Fraserburgh legend Willie West opens up on his decision to retire at the end of the season

Willie West has revealed he will retire at the end of the season to spend more time with his family – but looks back with pride on his Fraserburgh career.

The 38-year-old will hang up his boots at the end of the campaign as the Broch’s record appearance holder, having played 745 games and counting since his debut in November 2003.

West has netted 176 goals and is also the most decorated player in Fraserburgh’s history with 14 winner’s medals. He’s won the Breedon Highland League (2021-22), the R Davidson (Banchory) Highland League Cup (2005-06), the Qualifying Cup (2006-07), the Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup six times and the Morrison Motors (Turriff) Aberdeenshire Shield on five occasions.

Over the years West has captained the Buchan club and played in defence, midfield and attack. He received a testimonial in 2016 and was inducted into the Bellslea hall of fame in 2024.

West has decided to stop playing to prioritise spending more time with his wife Jodie and sons Zack, seven, and six-year-old Nicky.

He said: “It’s been on my mind for a while and there’s a combination of reasons.

“The main reason is the time I’ve given to the club and the time I’ve been away from my family, I feel now is the right time to give my family more time.

“I’ve spoken to my wife Jodie at length about it and we agreed it was the right time.

“Also, I’m 38 and I feel this season and in recent seasons I’ve picked up injuries that are taking longer to recover from and if I keep going that’s only going to get worse.

“It’s great I’m still playing at this stage. When I’m still playing to a standard I’m content with I wouldn’t want to keep playing until I reach a point when I’m no longer adding the value to the team that I want to be adding.”

Support has been key

West also thanked his family for the support they have given him during his Fraserburgh career.

He added: “We’ve got an excellent support group, both my mum and dad and Jodie’s mum and dad are fantastic in terms of how they support us.

“All the time Jodie and I have been together I’ve played football so she’s never known anything else.

“I’ve been committed to my football, but it’s been a big commitment for Jodie as well because of the time I’m away with football.

“Jodie’s been brilliant, she’s supported me playing football and she’s the reason our kids are doing so well.

“I think it’s also going to be hard for my dad (Charles) because he’s watched my whole career, guided me and really pushed me.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. It’s the right decision for me to stop, but I know my dad will struggle not being able to watch me.”

Highlights and hopes for more glory

West is determined to try to finish his long Fraserburgh tenure on a high this season.

The Broch have reached the final of the Aberdeenshire Shield – where they will face Aberdeen – and are third in the Highland League, two points off the top.

West said: “I’m lucky that I’m able to choose when to stop on my terms.

“I’m really content with what I’ve achieved in my career. Winning the league was probably the biggest moment, winning the league had been a big dream for a long time.

“I’m really proud of what I’ve done at Fraserburgh and I’m really thankful to have played for such a special club for as long as I have.

“But I’ve still got a drive to try to add some more memories before the end of the season.

“We’ve got ourselves into a good position, in a cup final and we still have an outside chance of challenging for the title.

“Fraserburgh is a club full of great people and not seeing some of the people as much will be one of the hard things about stopping.

“When I go to Bellslea it just feels like home, whether it’s going into the dressing room, up to the hospitality lounge, the boardroom or the secretary’s office.

“I’ll still go back and watch, but I’ll miss seeing some of the people at the club as much as I’ll miss playing because there are a lot of people at the club who have been there a long time who have been really good to me.”

[Source: Press and Journal]