Buckie Thistle manager Graeme Stewart is set to be on the touchline for this weekend’s Scottish Cup clash with Celtic.
The Jags boss was sent off in last weekend’s win against Huntly for entering the field of play following a flashpoint between the sides.
Stewart has been offered a one-match touchline ban by the Scottish FA’s compliance officer, but has been given until Monday to accept the suspension or appeal, which means he can be in the dugout at Parkhead.
He said: “I’m not sure what I’ll do yet. We’ll have a think before deciding if we appeal or accept the ban.
“I’m pleased to have the opportunity to be on the touchline for the biggest game in Buckie’s history.”
Important preparation
Meanwhile, Stewart believes Buckie’s preparation will give them the best chance of putting in a good display against Celtic.
The Breedon Highland League side are travelling to Glasgow on Saturday and staying overnight ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup fourth round tie at Parkhead.
Stewart believes the extra time the squad will have together ahead of the fixture will be important and has hailed those who have made it possible.
He said: “I think it’s important we’re staying over and I’m delighted we are.
“In terms of preparation, it would have just left me with our one training night together and Sunday on the bus down if we weren’t staying over.
“I’m grateful to the club and there are a couple of people associated with Buckie, Graeme Tallis and Ed Douglas, who have put their hand in their pocket to pay for the hotel and the travel.
“Graeme and Ed do a huge amount for the club behind the scenes and I’m very thankful for what they do.
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“Graeme stepped down officially as director of football last season, but he still helps out and is still involved.
“He’s a good friend and we’ve been close for a number of years. He’s a big supporter of the club and this is another great gesture.
“Ed does a lot for the club behind the scenes and has helped with the youths and on the financial side, and this is another major contribution he’s made.
“People like Ed and Graeme maybe go unnoticed slightly and people aren’t aware of them, but they do a lot.
“When they said they would cover the costs, I was absolutely delighted, because it means the players can prepare properly and it gives us the best opportunity of putting in a good performance.”
Big commitment for Buckie part-timers
As a part-time side, Buckie only train together once a week with the players training in localised groups (Aberdeen, Buckie and Inverness) once a week as well.
Stewart believes this tie is a reward for commitment of everyone involved at Victoria Park with players and coaching staff juggling work and family commitments as well as football.
The Jags gaffer, who by day is operations director of Titan Tools Services, added: “It is a reward, this is what it’s all about for the club and the players.
“Everyone works full-time and some of us have families.
“Every week is a hectic week – never mind when we’re playing Celtic.
“I usually start work about 8.30am after dropping my daughter off at nursery.
“I’ll leave at 5.30pm or 6pm – or sometimes later – but sometimes I can see myself working on until 10.30pm at home.
“I don’t work the whole time I’m at home, but after the kids go to bed at 8pm sometimes I have to catch up on an hour or two of work.
“That’s what it’s like – but I choose to do it. I love my work, I love my football and my family.
“Those are the three things in my life – my work, spending time with my family and football.
“Anyone who wants to be a successful manager in the Highland League knows it’s a lot of hours – but if you get it right, it’s definitely worthwhile.”
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