Brechin City are the best part-time club in Scotland. Who says so? Charlie ‘Chucky’ King, the Glebe Park stalwart and one of the reasons according to chairman Ken Ferguson that City have been so successful in the past decade.
As the club prepares for King’s testimonial against Rangers next Wednesday, Ferguson has praised the player’s “professionalism and courteous manner.”
Ferguson said, “I was secretary when he was signed by Dick Campbell, who said Charlie would be instrumental in establishing Brechin as one of the best part-time clubs in Scotland.
“That has certainly been true.
“Any young player would do well to use him as their model.”
He added, “Any time players are asked to attend a community event, Charlie is always first to volunteer.
“He has been with us through our ups and downs of the last 10 years and at this stage he continues to be a vitally important member of the squad.
“I hope the supporters come along to the testimonial game and bring a friend to thank our longest-serving player for his contribution to the club.”
King, a few weeks short of his 31st birthday, signed from Livingston in July 2001, having begun his career with St Johnstone and also played briefly for Ross County and Stirling Albion.City “a happy place”Since then, whether in midfield or attack, he has struck many crucial goals and is enjoying football as much as ever.
‘Chucky’ said, “I have another year of my contract unless the club try to get rid of me.
“The standards of football, fitness and coaching keeps progressing. Brechin is a great place to be and I have never thought about leaving.
“I have seen players and managers come and go and behind the scenes nothing ever seems to be a problem.”
He added, “We get spoiled a bit. I have spoken to guys who have left and realised how lucky we are at Brechin. We always get paid on time and get our bonuses it makes for a happy place.
“Over the years we have been relatively successful. We have always played a good standard of football and high points include playing in the first division, getting to the final of the Challenge Cup and there have been a couple of promotions in there as well.”
King said, “I have been fortunate in avoiding serious injury. Tommy Gilmartin, our physio, has always got new ideas to help you out and I feel as fit as I have ever been. I have enjoyed the last couple of years when I seem to have achieved a lot more consistency.
“I would not be disheartened to spend the rest of my footballing career here.”