PERS. INFORMATION

CLUB HISTORY

• Aberdeen FC | Youth – 2020
• Buckie Thistle FC | 2021 – 2024
• Peterhead FC | 2024 – 2026

INTERVIEW

Introduce yourself…

I’m Max from Aberdeen 24yo, currently under contract with Peterhead in league 1 although my contract ends in June. So be sure to see some change in that.

You spent nearly a decade in the youth system at Aberdeen FC. What are your earliest memories of joining the club as a young player?

Earliest memories… the main one I can picture is playing in the Aberdeen kit with the big saltire logo (which was so uncomfy).

Through the age groups I won a lot of individual awards come the end of the seasons which are great to look back on. And being one of the few that started from 8yo to pushing through and getting a full time contract.

You came through the academy alongside several talented player. What was the competition like within that group?

Yeah there was competition but it definitely varied each year I was there. Was more just a group of boys that were together for 5+ years.

Leaving a club after so many years can be difficult, how did you cope with that moment when Aberdeen released you?

It was during lockdown and there was some miscommunication from the club to me about a new deal. When I was eventually released all borders were closed and the teams up north weren’t looking for players due to money struggles and the restrictions so it look a lot of time to find somewhere and a lot of solo training. Which looking back now I really enjoyed and think shaped a lot of what I do now and my mindset.

How did you stay motivated and keep your fitness and focus during that uncertain time?

It was more just a whatever happens, happens for good or bad. I had a small group of close friends that I spoke with daily during lockdown so that definitely helped as a lot of people were in the same boat (out with football). During this time I really took a liking and passion to fitness and gym work.

What attracted you to joining Buckie Thistle FC after leaving Aberdeen?

It was the manager (Graeme Stewart) who is now my boss at work. He sold it to me and I have a close relationship to him now. He’s definitely helped me a lot in football and out of it so I’m very grateful for that. I’d say he’s the best manager I’ve worked under.

When you first joined Buckie, what were your expectations for yourself and the team?

I wasn’t too sure what to expect as I hadn’t played adult football. A lot of the team were from Aberdeen and I fitted right in with the group we all still meet up and keep in touch now.

When I joined it was just a case of enjoying football and playing again after such a long time of nothing. And ofcourse performing!

You signed for Peterhead FC on 1 July 2024 on a two-year deal. What made the club the right step for you?

At the time I thought it was best for me to continue playing part time just due to the enjoyment of having the best of both in my eyes. Enjoying my work life and being able to play football on the side but still professionally.

What did it mean to you personally to finally move into the SPFL after your Highland League success?

I was happy with the chance to finally move up into the football leagues and try and establish myself in it. Ready to embrace a new challenge.

Where would you like to see your career in the next five years?

I don’t have a full end goal in sight, I enjoy what I do whether it’s part time or full time it would need to be right for me. The main thing for me would be to win more trophies and to stay fit and healthy to play as long as I possibly can at the highest level.