‘We are proud of what we’ve achieved’
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Richard Hughes (left) and Ian Munro say they are proud of their achievements.
IT IS the end of era at Harmsworth Park as the club says goodbye to its managerial duo.
Richard Hughes and Ian Munro left the sidelines for the last time on Saturday, stepping down as co-managers of Wick Academy after 172 games in charge.
The duo took over in January 2008, replacing Peter Budge, who had moved on to become the SFA’s football development officer and Dingwall’s Highland Football Academy.
Statistically the most successful management team with a record of 73 wins and 24 draws, Hughes and Munro have taken the club to new heights, recording the highest league position in the club’s history – fifth in 2008
The duo were recognised for their achievements when they were awarded the Highland League manager-of-the-year accolade in 2009.
Looking to the future, both men are anticipating a more leisurely approach to supporting their team.
“This club is in our blood,” said Munro. “We are proud of what we have achieved. One of the highlights of my entire career was being asked to be manager of Wick Academy.”
“I took great pride in taking a charge of a team where I spent my playing career.”
He added: “There have been many highlights, such as winning 10 games in a row and finishing fifth in the league. Also the North of Scotland final [in which Academy were beaten by Forres] in the autumn was a huge occasion for us.
He continued: “If the club want us to stay involved in some sort of capacity then it is something we would strongly consider. I am a Wick Academy fan and I always will be.”
Hughes also looks back at his time as co-manager with great fondness, saying that he will miss the camaraderie.
“I won’t miss the pressure that goes along with being manager”, he said. “But what I will miss is the crack and being part of the whole set-up.
“Coming on the bus home from Rothes at the weekend, I was in hugely reflective mood. There have been so many highlights during our time in charge. The stand-out memory is our third-round Scottish Cup tie against Brechin City where we drew 4-4 at home and took them to a replay.
“But the whole of my time as co-manager has been immensely enjoyable. We’ll miss being in the dugout next season.”
He continued: “We’ve both been at the club since we were teenagers where we came through the youth set-up to play for the first team.
“It is a huge honour to be asked to be manager of a club which you love dearly.”
Hughes says that Academy have an important part to play in football development in Caithness.
“There is a good pathway for youth to come through now,” he stated. “This has been proved with some outstanding young talent on the books.
“I hope the team continue to play the attractive football we have become renowned for and add some deserved silverware to go along with it.”
Chairman Colin Stewart has nothing but gratitude for what Hughes and Munro have achieved during their time.
“They have been tireless servants to the club both in their time as players as managers,” he told the Caithness Courier.
“People don’t appreciate the dedication required, between training twice a week, playing either home and away every Saturday and on every night of the week dealing with player issues. They should be tremendously proud of what they have achieved.
“Everyone at the club wishes them and their families the very best for the future.
“We hope that they can continue to be involved with Academy in some way going forward.”
