Aaron Somerville to leave Penicuik Athletic

We can confirm that club captain Aaron Somerville is departing Penicuik Athletic after ten years of remarkable service, 257 appearances and 114 goals.

Summy joined the Cuikie at the beginning of the 2015/16 season from Whitehill Welfare and started as he meant to go on with a debut goal against Broxburn Athletic, ending the season with 16 goals - and a Fife & Lothians Cup winners medal, assisting Sean Patterson's clinching goal in the 3-1 win against Bonnyrigg Rose.

A further 14 goals followed in 2016/17 under the management of Johnny Harvey, and his form continued into 2017/18 as he scored 21 goals - the most memorable of them being his goal against Tranent in the East of Scotland Cup Final to give Summy his second medal at the Cuikie!

Penicuik's return to Senior Football ahead of 2018/19 saw Summy not only score the club's first goal back in the seniors, but also our first hat-trick back, as we defeated Sauchie Juniors 3-1 on the opening day of the League Cup. Following the departure of Craig Hume in November, Summy was named Club Captain by co-Managers Tony Begg and Kevin Milne, a role he would go on to hold for seven years. His 23 goals that season helped the Cuikie win the East of Scotland Conference A and ultimately finish runners-up to the overall East of Scotland title.

The 2019/20 season is fondly remembered for the Scottish Cup run and Summy more than played his part. He scored a hat-trick against Easthouses Lily in the 1st Preliminary Round, our first goals in the competition in over 60 years, as well as the headed opener against Cumbernauld Colts in the First Round proper. The Covid shutdown robbed Summy of the chance to add his tally of 9 goals that season, though he did score another 7 during the short restart season during 2020.

During the 2021/22 title challenge under Stevie McLeish, unfortunately injury limited Summy to just 4 goals that season. He was back in goalscoring form the following campaign, scoring 11 times, but he was an integral part of keeping the dressing room together during the managerial turmoil during the closing months of that season. He also became the club's record goalscorer during that season, scoring his 100th against Haddington in November before surpassing Johnny Harvey's record a fortnight later against Bo'ness United.

Under Lewis Coult, Summy led the boys again during season 2023/24, and scored 6 times, including a stunning effort from the half-way line against Hutchison Vale. His final full season at the Cuikie in 2024/25 with Gavin Burrell and David Simmonds at the helm saw injuries again take their toll as Summy was limited to just 3 goals. Ultimately his final goal for the club came with a diving header against Musselburgh Athletic in December.

This season began with Summy celebrating his testimonial against Heart of Midlothian B and in fitting fashion, he marked the occasion with a trademark header after just four minutes. Last Saturday saw Summy make his final appearance off the bench against Kilwinning Rangers.

Summy made the following statement:

"To all associated with Penicuik Athletic,

The hardest thign I have ever had to do over the past 10 years at the club is write this message. The last few days, weeks and months have given me alot of thought with regards to my time at Penicuik. I will forever be grateful for the club giving me the honour of playing here, let alone captaining the club, and more recently, giving me the honour of a testimonial.

Sadly, the time that I am giving to the club at the minute away from my work/personal but more importantly family life just isn't sustainable. And it's not fair on those closest to me.

For that reason I have decided the time is right for me to move on from the club.

To everyone who has been at the club throughout my time here, thank you. The players, coaches, managers, physios, committee, groundsman, helpers, supporters and friends. The club doesn't run without you and my time here would certainly not have been the same without you... you all mean far much more to me than all the goals and trophies over the years.

I promise not to be a stranger at the club. I just feel it's the right time for me to move on. At 38, I have to try and play as much as I can whatever level given I might not have that much longer left. To all the young lads at the club and further afield... play as long as you can. Football provides stability in life and brings connections, friendships and opportunities that you wouldn't believe. And make sure you do it with a smile on your face.

💙🤍 you all and see you soon."

Everyone at Penicuik Athletic wishes you all the very best in your future, not just in football but in life. You and your family will always be welcome at Montgomery Park.

Aaron, you leave us a legend. Thank you.