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Former Old Firm stars were among those paying tribute to Alan Farquhar after the Wick Academy captain’s testimonial match at Harmsworth Park on Saturday.
Farquhar led a team of past and present Academy players against an SPL Legends squad that included several internationalists who may no longer be in their prime but who nevertheless managed to roll back the years.
Ex-Academy managers Alistair Budge, Richard Hughes and Ian Munro, along with former first-team coach Ross Suttar, took charge of Farquhar’s select who won the game 6-4.
The 35-year-old ended up playing in a more advanced role than has usually been the case during his 14-year career with the Scorries, and his team-mates carved out one or two decent chances for him, but alas he was not quite able to get on the scoresheet.
Farquhar joked afterwards: “Did you see my technique? There’s a reason why I’ve played at the back!”
He added: “It has been brilliant, a really good day. I’ve had great support from family and friends.
“It has been a laugh since we all turned up, and a big thanks to Alistair Budge, Tichie [Hughes], Zeeky [Munro] and Ross who came in and helped out.”
Farquhar was delighted to welcome the SPL Legends to Wick.
“They’ve been pure gentlemen – we’ve had a good crack with them all,” he said. “They’ve been nothing but professional, so it has been really good.”
Alan Turner, chairman of Farquhar’s testimonial committee, said: “I think he totally deserves it – he has been such a really good stalwart for Wick Academy.
“Thanks to Academy for allowing it and I hope everybody enjoyed the day. We wish Alan all the best for the future.”
The match was followed by a testimonial dinner and auction in the town’s Norseman Hotel.
Speaking immediately after the match, former Celtic and Bolton midfielder Alan Thompson said: “It was a good occasion, a good turnout and for a good cause. My legs don’t work like they used to work but it was an enjoyable day and hopefully we’ll have a good night as well and raise some money.”
Ex-Rangers central defender Marvin Andrews, who played for Raith Rovers and Livingston among other clubs and earned 101 caps for Trinidad and Tobago, said: “It’s a pleasure to see a player being so dedicated to one club. The way football is going, you barely see that at the moment.
“He’s been a good servant to the club, and it’s good to be back in Wick as well.
“I enjoy helping people like this because I’m a football man. Charity matches and five-a-sides, that’s my level now!
‘”We’re looking forward to the evening to have a laugh and hear the speakers and just enjoy the occasion for Alan.”
At 57, Gordon Durie was one of the older ex-players taking part. He played for Hibernian, Chelsea, Tottenham and Rangers and was capped 43 times by Scotland, including appearances at Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup finals.
Durie said: “It’s a great day for Alan. He has been a great servant for the club and we’re just delighted to come up and hopefully we’ve made his day.
“We’ll have a good night tonight as well, hopefully – unless I fall asleep. Playing 90 minutes at 57 is not great, but I enjoyed it.
“It’s great that all the ex-players meet up, especially for testimonial games. But I might be in my bed by about eight o’clock!”
Charlie Miller, the former Rangers and Dundee United midfielder, said: “It was a great occasion for Alan. He obviously deserves the testimonial – he has been a great servant to the club.
“It has been a good day but the body is a bit sore now. The drive on Sunday will be a hard one.”
Miller has his own football academy for children aged from five to 11.
He said. “It’s great and it’s going well. I love doing the coaching.”
Farquhar, who comes from Castletown, has made 357 competitive appearances for Academy since signing in August 2009. He took over the captaincy in 2014 and the following year the Scorries won their first silverware as a Highland League club when they lifted the North of Scotland Cup.
Farquhar was sidelined for a long spell after injuring his right knee in August 2021. Although not yet hanging up his boots, he expects to be more involved with the backroom team in the coming campaign.
Match report
A team of “Scorrie legends” – Alan Farquhar’s team-mates from around a decade ago – celebrated a 6-4 victory in the Wick Academy captain’s testimonial match against a squad of former SPL stars, writes Ken Wood.
The visitors, a few of whom are now in their fifties, were also assisted by a few ex-Academy players with younger legs.
Gary Weir gave Farquhar’s select an early lead with an exquisite 30-yard lob, though the score was soon levelled by David Winters. Further goals from Weir, Davie Allan, Richard Macadie and Craig Shearer gave the home side a commanding half-time lead.
Wholesale changes saw the introduction of all the substitutes which led to a more even game in the second period. Weir completed a hat-trick while local “lad” Colin Davidson, Robbie Winters and brother David with his second completed the scoring for the Legends.
Farquhar was unable to hit the target when he moved forward hoping to net a goal to set the seal on his special day. The man of the moment left the field after 75 minutes to a standing ovation.
Squads – Alan Farquhar’s select: James More, Michael Steven, Grant Campbell, Alan Farquhar, Grant Steven, Danny Mackay, Sam Mackay, Craig Shearer, Gary Weir, Richard Macadie, Davie Allan. Subs: Michael Gray, Gary Manson, Martin Gunn, Stuart Florence, Alan Hughes, Ross Allan, Alan Sinclair.
SPL Legends: Billy Miller, Marvin Andrews, Bobby Petta, Rudi Vata, Charlie Miller, Alan Thompson, Andy McLaren, Robbie Winters, Gordon Durie, David Winters, Craig Gunn. Subs: Gordon Connelly, Colin Sinclair, Stewart Ross, David Mowat, Colin Sinclair, Colin Davidson, Bryan McKiddie, Angus S Mackay.
Referee: Graham Elder.
The match sponsor was Blargoans Ltd, while the shirt sponsors were John O’Groats Christmas Shop (Wick Academy) and Caithness Creels (SPL Legends).
