John Murray Shield

	Every year Musselburgh Windsor Football Club seeks to recognise hard work, dedication, good service or a special achievement by an individual by awarding the John Murray Shield. The shield was presented to the Club by our Honorary President and he sits on the Committee who decide the winner from nominations submitted. This award is the highest honour the club can bestow upon someone.
2009		Pictured centre is Mr. John Buckley flanked by his wife, Eileen (left) and Musselburgh Windsor FC President Karen Lee (right).
	John Buckley has been the Groundsman at Pinkie Playing Fields in Musselburgh for 27 years and is solely responsible for the preparation and care of the numerous grass sports pitches there. Council Amenity Manager, Helen Bruce said ‘The Council is delighted to hear that John has been awarded this trophy in recognition of his work at Pinkie. He has been Groundsman there since 1981 and all who know him know that he not only takes a great pride in keeping the playing fields to the highest standards, he also takes a great deal of pleasure from the enjoyment people derive from using the facility. He is always willing to go the extra mile and the award is very well deserved’. Musselburgh Windsor FC who are based at Pinkie Playing fields and been providing football for local youngsters since 1953 are indebted to John for his constant willingness to assist. John Murray himself paid his own special tribute to him saying ‘This club owes John Buckley a huge debt of gratitude for his good work. We are a club that like to play good football and the high standard of surface provided by John goes a long way to helping us achieve that. We are a big club, that makes big demands of Pinkie and I am happy to say John Buckley never lets us down. We are a big family and John is truly one of that family.’ The Windsor panel had a difficult task in selecting from the various nominations submitted, but in the end John Buckley was chosen as the outright winner. Presenting the award Club President Karen Lee said ‘I was delighted that this year the award was going to John Buckley, groundsman at Pinkie Playing Fields. John Buckley is something to everyone within Musselburgh Windsor and because of all his hard work and dedication the boys and girls have great playing surfaces to play on. John himself outlined that he had been in the role for the past 27 years and enjoyed meeting and watching all the boys and girls who came along to play football.’ For anyone who visits Pinkie and knows John Buckley, he has come a well-kent face and on the verge of becoming legendary. John has earned this award through dedication coupled with hard work over long hours. Going the extra mile for all Pinkie user groups, over the past 27 years he has at long last been acknowledged. For Musselburgh Windsor, next years award will be a tough one to follow.