2006/7 Squad

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Peters second spell at the club, having been manager before between November 1998 and May 2000. Played 22 games for Academy in their first season in the Highland League, and upwards of 15 season playing service whilst in the Northern League before that.

Brings back to the club a wealth of coaching experience through his time as a youth coach with Ross County.

Peters coaching credentials to date include both the SFA Youth Licence and the UEFA B Licence.

Peter left WAFC in January 2007 to take up a post of football development officer with the SFA.

Ian ‘Zeeky’ Munro has a long association with Academy Football Club, having been involved as a coach since 1999.

Ian also played for Academy when they were in the Northern League.

Ian took over as co-manager with Tichie in January 2007 following the departure of Peter Budge.

Former Academy striker ‘Tichie’ started 117 games for Academy, and scored 32 goals. At time of writting he remains the clubs 4th highest goal scorer.

Tichie took over as co-manager with Zeeky in January 2007 following the departure of Peter Budge.

Ally Webster

From Wick. Went from school to Ross County where he captained the Under 18 team. Missed a year through illness (Glandular Fever) before being released. However since joining Academy he has been staking a claim for a regular place as he gradually reclaims full fitness.

Won the Club’s Young Player of the Year award in season 20042005.

Dunbeath lad ‘Cluchy’ is a reliable no-nonsense defender who has progressed from local amateur football side Wick Groats.

His 100% commitment has seen him become an established member of the squad.

Signed from local team, Wick Groats, this local youngster progressed from the U18’s to become a regular in the first team.

A genuine box to box midfielder. One of the most under-rated players in the Highland League, consistently giving 100% and winning the Clubs player of the year award in season 20052006.

Talented young goalkeeper who was recently released from Ross County. Daniel played for Peter Budge in a successful U17 Ross County team and was only to glad to join up with his old gaffer.

Left club in the Feb 2007. Now playing for Clach.

Talented Central Defender started his football with John O Groats FC in the Caithness Amateur League.

He then headed south to Heriot-Watt University where he continued to play his football for the Uni team in the EoS League.

It was there that he was spotted by Ex Hibee and Cowdenbeath Manager Keith Wright who immediately signed him for the “Blue Brazil”.

After a spell at Cowdenbeath he returned to the EoS League, forcing his way into the East of Scotland select which was played at Buckie’s Victoria Park earlier this year.

With his term at Uni finished he has returned North to Caithness to work and Manager Peter Budge made it one of his priorities to sign Davie for WAFC.

A commanding no nonsense centre half Davie will be a big asset to WAFC.

Hailing from Helmsdale David is the nephew of former manager Don Cowie.

Signing in 2002, he has settled well into Highland League football. A strong running confident player on the right side of midfield, with some important goals to his credit.

Has been plagued in the past with injury, but managed to stay relatively injury free for 20052006, and hopefully that will continue for this season as well.

A Helmsdale Lad. A very experienced former Ross County, and Brora Rangers No 1 who came back to Academy in season 20022003 after suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Further Injuries this season has prevented him completing pre-season training. No news of a comeback just yet. Will be missed until he returns!

Big news signing, Gary has rejoined his home town club during the close season in 2005.

Starting his career with local side, Wick Rovers, he spent a couple of years with Dundee FC as a teenager before having spells at Brora Rangers, St Johnstone, Inverness Caleonian Thistle (from which he had a loan spell at the Harmsworth) before joining his last club, Nairn County.

A quality player who can win a game with his quality passing and from dead ball situations.

Obviously a quality addition to the side, broadening the manager’s tactical options.

Consistent young player who operates on the left, often as an attacking wing back.

Signed from Highland Amateur Cup winners Pentland Utd, he came through the Academy U18’s to become a regular in the team. Also had a spell with Ross County youths.

Plenty of pace and influential at set pieces. Previously selected for the Highland League North select.

A raw never say die talent from Lybster with a keen eye for goal.

Coming into his fourth season with the Academy senior team, he has scored some vital goals for the Club. Making big strides last season, his form made it difficult for Manager Budge to leave him out of the starting eleven.

Broke into the senior squad in 20032004, rejoining the club after a successful spell with with Thurso FC in the North Reserve League.

A rugged centre half who is also a good header of the ball and likes to advance forward when the opportunity arises.

Left club in the Nov 2006. Now playing for Thurso FC.

Young custodian drafted in from Wicks U19 squad to replace Don MacMillan during a suspension in season 20042005.

Had a brilliant match against local rivals Brora in 20052006 and is considered an able replacement when called upon.

Talented young left or right midfielder who plays for Thurso Acks in the Caithness Summer League.

A member of WAFC U19 squad Martin has only just broken into the 1st team set-up under Peter Budge and made an immediate impact by scoring the goal that earnt his side a 1-1 draw against a Ross County U19 squad during a pre-season friendly at the Harmsworth Park.

Left club in the Nov 2006. Now playing for Thurso FC.

Club Captain with over 240 league appearances for the club.

Talented midfield playmaker had a spell with Dundee Utd as a teenager before joining his local team to coincide with their joining the HFL in 1994.

Now in his 12th season with Wick, “Shoe” as he is known is the one Academy player who would aguably get a game for any other HFL team.

A creative midfield playmaker, previously selected for the Highland League North Select, he gets his fair share of goals from both open play and set-pieces.

Played in all three matches for the Scottish Semi-Professional squad in the 20042005 Home International Competition in Northern Ireland, and featured again in this years tournament as well.

An attacking midfielder with plenty of pace.

In his third spell with Academy, having played for Thurso in the North Caledonian League in the interim.

Previously a member of the well known Highland Amateur Cup winners Pentland Utd.

Left the club in August 2006.

Recently released from Ross County. Talented young attacking midfielder who was brought to the club by the new Manager Peter Budge.

Was on the verge of signing for Inverness Clach during the summer but pulled out at the last minute to sign for WAFC and Peter Budge, whom he previously worked with at County.

Richard likes nothing better than getting forward and scoring goals which he has already shown during pre-season friendlies.

Will be a valuable addition to the squad this season. A player the fans will take too with his drive and determination to be successful.

Shane Sutherland

Young striker who plays for Halkirk FC in the Caithness Summer league.

Manager Peter Budge took him to the club after Shane left a lasting impression during a match for his club.

Immediately made an impact when he scored against an Orkney Select during a pre-season match.

A player brought in for the future and will join up with the WAFC Under 19 squad.

Jason Cook &
Mark Stephenson

Promising young right sided defender who is very composed when on the ball. Just completed a recent spell with SFL Club Ross County.

A definate player to watch for the future.

Just recently returned North after his term at College was over, where he studied with another former Academy player Gordon MacDonald.

Now home he has been playing for Wick Groats in the Caithness Summer League.

In his second spell with WAFC, Stewart is a skillful right sided midfielder who likes to get forward and score goals.

Can also play in defence or up front. A valuable addition to the squad.

WAFC U19’s team captain.

Talented uncompromising young Central Defender, who plays his football with John O Groats FC in the Caithness County Summer League.

Tough tackling, good in the air and comfortable on the ball.

Has featured for the WAFC first team during pre-season friendlies and on ocassions from the bench on Highland league duty.

A player to watch for the future.