Player profiles from 1980-81

Very much written in the style off the day, the following ten player profiles were first published in the Rothes FC official  programme during 1980-81, a season which culminated in a  seventh place finish for the Speysiders in the then 16-team Highland League.

Bobby Sievwright (Goalkeeper) - Saturday 9 August 1980 - v Brora Rangers
Bobby, who was signed only last week, is a twenty-six year old who lives and works in Aberdeen. He began his career with Junior team Banks o' Dee back in 1973. he was with them for three seasons, during which he won a number of honours and played regularly for N.E. Scotland's Junior Select. After trials with Dundee United and Montrose, Bobby joined Inverness Thistle and was in their Qualifying Cup-winning side of 1977 and their North of Scotland  Cup-winning side of 1978. Reinstated to the Junior ranks last season, Bobby played with Ellon United.

Colin "Dolly" Tweedie - Saturday 23 August 1980 - v Clachnacuddin
Colin "Dolly" Tweedie has been one of our first team regulars for the past few seasons. Colin began his playing career with Aberlour Villa, then had two seasons with Rothes Decimals before joining us in 1976. A member of our North of Scotland Cup-winning side of 1979, Colin was nominated by the club  for the "Sunday Mail Highland League Player of the Year" award for Season  1979-80. Last season he captained our Youth Team and led them to victory in the North of Scotland Youth League - in our first season of membership. Keep up the good work, Colin.  

Jimmy Noble (Left back) - Saturday 6 September 1989 - v Huntly
This is Jimmy's sixth season with Rothes, having joined us after one season with Lossiemouth United. Jimmy's consistent form won recognition three years ago when he was included in the Highland League team training squad. He was one of two Rothes players nominated for the Sunday Mail Player of the Year Award and was our own club Player of the Year last season. His formidable style has been noted throughout the Highland League area, where Jimmy has become one of the most respected players.

David Clerihew - Wednesday 8 October 1980 v Fraserburgh
Davie, a local lad, is in his third season with Rothes, having had a two year spell with Lossiemouth before joining us. He played Junior with Rothes Decimals and Bishopmill United. His consistent form over the years earned him selection in the Highland League Select two seasons ago and the North of Scotland F.A. Select which toured Orkney last close-season. His current selection for the the North of Scotland F.A. Select to play a Scotland XI reflects his recent form. Unfortunately his injury on Saturday makes his appearance in this match doubtful. Supporters will be pleased to know that his injury, although keeping him on the sidelines for a few weeks, is not as serious as at first suspected.

Ken McKen - Wednesday 29 October 1980 v Deveronvale
Tonight we focus on Ken McKen, a newcomer to the Rothes team but not to North football. Ken has seen service with Peterhead, Elgin and Forres and came to Rothes to keep a watchful eye on the youth team. His contribution over the last few games has been admired by supporters and opponents alike. Ken teaches P.E. at Lossiemouth High School.

Paul Paton - Saturday 1 November 1980 v Keith 
Player Profile today moves forward to the front line to focus on Paul Paton, whose displays have given pleasure to supporters this season. Living in Dufftown, Paul attends Speyside High School, and his performances with the Youth Team las season warranted his "elevation" to Highland League level. Paul is still involved in schools football, and although some weekends must be hectic in terms of football, his youth, blending with the experience of his tea colleagues, will hopefully be a continuing feature in the Rothes performance. 

Jackie Reid - Saturday 28 February 1981 v Forres Mechanics
Player Profile this week looks at Jackie Reid., a member of our "pool" since 1979, when he was signed from Junior side Deveronside. He spent six seasons with Islavale before moving to the Banff team. After a spell on the sidelines, Jackie has worked his way back into a regular team place, gaining the experience which should help him develop his full potentil as a player. 

Martin Whyte - Saturday 7 March 1981 v Caledonian
Today brings the focus on Martin Whyte, signed from Islavale earlier this season. Martin hails from Dufftown and played Welfare football there. He had a brief spell with Keith before being reinstated to the Junior ranks. As a front runner, Martin never stops, his constant roving nature keeps defences on their toes. Because of another "match" however, the lad will not be playing for Rothes next week. This is an appropriate time to wish him and his intended every best wish on the occasion of their wedding next Saturday, 14 March.

Jimmy Simpson - Wednesday 8 April 1981 v Buckie Thistle
Jimmy Simpson spent his early years playing with Formartine United. Whilst with them he won international recognition. After ten years in the Highland League he has seen service with Huntly, Buckie Thistle and Inverness Thistle as well as Rothes. He has a tally of over 200 goals, a North Cup winners medal and a Qualifying Cup winners medal