Former Aberdeen centre forward Darren Mackie took his first step into a working life away from professional football yesterday on his first day as a business development executive with Turriff-based company Ace Winches.
After more than a decade in full-time football with Aberdeen and a brief spell earlier this year playing in America, the 31-year-old has returned to the north-east to combine playing with Turriff United in the Highland League with a day job.
Mackie’s United debut has been put on hold due to international clearance from his last club, US Phoenix FC in Arizona, not having been received from Fifa.
But the Inverurie-born forward is determined to make his mark, both on and off the pitch.
He said: “My first day was really enjoyable, although there was a lot of information thrown at me. It was a bit overwhelming but I have to start somewhere.
“It is all going to be a bit of a learning curve for me but I am enjoying it so far. There is a great workforce here and my new boss Alfie Cheyne is a real character. I really appreciate the opportunity he has given me.
“I’m no longer a full-time professional footballer. I just loved playing football, but I was in the position where I had to do what was best for myself and my family. I could not sit about and not work and opportunities in Scottish football are limited at the moment.
“After being away in America my wife Jenni and I felt we wanted to settle back home in the Aberdeen area. That limited us even more so I am delighted I now have this opportunity to play for Turriff United and work at Ace Winches.”
Mackie is champing at the bit to get back on to the pitch.
He added: “I have been training with my new team-mates a few times. Now it is just a case of getting back on the pitch and building up my match fitness.
” My international clearance is still an issue. I don’t know if it will be through in time for me to make my debut at Fraserburgh in the Aberdeenshire Shield. If not, it will probably be against Cove Rangers in the league at Allan Park on Saturday.”
Chief executive officer Alfie Cheyne stressed Mackie’s appointment had nothing to do with the fact the company is the main sponsor of the football club. Cheyne said: “Darren has joined us because we are a progressive and dynamic company and we feel there is a really bright future in the oil and gas sector for him. We recognise a special skill in Darren.
“I’m sure in his role as a business development executive with ourselves, his personality and ability to engage with people will all shine through. The fact that Darren will also be playing football for the team we sponsor is a bonus but nothing to do with why we’ve hired him.”