How Stephen King is helping secure the future of Buckie Thistle

The last thing you would expect to read in a Stephen King horror is a mention of Highland League football club Buckie Thistle.

However, this reference in King’s 2020 novel If It Bleeds sparked a relationship that has spanned six years.

As the club continues to try and navigate its way out of its current financial predicament following the resignation of long-standing president and benefactor Garry Farquhar in August, King has once again lent his support.

The author, who previously said he chose to reference the club because of its “gorgeous name”, has made a donation to Buckie Thistle.

King said he referenced Buckie Thistle because of its "gorgeous name" — King said he referenced Buckie Thistle because of its “gorgeous name” Buckie Thistle Football Club via Supplied

He previously donated two copies of If It Bleeds to the Moray side, one of which was sold through a fundraising auction.

As a way of thanks, Buckie sent the 72-year-old some merchandise and proclaimed him a “fully fledged Jag” and King was pictured proudly wearing the club’s shirt and scarf.

They have now thanked and paid tribute to their “biggest American fan”.

In a statement, the club said: “Buckie Thistle Football Club are very thankful to our biggest American Jags fan, Stephen King, for his support.

“American author Stephen, dubbed the ‘King of Horror’, was quick to offer help when he learned of the financial difficulties the club are currently facing.

“This is the second time Stephen has kindly donated to our club, firstly sending us two of his signed novels ‘If It Bleeds’, one of which was auctioned and the other will remain at the club.

“Many thanks Stephen.”