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Charlesworth Targets City Return |
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Written by Alex
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Monday, 01 September 2008 |
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Martin Charlesworth today thanked everyone at Elgin City for making his
time at Borough Briggs a memorable one – then promised that, if his
career allows it, he will be back to score more goals for his life-long
favourite club.
Martin recently landed a role as senior estimator with glass and aluminium suppliers AC Yule and, with the blessing of manager Robbie Williamson, joined Buckie Thistle in time to score a debut goal at the weekend.
Charlesworth came off the bench to replace to injured ex-Forres Mechanics striker Charlie Brown and score the sixth and final goal of the Jags’ 6-2 rout of Wick Academy at Victoria Park.
The 20-year-old forward, though, will always hold fond memories of hitting the net for his beloved Black and Whites.
“I’m disappointed to be leaving. I was at the club since I was 13,” said Martin, who subsequently joined Ross County then Inverness CT as a budding young striker before returning to Borough Briggs in 2004.
“Every goal I scored I enjoyed – I think people could see it meant a lot to me. The highlights on the field were doubles against Montrose (at Borough Briggs in January this year) and against Dumbarton (away, the following week). Also, I remember coming off the bench against Stenhousemuir in the cup and scoring two."
Charlesworth took up his new post some months ago, during which time he was suffering from injury. Since recovering, however, he was forced to sit down with Robbie to discuss his future with City.
“I spoke to Robbie and he understands,” says Martin. “I left on good terms with Robbie. The travelling involved with Elgin isn’t ideal, and I couldn’t commit to the club with the overtime I would need to work in my new job.”
“I think I’ve got to be grateful to Robbie. He could have dipped into the Highland League and got players, but instead gave me a two-year contract when I was 18.”
Martin also paid tribute to other influential personalities at the club for helping him both on and off the field.
“Senior boys such as [former City striker] Martin Johnston and Darren Shallicker did a lot for me. Also Craig Campbell, who’s a great guy. I’d also like to thank the board, ‘Tatts’ [chairman Graham Tatters] and Tiger Porter [former youth coach]."
Asked if he would be keen to make the step back up to Scottish League football with Elgin in the future, Charlesworth said that he would, should football take precedence over his professional career in the future.
“I think I’d like to come back if I got the chance. The age I’m at, work has to come first. But if I’m ever in position where football can be the priority, then yes.
“Elgin are the team I supported, I know people at the club would have me back and I’d love to come back. The Third Division was a good level for me.”
Martin re-joined the club after a stint at Inverness in May 2004, playing 25 league games (and a further 17 from the bench) and scoring 7 goals, and starting 4 cup games (and coming off the bench twice), netting once.
A club official said, “Martin felt he could no longer commit to Elgin, with the travelling involved, due to a change in the circumstances of his employment. The manager agreed to allow him to move on, and Buckie then came in with an offer for the player. There was a transfer fee involved, and we wish Martin all the best for the future.”
It is understood that, prior to Martin joining Buckie, as many as five other clubs had expressed an interest in his signature, including Huntly, Nairn County, Inverurie Locos and Lossiemouth (where his father, former ECFC youth coach Charlie, is the manager).
Everyone at Elgin City wishes Martin well for the future.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 03 September 2008 )
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