Changes at Wick Academy

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Academy co-managers quit...
search for new staff launched



WICK ACADEMY’s duel management team have resigned following a poor run of results.
The news that Richard Hughes and Ian Munro were stepping down, was given in a press release in which the club paid tribute to their efforts over the past 40 months and announced that the search for a replacement(s) has begun.
The revelation will come as no surprise to disgruntled supporters who felt that a change was inevitable, sealed by recent multi-goal defeats.
Announcing the development, club secretary, Alan Farquhar, said that the club had “failed to reach the levels of consistency of the past two seasons.”
He added: “Richard and Ian have both agreed that they have taken the team as far as they possibly can, and felt the time was right, to pass control over to someone else with fresh impetuous and ideas, which will enable the club to move forward.”
During their time in charge, Hughes and Munro guided Academy to a record SHFL points total of 51, in their first full season (2008-9) after taking over from Peter Budge in January 2008. This included the team achieving 10 SHFL matches unbeaten, thus enabling them to attain their highest table position of fifth place.
As well, as breaking and creating new club records during the 2008-9 season, the pair achieved personal success by winning the SHFL Managers of the Years, as voted by their fellow league managers. The following season 2009-10, the club equalled its 51 points, as well as reaching the third round of the Scottish Cup where they lost out to SFL Division 2 side, Brechin City FC, after a replay. In the first game between the sides, Academy was 15 minutes away from creating a Scottish Cup shock, when leading 4-2, only to draw 4-4.
In the current season, the club equalised its 51 points since joining the SHFL, unfortunately losing out to Forres Mechanics in the North of Scotland Cup to the odd goal in five.
Mr Farquhar told caithness.org: “The club would like to take this opportunity to thank Richard and Ian for the tireless amount of hours they have dedicated to the club during their time as co-managers, and would like to wish them and their families all the very best for the future.”
The co-managers will continue in post until the end of the season while the club seeks a suitable replacement (s). It is hoped that they will, after “a much deserved rest”, will continue to be involved with the Scorries, in some capacity.