performances that already see him described as one of the best defenders in the league.
To have all three tied up is great business by the club and I must thank the directors for allowing these deals to happen and I look forward to seeing much more of these guys in the team. I hope to have some more news on this front before the end of the season but that can go in another bulletin.
As we look forward to November, we have a few league games which we need to perform in if we want to start climbing the league table again and at the end of the month, we have that third round of the Scottish Cup game against Annan Athletic at home. We have a plan to get as much info as possible on them before then to give us the best chance of an upset that we can have and at the Bellslea you never know.
Thanks again, Mark
Sean Butcher celebrates with the fans following his goal versus Keith
Photo: Mark Grant
MATCH CENTRE
BROCHCONTRACTEXTENSIONS
In the wake of our hard-earned progression to the Third Round of the Scottish Cup, we were delighted to share some contract news as three of our senior players extended their deals at Bellslea.
Skipper and Hall-ofFamer Willie West has penned a new deal which now takes him through to July 2026. Willie made his Broch debut back in 2003 and has gone on to amass a remarkable total of 698 first team
appearances to date, racking up 173 goals in the process.
Pivotal midfielder Paul Young has also extended his contract, with Paul signing on until July 2028. Paul joined from Turriff United in 2017 and has collected a Highland League Championship medal, played in three Aberdeenshire Cup Final wins as well as an Aberdeenshire Shield one in his time at the Bellslea.
Also joining Paul with an extension to July
2028 is centre back Kieran Simpson who made his 186th appearance in the recent match with Turriff. Kieran made his top-team debut as a 17-year-old back in 2018 and has become an integral part of the side since then.
The importance of all three to the Club cannot be overstated and we are delighted to have been able to secure their services for an extended period.
MATCH CENTRE
SATURDAY
SATURDAY
SCOTTISH CUP HAT-TRICKS
In our Scottish Cup Round 1 win over Rothes, Aidan Sopel netted a hat-trick as we sealed our progression with an 8-0 win.
This is the eighth Scottish Cup treble in Broch history, and Aidan joins an illustrious group of players who have achieved the feat.
JACK McDOVE
v. CIVIL SERVICE STROLLERS, 1929
IAN BETT
v. EDINBURGH CITY, 1954
JOHN STRACHAN
v. VALE OF LEITHEN, 1954
IAN BETT
v. GALA FAIRYDEAN, 1956
ALEX STEPHEN
v. GALA FAIRYDEAN, 1956
BERTIE BOWIE
v. LOSSIEMOUTH, 1973
SCOTT BARBOUR
v. CIVIL SERVICE STROLLERS, 2012
AIDAN SOPEL
v. ROTHES, 2024
Club Sponsors
We would like to thank our current Sponsors for your continued support, and to our new Sponsors, thank you, we are delighted to have your support.
Main Sponsor, Front of First Team Shirt, Club 1910
Youth Kit
FFC in the Community, FFC TV, Back of First Team Shirt
Bellslea Park Maintenance
Back of First Team Shirt
First Team Subs Jackets
Bellslea Park Maintenance
WILLIE WEST
it’s great to be signed for a further season at the club and it was a decision which I had no hesitation about
That’s a bit better… 5 wins and a draw in the last 6 games so we are heading in the right direction.
Bolstered by the return of some big players as well as the loan signing of Marley Sweenie-Rowe, competition for places is high, giving Mark and Bax more options (and headaches!).
It started off so well for both Marley and us in terms of his loan deal putting in a couple of great performances, 3 goals and 2 clean sheets before unfortunately picking up an injury with his parent club but hopefully he is back fit soon to further his development, game time and help us pick up some valuable points and wins. He’s a good lad and has settled in well with the group.
Jamie Beagrie’s influence cannot be underestimated returning from offshore this month and don’t think it’s a coincidence that our results started to turn around at this time. Jamie is a winner and supports others in the team with his communication.
Unfortunately, referees maybe are not so
complimentary of that as we saw in the Turriff game where he earned a booking for dissent. With the new ruling only allowing captains to speak to referees to get explanations on decisions I did wonder if he could have avoided a booking had he been wearing the band? With me playing left back most of the time I am nowhere near the referee so it can be difficult in these fast paced games to get opportunities to speak to the referee but can understand the reasoning behind the new rules.
It’s disappointing that he will miss the Scottish Cup 3rd Round but hopefully we can pull off an upset and he is available for Round 4.
Its been great to see Rossco (Ross Aitken) getting back to fitness and on his first game you’d be forgiven to think he had been playing all season as his fitness was brilliant. It’s clear to see that he has been keeping up his fitness as best as he can whilst he has been recovering from injury. He’s helped the team improve defensively with only 2 goals conceded in the last 6 games. Hopefully we can
Willie West
continue in that manner.
Similarly Greg is back in full training and his appearance as well as the other subs (or finishers a wise man once described them to me) against Turriff contributed immensely to turning the game in our favour. I’m sure we will be seeing a lot more of Greg in the games ahead as his energy and enthusiasm has been missed.
The Scottish Cup draws have been relatively kind to us with now 3 homes ties in a row. I don’t know much about Annan but sure it will be a very difficult challenge but one the group cannot wait for.
The club have brought a new addition to the team
with Sophie joining us as a Fitness coach. Although focussed on the players coming back from injury, she has brought a freshness to training with her plyometrics and fitness drills which can only help improve our athleticism and stamina which is so important these days.
Finally,I just wanted to say it’s great to be signed for a further season at the club and it was decision I had no hesitation about, although I made sure to check with my wife Jodie that it was okay! Thankfully no issues there.
Also great to see Paul Young and Keezo signing 3 year deals which is a massive boost for us.
Willie
Official Fraserburgh FC Tartan Retail Price List
*50% payable to Fraserburgh FC on order, with the balance payable to Mains Highlandwear (i.e. Kilt £262.50, Trousers £122.50, Waistcoat £79.50)
Order to Delivery:
Scarfs - In Stock
Kilts - 6 to 8 weeks
Ties, Trousers, Waistcoats - 10 weeks
MATCH CENTRE
COMMERCIAL CORNER
GEORGE THOM
1910
Forbusiness
GeorgeThom CLUB
I’ll start my update by congratulating Mark, James, our coaches and all the 1st team squad for a great victory over Turriff United on Saturday.
A good Scottish Cup campaign is really important to our Club and a tough opponent awaits in League 1 side Annan Athletic but we have to be pleased for another home draw and for the moment we’re delighted to be one of only 5 Highland League teams through to Round 3.
As we announced earlier this month the Directors and Committee have been working hard behind the scenes to improve and strengthen our Club as a Business, as we edge closer to securing the Bronze Scottish Football licence for the 2025/26 Season.
The SFA Licensing accreditation is in place to support clubs who
have ambitions to be “bigger, better and stronger”and we all have a strong desire to be just that.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Michael Murray, Stephen Sim, Finlay Noble and Jason Nicol for playing a significant role in getting the Club to this stage, as they work tirelessly through the SFA accreditation process. Well done.
Commercially, we continue in our efforts to generate the income needed to allow us to exceed the ongoing operational costs of our Club, with our priority being youth development, the team on the pitch, and at the same time, ensuring we are making provision for the non-playing side to include Bellslea Park maintenance and capital improvements.
SPONSORSHIP support of an event, our youth
programme, a specific activity, or significant fixed costs (such as the hire of our Training facilities) is really important to us and we have a number of opportunities for 2025 Annual sponsorship as we start planning to the start of next year – we have“season to season” specific opportunities too. We would love to hear from any business or individual who is led to support us on our journey.
Some specific updates since last month.
CLUB 1910 UPDATE:
Engaging with, and working with the business community that support us is really important, and through our varied Club 1910 activities there are opportunities for us all to come together.
Our next meeting is on Thursday 14thNovember 6:30pm to 8:00pm where
Score Group, our Sponsors, have kindly agreed to provide a tour of the Score Group facilities, Ian M Cheyne Building, Wellbank, Peterhead.
This is a great opportunity to see at first hand the impressive facilities at Score Group.
To confirm your attendance please contact me George. thom@fraserburghfc. co.uk
EVENTS:
We will be organising a number of monthly “fundraisers”from the start of next year, through to the end of this season, and details will be included in the next Bellslea Bulletin.
The date for our BIG event is already in our “calendar of events”:
The Hall of Fame and End of Season Awards Dinner:
April 25th , Fraserburgh Leisure Centre.
We have started planning for a bigger and better event as we look to induct a further 6 Club legends into our Hall of Fame - more details will follow.
For the moment we would be delighted to hear from any business or individual who is led to be our headline sponsor for our biggest event in our annual calendarplease get in touch with myself or any of our Directors.
OFFICIAL PARTNERS:
Justrite/excel-sports:
Over recent months we have been working with Steven Donald to strengthen our relationship and we are delighted to share that we have agreed the design of our new away First Team strip for seasons 2025/27 which will again be manufactured by adidas and be available at the end of May.
In addition, we have also agreed to produce a 3rd First Team strip to recognise, and celebrate our 115th anniversary in 2025 – this kit will be manufactured by Puma and will incorporate our official tartan and also benefit a chosen charity. Justrite have also agreed to stock a range of FFC branded accessories at the Fraserburgh shop which includes baby wear, coasters, mugs, golf balls, pencil cases, water bottles and umbrellas –these are available now and more will be arriving in the lead up to Christmas.
As part of our Official Partner agreement, our Club benefits from every item of the adidas range sold and now all these new FFC branded accessories – we are extremely appreciative to Steven for his support to our Club.
Mains Highlandwear:
We have a new stock of our official Fraserburgh FC tartan scarfs available at £25. These scarfs
proved to be really popular Christmas presents last yearplease contact us on finance@fraserburghfc. co.uk to purchase a scarf.
We plan to have these scarfs on sale at Bellslea park as we enter December. We also have a range of different products including kilts and waistcoats – please contact us to place an order.
ADVERTISING:
(Promotional Flyer on p54)
We still have over 20 spaces around the ground that will hopefully suit every budget –starting from an annual fee of £180 + vat.
Please contact us on stephen. sim@fraserburghfc.co.uk to reserve a Board.
NEXT MONTH
In next month’s Bulletin, we will provide a further update on the nonplaying side of our Clubplease continue to give us feedback on any ideas you have to help us financially or commercially as we journey together .
Please do get in touch with me on George. thom@sjpp.co.uk or any of our Directors.
Until our next Bellslea Bulletin, all the best,
George
Safe hands from Joe Barbour who picked up his 64th Broch clean sheet in the win over Locos
Photo: Barry Walker
MATCH CENTRE
head of youth
MATTHEW WEST
The U18s kicked off the month with visit of Pro-Youth outfit Dundee in the Scottish Youth Cup.
It was a highly entertaining and energetic encounter under the lights at Bellslea with brilliant support from the Broch fans on the night.
The group responded well to going two behind and fought til the death but unfortunately some defensive lapses would be the difference with the tie ending 5-3 to the visitors. We were disappointed as felt this was a missed opportunity against a team which did not show the level of quality and enthusiasm you would expect to compete against when playing a Pro Level outfit. On the night our players showed a good level of competence.
We are enthused and take great optimism from this experience with 14 of the squad still eligible to represent us in this competition next year. As a group we can therefore be positive despite the cup exit. Good luck to Dundee in the next round.
We took the
Matthew West
opportunity for some extra training and team building sessions over the middle weekend as the players had no fixtures due to the October holidays. We were very appreciative of how well Ian Finlay looked after us when the group visited his cafe in the town for some lunch together.
On our return to league duty any momentum we could take from the Cup encounter we had been involved in the week before was soon quashed. The group significantly under performed on the night as Turriff won 4-1. As a group we can gain energy from this
set back. A positive for us was the involvement of a number of youngsters from our foundation phase in a friendly we had against Cruden Bay Juniors during the month. Bay won 4-3 on a night of brutal conditions.
It was a win for us too –as our guys who have not had minutes got valuable game time against an adult team with Coen, Jed and Caiden doing well in the game, all of whom have been really committed and shown up strongly during the last twelve months with us.
Dean Cowie has our best wishes as he is just
over a week into his recovery from knee surgery. A legacy of impacts on the dodgy shock absorber from his playing days. Dean’s still having a great impact on the game, now as first team coach and also with the U21s.
The U21s travelled to high-flying Dyce with a real young side and performed well on the night picking up 3 points on the road.
Ian Wheeler stepped up with Alex Mair in Dean’s absence and oversaw a convincing win for the U21s as we welcomed Turriff to the Bellslea for the 3rd time in a week.
It’s a trip up the coast to play Deveronvale, then a home match with Keith for our 21s in November.
Our U18s begin a difficult run of fixtures for the remainder of 2024, none more so than a trip to play Buchanhaven Hearts on the first Monday of the month. We expect this to be a really tough match against our local Junior neighbours.
We then have league favourites Inverurie Locos coming to the Bellslea, a side with an abundance of players who can hurt you. We must be tough, be ready, and enjoy it.
Take Care - Matthew
development TEAMS
AUGUST
12
19
26 Westdyke
SEPTEMBER
2 Huntly
9 Deveronvale
OCTOBER
11
NOVEMBER
Mon 4 Buchanhaven Hearts
11 Deveronvale A U21 League
Mon 18 Inverurie Loco Works H U18 League Mon 25 Keith H U21 League
DECEMBER
Mon 2 Formartine United A U18 League
Mon 9 Formartine United
U21 League Mon 16 Huntly
League Mon 30 Banks O Dee
JANUARY
Mon 6 Dyce
U18 League Mon 13 Deveronvale
U18 League Mon 20 Westdyke
27 Hall Russell United
FEBRUARY
Mon 3 Formartine United
U18 League Mon 10 Turriff United A U18 League
Mon 17 Buchanhaven Hearts H U18 League Mon 24 Inverurie Loco Works A U18 League
MARCH
Mon 10 Huntly A U18 League
Mon 17 Banks O Dee H U18 League
TBC Stonehaven A U21 League
FRASERBURGH
Back Row: Dean Cowie, Aidan Sopel, Jamie Beagrie, Josh Bolton, Bryan Hay, Logan Watt, Connor Wood, Ross Aitken, Alex Mair, Sarah Robertson
Front Row: Derek Strachan, Greg Buchan, Joshua Hawkins, Paul Young, James McKay, Eddie Flinn
FRASERBURGHFC2024/25
Hay, Sam Inglis, Kieran Simpson, Joe Barbour, Lewis Davidson, Sean Butcher,
James Duthie, Willie West, Mark Cowie, Jake Garden, Scott Barbour, Flynn
The Interview
Kieran Simpson
The Club were thrilled to recently announce a trio of contract extensions with one of those being our commanding 23-yearold stopper Kieran Simpson.
We sat down with Kieran to find out a bit about his journey to the Broch first team and get his thoughts on his career to date.
Kieran said,“Going back to the start of my football, I think I must have been about seven or eight when I started playing school football and then signed for Peterhead Boys Club.
“After a season there I was lucky enough to be scouted for Aberdeen Youths but after three years they decided it was best to release me.
“After that I played for Dyce and Lewis United’s Youth teams before eventually ending up back at Peterhead when I was around 15 years old. That’s when the Broch got in touch and I
signed for our Development team.
He added,“During those times there were a lot of harsh lessons learnt, not many trophies won and a lot of runner up prizes.
“For Boys Clubs and Youth Teams I mainly played centre midfield, but I always knew centre half was my best position”.
Centre half was of course the position in which Kieran’s dad, Mark, played for Buchan rivals Peterhead as well as Montrose, Locos, Formartine, and Turriff. Mark must’ve been a great source of advice as Kieran took his first steps in football.
Kieran said,“There’s been plenty of people who have had an influence, starting with my family who are fitba daft. My Dad and Granda were at every game that they possibly could, which was obviously nice - but if I’d had a bad game it could be a long journey home!
“Then at the Broch there’s some great influences, people like Alex Mair who has been around the club since before i was born. He was actually the coach that started to play me centre back more often.
“In my early days with the Broch I had a loan spell in the Juniors with Bridge of Don Thistle where I also played alongside my Dad. Lewis Muirhead was the manager there. He is proper old school and I don’t think a lot of people my age would have hacked his management style but it was exactly what i needed at the time.
“Then of course there’s also Mark and Bax who gave me a chance in the first team when I was young and who have shown faith in me throughout my time here so far”.
Kieran’s debut came back in 2018 when he was a youthful 17-yearold. We asked Kieran about the circumstances around his debut and
how he found the standard compared to the levels he’d played at prior to that.
“My Broch debut was against Fort William. I was out on loan at Bridge of Don at the time but the Broch had a lot of injuries at the back. So they recalled me and I was on from the start. We kept a clean sheet, winning 9-0, and I managed to score so it couldn’t have gone much better than that!”
On the standard, Kieran said,“The pace of the game was a real eye opener. Even though it was Fort William we were playing, and with all due respect to them, they were a team towards the bottom of the table. The pace of the game was still so much faster than in the Juniors.You don’t get nearly as much time on the ball and it’s a lot more physical”.
Coming into the team, it must’ve been great for Kieran to find himself playing alongside the likes of Willie West and Bryan Hay, lads who had
“It was a great challenge, testing ourselves against those type of players”
“The way Willie and Hayzer perform every match and in training drive you on to raise your game”
hundreds of games under their belt.
“It was brilliant coming into the team and playing alongside boys like Willie and Hayzer. Boomer was also there for my first couple of seasons and he was brilliant with advice and with the little tips he gave me.
“I think Willie and Hayzer are slightly different in the way they help. They maybe don’t give you as much one-to-one advice, but the way they perform every Saturday and in training drives you on to raise your game.
“Also guys like Granty Campbell, who I only played with for a season and a half, but it’s no surprise we won the league in his only full season because the way he was as a winner and as a leader was unbelievable”.
With Kieran now approaching the 200 appearances mark, he’s been up against some great players in that time.
Kieran said,“There’s a lot of top strikers in this league. Against Brora’s Jordan MacRae you always know you’re in for a battle. Also a few boys that have retired from playing such as Steve Mackay and Neil Gauld. They gave me a few lessons when i was younger. It was a good learning curve for me playing against guys with
as much experience as they had”.
His appearances to date have seen Kieran pick up two Aberdeenshire Cup medals, an Aberdeenshire Shield, and of course the Highland League Championship title in 2022. There must have been some very memorable matches amongst those.
“Obviously the one you have to look at for a start is Forres at home on the day we won the League. It was a brilliant day all round with a massive crowd and with the typical Bellslea wind!
“After that there’s games in Scottish Cup. We’d Stranraer a couple of seasons back and managed to get a 2-1 result so that was good. Then last season playing at Pittodrie against a mostly first team Aberdeen side. Although we got beat on penalties it was a great challenge, testing ourselves against those type of players”.
As a centre back, preventing opposition goals is obviously the main aim of the game rather than netting at the other end, but with a healthy return of fifteen goals maybe there’s a goal that stands out.
“My favourite goal would probably be the one on my debut. I’ve not scored that many so its easy enough to remember
them all and I’d go with that”.
Now in his sixth season, and having been round the Highland League circuit a number of times, Kieran by now must have a favourite opposition ground.
“I quite like playing at Buckie. Even though you always get a tough game we have a decent record up there. Also the crowd give you plenty stick, which is something that’s part of the game, and I do enjoy that aspect”.
Finally, the Broch haven’t had it all their own way this term. But with results now returning to customary levels, Kieran remains optimistic for the remainder of the season.
He said,“The season so far has been a bit up and down. We’ve had some good results against the top teams and managed to get further in the Challenge Cup than we ever have been before.
“The rest of the season is all about trying to climb as high in the table as we possibly can and to try and win a trophy”.
“The rest of the season is all about trying to climb as high in the table as we possibly can and to try and win atrophy”
WEDNESDAY
PROPOSED NEW NORTH LEAGUE
EXCLUSION OF FRASERBURGH AND PETERHEAD?
BROCH HERALD 1933
The proposal to form a new North of Scotland League, to include all present teams in the present Highland League, with the exception of Peterhead and Fraserburgh was considered at a meeting of the North of Scotland Football Association at Inverness on Friday night. Mr Alex Lyon presided.
Mr John Finlayson (Clach) said there was no intention of exploiting or slighting the east clubs.
But it was time, he said, that Highland football was put on a reasonable financial footing. At the present time it was impossible for teams to be run on a sound footing when they had to make journeys to Peterhead and Fraserburgh, and it was their view that these teams should be wholly in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire football.
Mr Finlayson added that it might be possible to have Buckie Thistle, Huntly, and Keith in the North of Scotland FA, and so make the Cup a live competition.
Mr George Taylor (Caley) and Mr R. Ogg (Citadel) also supported the proposal.
On an expression of opinion being asked, Messrs Finlayson, Taylor, Ogg, and A. Morgancie (Nairn) reported that their teams were willing to support the proposal while Mr D. Munro (Thistle) said his team would be prepared to go in with the other teams.
Mr J. Munro (Forres Mechanics) said that opinion was divided in his club, as it was feared that they might no get sufficient matches if the proposal was carried out. There was no report from Elgin City.
After further discussion it was agreed the secretary (Mr J.V. Kennedy) should write Buckie Thistle, Keith, and Huntly to see if they would be willing to join the new league, and that the matter be further discussed at the next meeting of the Association.
FRASERBURGH BACK FOR RANGERS
Andrew Cheyne, Fraserburgh's hefty left back, has gone to Glasgow Rangers on a month's trial.
He played for St Combs before joining the Fraserburgh senior club at the beginning of the 1931 season. When Fraserburgh were at Shawfield playing Clyde in the first round of the Scottish Cup, Andrew gave such a grand display that southern teams have taken an interest in him ever since. He is 21 years old, six feet in height and weighs 14 stones.
Editor's note: Cheyne did join Rangers and spent six seasons there, winning a Scottish Cup medal in 1936 and a League Championship medal in 1936/37. He was also capped by the Scottish League XI.
Official Travel Partner of Fraserburgh FC
Bryan Hay gets airborne during a goalmouth stramash in the recent Scottish Cup clash with Turriff United
Photo: Mark Grant
FIRST TEAM FIXTURES & STATS 24/25
MATCH CENTRE
MATCHDAY MASCOTS
Macaulay and Hunter were our guests for the visit of Keith.
Both play for Link-up 2016s, and Macaulay lists his favourite players as Joe Barbour and Logan Watt.
Logan is also one of Hunter’s favourites, along with Willie West and Bryan Hay.
For our match with Rothes, we welcomed sisters Kayla and Kamryn.
They both attend South Park Primary school and both play for Fraserburgh Linkup Youth Football Club, also training with CB Coaching.
Kayla’s favourite player Willie West.
Kamryn’s favourite player is Logan Watt.
MATCHDAY MASCOTS
We welcomed the Beedie Brothers to the Bellslea as mascots for the Locos game.
Ollie plays for Link-Up 2016 with younger brother Cammy playing for the club’s 2018s.
Favourite players for both lads are Joe Barbour, Scott Barbour, and Logan Watt.
Neve and Flynn joined as for our midweek match against Formartine.
Neve, who plays for Invercairn Juniors 2017s and Link-up Girls, has Lewis Davidson, Logan Watt, and Willie West as her favourite players
Fynn also plays for Invercairn Juniors 2017s, and his favourite players are Sean Butcher, Scott Barbour, and Bryan Hay
Mascots for our Cup tie with Turriff were Daniel and Lucas.
Daniel plays for Link Up 2017 and his favourite player is Logan Watt Lucas plays for Invercairn Juniors and his favourite player is Sean Butcher
Link-Up Girls 2015/2016 group joined our Matchday Club for the Rothes game. The team plays in 5v5 festivals most Sundays at Cormack Park in Aberdeen.
It was a great day for it. They were a pleasure to host and would be welcomed back anytime.
Junior Matchday Club guests for our match with Locos were Invercairn Juniors 2018.
They had been nominated by our Captain Willie West and were a great bunch to have along, great to see some cracking players coming from Invercairn.
Mintlaw Boys Club 2017 joined us as we took on Keith in the Highland League.
They’re a great bunch of boys and there was some cracking talent in this group.
v. Rothes
v. Rothes
3-0 v. Rothes 4-0 v. Rothes 5-0 v. Rothes 8-0 v. Rothes 6-0 v. Rothes 7-0 v. Rothes
The under 18’s were away against Hall Russell United at the end of September, this match was played at the Garioch Centre in Inverurie, the Broch got off to a great start when Theo Watt curled in a cracking free kick in the 10th minute from 20 yards out, the scoring was complete In the 80th minute, Angus Robbie fired in a screamer into the top left corner from a free-kick which was 25 yards out, another 3 points and the 100% record is still intact.
One of the biggest games of the season was next, as the Broch took on Rothes in the 1st round of the Scottish Cup, Aidan Sopel broke the deadlock in the 4th minute, Aidan moved inside from the left wing with the ball, he passed the ball forward to Scott Barbour who lays it off to him, Aidan runs past the defender, then fires low past Mackinnon into the right corner of the net with his left foot from the edge of the 6-yard box, Scott Barbour made it 2 in the 25th minute, Aidan Sopel passes into the feet of Liam Strachan, he turns in the box and plays the ball to Scott, he slides in and flicks the ball into the net with his left foot from close range, Aidan Sopel made it 3 in the 35th minute, Kieran Simpson drives forward from the half way line, he passes the ball to Aidan, he fires the ball with his right foot into the bottom right corner of the net from 12 yards out, Marley Sweenie-Rowe got us off to the perfect start to the second half in the 50th minute, Scott Barbour swings in a corner from the left, Kieran Simpson heads the ball off the right-hand post, Marley volleys the rebound home with his left foot from 6 yards out, Liam Strachan made it 5 in the 54th minute, Logan Watt gets to the left-hand bye line, he crosses the ball into the box where Liam slams it home off the underside of the bar with his left foot. Aidan Sopel completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute, he picks up the ball on the left wing, he drives in-side then
unleashes a right footed shot, from 23 yards out, the ball takes a slight deflection off McConnachie and flies past Mackinnon into the net, Marley Sweenie-Rowe grabbed his 2nd of the day in the 70th minute, Joshua Hawkins swings in a corner from the left, Marley rises unchallenged in the 6-yard box and heads the ball past Mackinnon, Sean Butcher wrapped up the scoring in the 82nd minute, Ross Aitken swings in a cross from the right, the ball rebounds to Sean after his initial header is blocked, he fires it home from 6-yards out with his right foot.
Well done to Marley SweenieRowe who made his debut for the club after coming on loan from Dundee, it doesn’t get much better than scoring twice on your debut, we all hope you enjoy your stay at the Bellslea and bag more goals for the club.
Congratulations to Liam Strachan who also scored his first goal for the Broch against Rothes, let’s hope it’s the first of many.
Then, the draw was been made for the 2nd round of the Scottish Cup, we were at home to Turriff United on Saturday 26th October.
Our next League game was at home against Keith, we got off to great start when Aidan Sopel opened the scoring in the 14th minute, Logan Watt fired a long pass up the right wing, Scott Barbour raced onto the ball and took it to the edge of the box, he lays a pin perfect pass into the box to Aidan, he takes a touch with his left foot then slots the ball past the keeper with his right, Marley Sweenie-Rowe made it 2 in the 30th minute, Scott Barbour swung in a deep corner from the left, Logan Watt heads it into the box and then does the same with the rebound, the ball falls loose and Marley turns and smashes the ball into the net with his left foot
from 7 yards out, Scott Barbour made it 3 in the 52nd minute, Scott races down the left wing past the right back, he drives into the box, then fires a left footed shot from 12 yards which beats the keeper low at his righthand post, Sean Butcher wrapped up the scoring in the 82nd minute, Scott Barbour swings in a cross from the left wing, the ball deceives Craib and Sean fires the ball into the net from close range with his right foot.
A solid performance from the lads and a welcome 3 points.
The under 18’s were playing Dundee in the Scottish Youth Cup on the Friday night, in a thoroughly entertaining game the Broch lost the game by 5 goals to 3, Dundee started brightly and went 2 goals up by the 20th minute, the Broch pulled a goal back in the 39th minute, Will Sim headed the ball past the Dundee keeper, early in the second half the Broch were back level, Flynn McKay slotted home a penalty in the 50th minute, the Dundee keeper looked to have saved the left footed shot but the ball trickled over the line, Dundee retook the lead in the 59th minute when the ball was bundled over the line from a corner, in the 69th minute Dundee broke up the park and netted their 4th goal of the day, the Broch were back in the game in the 77th minute, a poor clearance was headed forward, the ball was played out to the left for Stuart Laird, he controlled the ball and fired in a low left footed shot into the right corner of the net from 12 yards out, the game was lost in the 92nd minute when Dundee completed the scoring, a fantastic game and good luck to Dundee in the next round.
We were away to Nairn on the Saturday, it was disappointing to come away from the game with only 1 point, it was a game that we dominated from start to finish, Josh Bolton broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, the
ball is cleared out to Josh who is 25 yards from goals, he controls the ball from his right foot onto his left, he then curls a perfect shot into the far-left corner of the net kissing the bar on its way into the net, alas we did not take any of our many chances to stretch our advantage, a bit of magic from Matthew Wright in the 63rd minute gave Nairn a share of the points.
The under 21’s were away to Dyce on the Monday night, the Broch took the lead in the 13th minute, Liam Strachan crossed into the box for Callum Kelly to volley home with his right foot, Stuart Laird doubled our advantage 6 minutes later when he curled in a 20 yard free kick, Dyce secured a lifeline when Miller Keir scored with a penalty in the 44th minute, the Broch went further ahead in the 73rd minute, Stuart Laird slotting home after Liam Strachan had set him up, Josh Bolton added a 4th goal for the Broch when he fired home from the edge of the box in the 76th minute, Dyce got a late own goal to finish the scoring, this kept up our 100% record in the Aberdeenshire League table.
The first team were at home to Formartine United on the Wednesday night, Sean Butcher broke the deadlock in the 45th minute, Sean has a shot at goal from distance, Ewan MacDonald can only parry the ball off to the right, Scott Barbour gets to ball at the bye line and chips it into the 6-yard box, Sean rises and heads the ball powerfully into the net, the Broch wrapped up the points when Scott Barbour scored in the 86th minute, Logan Watt takes the ball off Matthew Jack McLean, he runs into the box and squares the ball to Scott, he takes a touch then blasts the ball into the net from 8-yards out with his left foot, a great result on the night and a very welcome three points.
On the Saturday we were at home to Inverurie Locos, in a
tight first half a bit of Paul Young magic put us in front in the 29th minute, Scott Barbour fired in a corner from the right, the ball was cleared out of the box, Paul fires a left footed shot from 30 yards out which flies into the bottom right corner of the net, another 3 points and we are starting to move up the league table.
The under 18’s lost their first league game of the season, Turriff United were the visitors to the Bellslea, Turriff took the lead in bizarre fashion when a ball that hit the bar then post was flagged as over the line, Turriff made it two a few minutes later and went in at half-time 2 goals up, the Broch got a goal back early in the second half when Theo Watt bundled the ball over the line from close range, Turriff wrapped up the match with 2 late goals to claim all 3 points.
The Scottish Cup is always a favourite for players and fans alike, we were at home to Turriff United in the second round, Sean Butcher broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, Scott Barbour latches onto a short pass back, he has a shot which is blocked and falls to Sean near the penalty spot, he takes a touch and lashes the ball into the bottom left corner of the net with his right foot, Turriff drew level in the second half which took the game to extra time, Jamie Beagrie put us back ahead in the 96th minute, Josh Bolton flashes a shot at Herbert who can only palm the ball out, Jamie follows in and slots the ball into the net with his left foot from 6-yards out, Connor Wood sealed the deal in the 108th minute, Josh Bolton slotted the ball through for Connor to run onto, he runs forward and slots the ball past Herbert with his right foot from 8 yards out. The draw for the 3rd round has just taken place, we are now at home to Annan Athletic.
We have been drawn away to Keith in the 2nd round of the
Aberdeenshire shield, this game is due to take place on Wednesday 20th November, bus details to follow.
For those who are still interested, Zander Smith has scoffed his 92nd match day pie to date this year, 2 pies on a Monday night at Dyce helped the total along.
We will be running a bus to the Strathspey Thistle game on Saturday 2nd November which will leave the Elizabethan at 11:00am, the cost of travel is £20 for adults and £10 for others.
Please note that all seats on all buses must be booked by contacting Barry Walker at the supporter’s club.
We hope to attract new members to the supporter’s club as we have kept our membership and bus prices at the same cost as last year.
Non members are also very welcome to travel to games but they will have to pay an extra £2.
Our bus info page will tell you the cost and times of bus travel, we leave for home right after the final whistle.
BREM FORBES
MEDALS PRESENTATION
Prior to our recent match with Inverurie Locos, we were honoured and humbled to be presented with the medals of Brem Forbes, who won the League and Aberdeenshire Cup with Fraserburgh in season 1937/38.
His son, also Brem, joined us in the boardroom for an official presentation.
Brem senior was the youngest member of the squad who won the League for only the second time in the Club's history.
A great afternoon was had with old friends.
MEET the ref Lewis M. Brown
What is your job outside of football?
Assistant Manager in a Cocktail Bar/Restaurant.
How long have you been refereeing for? 5 years.
First match you can remember refereeing? My first match was on the 8th of September 2019, a 4-2 victory for Thistle Youth U14s away to Deveronvale Reds U14s.
My first game in the Highland League was on the 11th of February 2023, an entertaining 2-2 draw between Rothes F.C. & Wick Academy F.C.
Why did you start refereeing?
I remember seeing an article online and thinking why not? My only regret is not starting sooner!
Favourite ground to officiate at?
The ‘Ferry San Siro’. Grant Street Park, home of Clachnacuddin F.C.
Best refereeing moment?
Receiving the call that I had been promoted to Category 3! I was absolutely delighted, the prospect of officiating in the Scottish Cup, SPFL and the Highland Football League was not something I anticipated when I started officiating.
If you were given the chance to create or amend a rule, what would choose?
None! I merely just apply the up-to-date Laws of the Game whenever I’m officiating. Despite what the spectators may think!
Is there anything at all you think we as clubs could change to encourage more people to become referees?
This article is a great start! The power of social media nowadays should never be underestimated.
I’d urge anyone that’s on the fence to give it a go. It’s a great way of keeping fit, making friends and being involved in some high profile matches in Scottish football.
Any pre match rituals or superstitions?
I always splash my face with water before kickoff!
One piece of advice to a new referee?
Always be receptive to advise. Management, Referee Observers, Referees – we always want to help you improve!
Best pieces of advice you were given? Nothing in particular! However, the bits and pieces that I’ve picked up from my Referee Observations in the past 5 years has helped to shape me into the referee that I am today. I’m still learning everyday!
New loan signing Marley Sweenie-Rowe continues his impressive scoring streak as he hooks home in our match against Keith Photo: Mark Grant
CLUB
Bellslea Advertisers
We would like to thank the many businesses who advertise with us at Bellslea Park. Thank you for your continued support.
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FAN FOCUS Ian Bowie
When did you start watching Fraserburgh and why?
I started watching Fraserburgh in 1957 with my Uncle Willy. We went to Broch games because they’re our local team.
Which part of the ground do you go in and why?
Front of the Main Stand, gives the best view for watching the football.
Any friends you want to mention?
Alex Smith - I’ve went to the football with him since I was 10 years old
Best game and why?
Fraserburgh v Dundee in the Scottish Cup 1st Round, 1959. Dundee had Scotland Internationals in their team and we beat them 1-0 with a goal from Johnny Strachan.
Worst game and why?
Getting beat by our rivals Peterhead 8-0 in the Qualifying Cup Final at Huntly
Favourite Fraserburgh player of all time and why?
Bertie Bowie because he's my brother
Favourite current player? Scott Barbour
If you could sign one HFL player for the Broch who would it be?
Andrew Macaskill, Buckie Thistle
Your all-time Fraserburgh XI?
Arthur Stroud ,Jimmy Milne, Derek Milne, Bunny McCall, Brian McCann, Edward Noble, Jim Oliver, Billy Smith, Bertie Bowie, Mike Stephen, Cliff Meldrum
Thing you like best about the Club? They give the local talent a chance to play for the first team
Favourite Highland League ground apart from Bellslea?
Victoria Park, Buckie
One thing you'd like to change about football?
Get rid of VAR, it spoils the game
Any other club you support?
Aberdeen
Who's going to win the league this season?
Hopefully Fraserburgh!
Photos
Top: James Geddes lifts the Aberdeenshire Cup following the 3-2 win over Peterhead at Recreation Park Above left: The Broch in action v. Dundee in the 1957 Scottish Cup.
right: Broch fans in fine voice during a 1990s Qualifying Cup Final
DIRECTORY
Telephone
Broch Lottery
The November Lottery was drawn by match referee, Ryan Kennedy, at our recent Scottish Cup match with Turriff.
1st Prize £300 - Alison Noble
2nd Prize £100 - Neil Clark
Congratulations to our winners and many thanks for your continued support.
NOTE - We will no longer be sending out emails to everyone advising of the draw results, but will continue to update the web page and our Social Media Pages.
Congratulations to all our winners and many thanks for you continued support.
If you would like to take part please request a form by emailing stephen.sim@fraserburghfc.co.uk and we will send you a mandate for you to return completed to the club either by post or in person.
Payment methods;
• Standing Order of 12 months at £5
• Standing Order of 4 Quarterly payments of £15
• Standing Order of 2 Half Yearly payments of £30
• Standing Order of 1 Annual Payment of £60
• Cash or cheque payment payable to Fraserburgh FC Development Fund.
Winning numbers will also be posted on Twitter and Facebook.
Highland League 1932/33, 1937/38, 2001/02, 2021/22
Highland League Cup 1958/59, 2005/06
Qualifying Cup 1957/58, 1995/96, 2006/07
Aberdeenshire Cup 1910/11, 1937/38, 1955/56, 1963/64, 1972/73, 1975/76, 1996/97, 2012/13, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2019/20, 2020/21, 2022/23
Aberdeen Charity Cup 1911/12, 1913/14, 1921/22, 1926/27
Aberdeenshire Shield 1991/92, 1993/94, 1995/96, 1996/97, 1999/2000, 2011/12, 2015/16, 2019/20, 2022/23
Fleming Shield 1919/20
Bells League Cup 1972/73, 1973/74, 1975/76, 1976/77, 1978/79
Aberdeenshire League 1994/95, 1995/96, 1997/98, 2022/23
Highland Youth League 1992/93, 1993/94, 2001/02, 2003/04
The allocated number will be yours for the duration of your subscription.
