Back Player of the Year 2008 - Murray Macleod
Murray Macleod was named Back Player of the Year for 2008 at the Back annual awards night out in the County Hotel.
His name will now sit alongside Back legends such as Murdo 'Bloxy' Murray; Red Mackenzie; DA Macleod and Kevin 'Bloxy' Murray.
It has been quite a journey for Murray to reach such elevated status. Once a very promising junior Murray took time to settle into the senior side. Athough Murray favoured a role as a main striker he often found himslef as back-up to that other mercurial left footed Bacach Murdo 'Gress' Maclennan.
It took a few seasons of frustration for Murray although he did feature in the title winning side of 2000 down at Harris. Whilst he ran his socks off that night many people never let him forget the 'bobble' that would have made him a legend from coll to Gress. He even took home an Highland Amateur Cup medal in 2004 but whay Murray wanted most was his name in the starting eleven on a regualr basis.
Murdo eventually started to turn in good regular performances down the left side and made the most of the recent injury to Murdo Gress to cement his place in the Back team last year. Praise must go to Manager Bomie who trusted Murdo with defensive duties last season. He may have been exposed once or twice but his electric pace made sure he tracked back into position.
Murdo never let anyone down and his unselfish attitude paid dividends. After spending a season covering more miles up and down the left flank than Gabriel Selassie this award has seldom been more deserving.
All those frustrating Highland Amateur Cup trips when he questioned why he stayed at Back have now been banished to the back of his mind and we can expect great things in the future from Murdo. Well done pal.
Back Players Player of the Year 2008 - Kevin Murray Back Young Player of the Year 2008 - Martin Maclean
Players Player of the Year went Kevin 'Bloxy' Murray.
It was Kevin's goals early on in the season that catapulted Back into the race for the title. If it were not for Kevin carrying old injuries and literally dragging himself through the season he would be claiming the top honours every season.
Hopefully modern science can keep Kevin going for a few more seasons until we find a suitable replacement who can hold the ball up and find the net as often as he does.
Young Player of the Year was Martin Maclean.
All those years of 'coaching' from the touchline by his dad Calum have paid off as Martin has risen from Back's young crop of talent to claim a place in the senior side.
Given his debut by POD in 2006 Martin has grown in strength (and height!) and should follow in the footsteps of previous winner Ross Hall. One to watch.
