Academy chairman pays tribute to former midfield ace Sutherland
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Wick Academy chairman Pat Miller paid tribute to former midfielder Stewart Sutherland who passed away recently.
Sutherland died suddenly, aged 49, in Inverurie on August 25. His funeral was held at Wick St Fergus Church last week with the burial at Watten cemetery.
Donations were made at St Fergus Church for the charity Epilepsy Scotland.
He leaves behind wife Janna and son Liam as well as his parents, Ian and Jennifer.
Sutherland spent five years at Wick Academy – including their inaugural season in the Highland League in 1994/95.
Having spent his early career at county league side Watten, he made his debut in the Scorries' Highland League Cup tie at Brora Rangers on August 13, 1994.
On September 17, 1994, the Scorries won their first Highland League match against Forres Mechanics with Sutherland bagging the only goal.
Sutherland would go on to make 138 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals. He also represented Caithness in the annual challenge match against Orkney and his nephew, Shane Sutherland, plays for SPFL side Elgin City.
Miller, who was Stewart's first manager at Wick Academy, said: "Stewart was very popular in the dressing room.
"As a lad he was outgoing and funny – the kind of character that every football club dressing room would like to have.
Even when he left the club he still kept in touch.
"He was a decent player too. Stewart was a hard-working midfielder.
"He was your ball-winner who would win back possession and would always make runs in support of the attack.
"When I was manager he was emerging from the amateur scene and his strength in the middle of the park was a plus for us.
"Even when he left the club he still kept in touch. For example, we played at Berwick in the Scottish Cup and because he was working down there at the time, he turned up to give us his support that day.
"As recently as last season, he did the same when we were visiting Inverurie Locos.
"All of us at Wick Academy were sad to hear of his death – at such a young age as well."
