Inverness Caley Thistle record holder Mark Ridgers confirms exit from Buckie Thistle after Highland League season draws to a close
Former Inverness Caledonian Thistle goalkeeper Mark Ridgers has confirmed he has left Highland League side Buckie Thistle.
The Caley Jags clean sheet record holder left the Highland capital last summer, dropping into part-time football to sign for Highland League champions Buckie.
He would make his debut in the League Cup, which the Jags were competing in after their title triumph, but a slow start to the season scuppered their chances of defending their crown.
That said, a strong end to the season saw Buckie go 11 games unbeaten, rounding off the campaign with a 3-0 win over Keith on Saturday.
Now, Ridgers has confirmed he will be moving on ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Writing on social media, the 34-year-old said: “Would like to say a big thank you to everyone at Buckie Thistle for the season.
“We didn’t hit the standards the club set last year after a sticky start but ended the season strongly going 11 unbeaten!
“I will be moving on next season and wish everyone the best next season.”
Buckie Thistle manager Lewis Mackinnon commented on Ridgers’ departure: “I don't know if it's public knowledge yet where he's going but there's one club obviously close to his heart – and it's not Caley – that he would always want to go and play for.
“He made that clear even last year when I was speaking to him and they've been able to come up with a package to get him so he's going to take that opportunity. That's basically it.
“It's more local for him and it's a team he's always wanted to play for. So that's why he's going there and their experienced goalkeeper has just retired. I'm sure you've worked it out.
“To be honest, Mark took a few months to settle. He didn't come in and really hit the heights he should have been hitting until probably later on in the season. It's a bit disappointing, the fact that he's adapted to part-time football. His form towards the end of the season was excellent and he's now moving on.
“That's the sad side of it but it gives someone else an opportunity to play for a team like Buckie.”