THE year 1984 was a golden chapter in the history of North-east football.
But while Aberdeen FC’s league and cup double grabbed all the headlines, something just as significant was happening for the town of Fraserburgh.
Charlie Duncan was appointed manager at Bellslea Park on November 24 1984 – initially on a two-week contract.
A quarter of a century later, Charlie has stamped an indelible philosophy on the Broch, who are peerless in the development of young local talent.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Charlie is currently the longest serving manager in the UK, and has no intentions of stepping down.
He said: “Experienced managers sometimes lose interest, but I am still passionate about the game.
“I still enjoy training and I go for a run before the game.
“I like the atmosphere in the dressing room. I still feel like one of the players, although I’ve got to pick the side.
“If I am not doing my job properly then I will stop, but with experience you get better.”
What has marked Charlie down as one of the most unique managers to have graced the game is his absolute faith in youngsters.
Players, such as former Aston Villa winger Scott Murray and ex-Plymouth striker Marino Keith, learned their trade under the expert tutelage of Charlie, who admits it was a conscious decision when he took charge that he would promote local talent.
“When I took over, the club wasn’t in a great state financially,” he said.
“I said to the chairman, Jimmy Young, ‘can I do it my way and pick young players and bring them through’, and he was happy for me to do that.
“I sometimes get people saying I should buy someone, but I just laugh it off.”
Silverware has arrived in a steady stream under Charlie, with a total of 13 trophies being picked up since he took charge.
Asked to choose a highlight, there was only going to be one winner.
“Winning the league in 2002 would be the personal highlight, for the supporters and the board more than anything,” he said.
“It was just fantastic for the town, especially because we had been so near in the past.
“We had finished second or third a few times, with probably better sides.
“We manage to win a cup every 18 months or so and always seem to be in the top six or seven in the league.”
His impact on arguably the best supported team in the Highland League cannot be overstated.
While his legendary status at the Broch is assured, Charlie paid tribute to the people he has worked with through the years.
He said: “Chairman Finlay Noble and the board have been excellent – they are delighted to have local lads coming through.
“Jimmy Adams, who hired me, was absolutely brilliant.
“He didn’t interfere because he knew what we were doing was right.
“And my assistant, Bruce Buchan, is an absolutely incredible person to have at the club.
“But all the staff here are first class – it’s a very professional set-up.”
“There have been good times and bad times but I’ve really enjoyed it – time has flown.”