Buckie’s play-off blow is so McHard for Darryl to take
Devastated Darryl McHardy has spoken of Buckie Thistle’s pain at being denied the chance to win promotion to the SPFL – but insists they’ll bounce back to live their dream next season.
Graeme Stewart’s side are still reeling from the SFA’s shock announcement on Thursday that the Jags aren’t eligible for the chance to make the step up, having failed to meet the criteria for a Bronze Licence needed for a team to compete in the top four leagues.
The Victoria Park outfit, who had won the Highland League on goal difference over rivals Brechin City, had been gearing up to face Lowland League winners East Kilbride in a twolegged play-off.
But now Mick Kennedy’s men have effectively been handed a bye into a play-off with the bottom side in League Two.
Defender McHardy said: “It’s such a kick in the teeth for everyone connected with the club.
“It’s a shambles. I’ve played against most teams in League One and League Two and they’ve not exactly got what I would call brilliant stadiums.
“Albion Rovers and Cowdenbeath both fall into that category and they’ve been in the SPFL before so this decision doesn’t really make sense.
“It’s devastating but what it does do is give us more ammunition for next season to go and win the title again.
“The lads will be more fired up than ever. We can use this injustice as the fire to keep us burning for success all over again.”
McHardy, who featured in Buckie’s 5-0 Scottish Cup defeat by holders Celtic at Parkhead back in January, believes they are more than equipped to embrace a bigger stage.
He added: “It’s so disappointing because all the lads wanted to play at a higher level. We feel we’re more than capable of making the step-up.
“Our stadium is brilliant. We’ve got loads of fans as well so it’s just a crazy decision when you think of potentially what we can bring to the table.
“I just can’t get my head round it. We were all ready to play East Kilbride and confident of getting a result.
“I feel so sorry for our supporters. It’s put a dampner on us winning the league.
“We got a taste of playing away at other venues when we drew Celtic in the Scottish Cup. It had been a dream season up until now, but then this happens.”