Stalwart Scorrie will lead out against ICT
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A WICK Academy stalwart will celebrate another career highlight next week when he leads the side out against Scottish Premier League side Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Scorries midfielder Gary Manson will be in the spotlight on Tuesday when Caley Thistle are welcomed to Harmsworth Park for his testimonial match – which kicks off at 7.30pm.
Over the past decade Manson has brought a watchful eye, consistency and a strong defensive presence to Academy.
Setting up numerous goals and preventing many more being conceded, Manson has developed into an essential midfielder over the years.
A thinking man’s footballer, the left back has proved himself to be a true all-rounder, never hesitating when the opportunity arises to take on a key role in attacking plays up the wing presents itself.
With over 350 games and 11 seasons under his belt, the 27-year-old is still going strong and, under new manager Davie Kirkwood, has recently taken up the additional challenge of coaching.
He said that it only seems like yesterday that he was playing school football.
"I’m noticing young guys, about 16 years old, coming into the squad now and I’m thinking 11 years ago that was me," he said. "It’s a bit surreal to be having a testimonial."
Born and raised in Thurso, football became an integral part of Manson’s life at a young age thanks to his dad, Dennis, and older brother, Derek.
"Me and my brother both played for Thurso Youth Club when we were younger," he explained.
"I saw Derek going to football training on a Friday night and thought ‘that will do for me’. I started with them when I was four, I think, and was the youngest there by a few years."
Manson spent his formative years involved with the local Aberdeen FC youth set-up, but was eventually let go.
He then happily spent several early teenage years in the Ross County youth team before being released.
It was not until 2000 that he was invited to join the Scorries by then manager Peter Budge.
"Peter Budge phoned me to come here and I’ve been here ever since," he said.
"Although still kind of disappointed about being released from Ross County, I was quite delighted as I’d been to watch Academy but I’d never really thought about playing for them."
However, Budge was coming to the end of his tenure with the club when the signing was made and by Manson’s first appearance Ian "Zeeky" Munro was in place as caretaker manager, with Patty Miller taking up the reins two games later.
"On my debut Zeeky was the caretaker manager and I was only 16," he said. "But he handed me a start at home against the champions, Cove Rangers, and we beat them 1-0. It was quite a memorable debut."
Highlights of his career so far include being in the first Academy squad to make it to the North of Scotland Cup final last year against Forres Mechanics, when Wick narrowly missed out on taking the title.
He also describes seeing around 1500 people and the BBC’s Sportscene crew up for the Sottish Cup game against Threave Rovers back in 2001/2 as another favourite memory.
With plenty of pace and a strong left foot, Manson often finds himself in the thick of the action, but is equally skilled at setpieces. "I’m not a massive goal scorer or a tricky winger that beats players but I do think that I’m quite consistent," he said.
"I don’t feel I ever have a particularly bad game. I have the occasional good game but I’m normally solid all the way through."
Five years down the line he hopes to still be with the club and continuing to play a part in the coaching set-up. He said he was "thoroughly enjoying" his new role as a player/coach.
"Davie takes most of the training himself as he’s quite a hands-on coach. Whenever he asks I’ll take the training and I’m more than happy to do that," he explained.
"I’d like to think I’m going to go into management one day and that I can read a game.
"I’m only 28 this year so it’s still early days in the coaching career. Hopefully the things I pick up now will help me later on."
The testimonial committee has been working hard to ensure that Manson remembers this key year in his career.
Events so far have included a football quiz in the Assembly Rooms earlier in the year and a golf day at the end of May. Still to come is a sportsman’s dinner with former Scotland goalkeeper Andy Goram as guest speaker.
Manson said he has been enjoying his testimonial year so far and is grateful to everyone involved.
"I have to thank the testimonial committee and Wick Academy for granting me it," he said. "They’ve put in a lot of hard work and it wouldn’t have been possible without them and everyone else who has been involved throughout my career so far."
Manson works as a decommissioning operator at Dounreay. He lives in Thurso with his wife, Fiona, whom he married last year.
