LATEST NEWS 2006/07
For previous news articles see the monthly archive at the foot of this page.

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Next Gretna game 31st August 2006
As Gretna move into the last eight of the Challenge Cup with a team comprised of 13 (out of 16) players who didn't start against Queens our league match against them on the 11th November will be postponed if they reach the final which is played the next day (12th).

BLW (QoS Prog.)
Some better news 31st August 2006
Sean O'Connor's ankle injury is not as bad as was first thought. Although he's still on crutches it is hoped he'll be back in action in two to three weeks rather than six to eight weeks as was expected.

Bill Goldie
Match reaction 30th August 2006
A deflected goal in the 89th minute denied Queens a place in the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup. With only one minute remaining on the clock Ayr United grabbed an equaliser to take the match into extra-time against ten man Queens who had lost Willie Gibson with an ankle injury five minutes from time.

There were no further goals in injury time so the tie went to a penalty shoot out. In the drama that followed Ayr United won 5-4, O'Neill, Mackenzie, Paton and Scally finding the net with Andy Thomson the only sinner, but five out of five for the visitors clinched the match.

Said coach Stevie Morrison, "We were bitterly disappointed to go out in the manner we did. Conceding a goal so late then losing in a penalty shoot out.... We were the better side in terms of possession but couldn't turn that advantage into goals, we did well to come back from one down but that late strike was a killer. It was difficult to play extra-time with only ten men, but we held out. But when it goes to penalties anyone can win. We've now played 780 minutes of competitive football in the month of August and I think we all need a rest now."

Ayr boss Robert Connor said, "I'm delighted to win through having lost 7-6 in a penalty shoot out with Dunfermline last week in the CIS Cup. That takes some of the hurt away."

Sponsors man of the match - Barry Callaghan, crowd - 1239.

Bill Goldie
Man of the match 21st August 2006
The voting for the internet fan club man of the match from the derby against Gretna on Saturday was Paul Burns, Neil Scally came second with Murray Henderson third.

The full scores have been added to the match report and the new Player of the Season league table has been updated along with the scoring spreadsheet. Thanks for voting.
New signing tomorrow 29th August 2006
Ian McCall has been scouring the countryside today in search of new players and announced within the last hour that an Australian, by the name of Warren Moon, will be joining the club tomorrow. Born in Gravesend, Kent, he moved 'down under' and his last club was Queensland Roar who compete in the Premier Division, the Hyundai A League. He normally plays as a left-sided midfielder but has turned out quite often as a striker. 24-year-old Warren will be signed through to January and we're certain the manager will be 'over the moon' with his new acquisition.
Earlier in the day Ian took in a Premier League reserve match and is now en-route to the Newcastle v Everton match.

Bill Goldie
New players needed 29th August 2006
Spare a thought for Ian McCall who has a busy three days ahead of him-- rallying his troops after the 3-0 defeat by Gretna and acquiring new strikers before the 'Window' closes on Thursday. But with the new legislation we are now allowed to bring in two players 'on loan' even outwith the 'Window'. Following Sunday's game the manager admitted, "We're down to the 'bare boards' now and we have six players unavailable for tomorrow night's Challenge Cup tie, so I'll be doing my utmost to get new players on board before then". He then insisted, "Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong". And how right he was!

We've had precious little luck going our way. We lost an injury time goal at Airdrie which cost us two points, lost a goal in extra time against Kilmarnock to go out of the Challenge Cup and then the fiasco against Gretna. A collision between our two top strikers saw Sean O'Connor's knee catch Graham Weir on the face resulting in a fractured cheekbone and to make matters worse, Sean was later stretchered off with ligament damage to his ankle.

As far as numbers are concerned we'll have to rely on fringe players unless the manager can get new players by tomorrow. As he rightly states six are unavailable (five injured and one on international duty) and that's not good! Weir and O'Connor could both be sidelined for six to eight weeks while Andy Aitken and Jim Thomson head for Sheffield on Thursday for surgery. As we know Andy will be out until early next year but for J.T. it's only 'keyhole surgery' and with a bit of luck he could be available for the trip north to Ross County.

Stephen Swift hasn't kicked a ball in earnest since signing in the close season, but the good news is that he started training again last night. Our other absentee is new signing, Dermott McCaffrey, who is on international duty with Northern Ireland Under-21's who play Germany.

Tomorrow's match against Ayr United will be our eighth game in the month of August. Assuming it doesn't go to extra time we will have played 750 minutes of football--a hellova lot for a part-time side. Kick-off is at 7.45 p.m. Admission will be the same as the previous three cup-ties and concessions are valid for all parts of the ground.

Bill Goldie
Another Bulletin 28th August 2006
Graham Weir is now out of hospital and back home. However he has been instructed to attend his local infirmary in Livingston for further check-ups.

Sean O'Connor had ligament damage in his ankle and will remain in plaster until Wednesday.

P.S. Our own club doctor, Guy Beaumont, was called into emergency action yesterday when a fan collapsed going through the turnstile prior to kick-off. Fortunately the doc was able to get his heart going again and he was taken to hospital by ambulance. We're pleased to report that he's progressing well.

Bill Goldie
Biggest so far 28th August 2006
Sunday's attendance of 5481 (boosted by almost 1500 from Gretna) is the highest First Division crowd of the season so far, beating a recent turnout of 5144 at Dens Park. But, as has happened so often in the past, the team just couldn't rise to the occasion on the day and come Wednesday we'll probably be back to the 'hard core' support of around 1500. So the question must be asked, where do the missing 2500 disappear to?

Although many thought the crowd was more, there was space for a few hundred extra on the Portland Road terracing with only the 'singing section' really packed. Both stands were more or less full, but monitoring cameras and our own safety advisor's inspection concluded that space was available on that terracing. Also, the turnstile count agreed with the recorded figure.

Bill Goldie
Face in the crowd 28th August 2006
With Palmerston quite full yesterday we took the opportunity to take a few snaps of the crowd, if you were on the Portland Drive terrace then you will be able to spot yourself quite easily if you download the first photograph to your PC. We haven't forgotten about the Gretna fans either and with such a large turnout it was good to see the Galloway News stand full and the south enclosure populated. You too can download the picture below to your machine and spot your face in the crowd.

Either just click on the photo and it will download in your browser or the better option is to right click on the photo and choose 'Save Target As" before downloading, remember the Target bit so that you download the higher resolution image.









Latest Bulletin 27th August 2006
Graham Weir has been retained in hospital overnight with a fractured cheekbone. Sean O'Connor's ankle isn't broken but it has been encased in plaster. Both could be out for six to eight weeks.

Bill Goldie
Match reaction 27th August 2006
A fateful five minutes just before half time cost Queens dearly. They lost two soft goals from which they never really recovered and a third in the closing minutes gave Gretna a comfortable 3-0 victory. It was a 'bad day at the office' all round with our two top strikers, Graham Weir and Sean O'Connor sustaining serious injuries and both could be out for some time. Weiro has a suspected fractured cheekbone following a mid-air collision with his strike partner O'Connor and the latter was later stretchered off himself which what is feared may be a broken ankle. The one pleasing factor was a crowd of 5,481 with Gretna having a travelling support of 1,465. It was the third highest gate in recent years behind the championship celebration match with Morton at the end of season 2001/02 which drew 6,158 and the Scottish Cup tie with Dundee United in 2005 with an attendance of 5,532.

Afterwards Ian McCall summed it all up in one sentence when he said, "Everything that could go wrong did go wrong", but the manager added, "Despite the result I'm still proud of my players, in the first forty minutes I felt we dominated and played most of the good football and it was a travesty of justice to go in at the interval two down. The goals we conceded just prior to half time 'killed the game' - you just cannot afford to give goals like that away to a team like Gretna. Barry John Corr was dropped owing to goal keeping errors and Colin Scott made a couple of bad ones today, but having said that he had two good blocks near the end. Over the ninety minutes I can't deny Gretna were the better team but we had a lot of tired legs out there in the closing stages. The Kilmarnock match took a great deal out of us and although Gretna had a match in Northern Ireland on Thursday they have the strength in depth that we don't have. We were beaten by a good team and I think it could turn out to be a three horse race for the league title between Livingston, St.Johnstone and our Gretna neighbours."

Bill Goldie
6 hours to go 27th August 2006
They'll be no lack of professionlism in the Queens' camp in the build up for today's big match. Following an afternoon training session yesterday the entire squad spent a relaxing night at a local hotel which acted as a 'bonding session'. The players were all in a jovial and confident frame of mind last night, none moreso than stand-in skipper, Jim Lauchlan who said, "Being a relative newcomer it was an honour to be handed the captain's armband although my heart goes out to J.T. who'll miss the game with his knee injury. I'm sure it will be an exciting one and we're all looking forward to it. We've a super bunch of boys at Palmerston and in Ian McCall I'm working for a manager who I have a lot of respect for. We're not scoring as many goals as I'd like just now, but tomorrow would be the perfect time to start knocking them in".

Murray Henderson was still 'hurting' after the Killie defeat but added, "I was 'gutted' after the game but I can't think of a better way to get over it than to beat Gretna. We owe it to the Queens' fans who got behind us right from the first whistle".

Scott McKenzie agreed 100% with his defensive partner and admitted, "I really enjoy the 'holding' role I'm playing at present and I'll be doing my utmost to keep a clean sheet".

Despite their leading scorer, Doc Deuchar, being suspended following his 'red card' against Ross County last week, Gretna still have ample 'fire power' up front with McMenamine, McGuffie, Tosh and Grady all dangerous, so the the three above mentioned will have to be alert.

Up front the onus to score will fall on our 'Little and Large' duo of Graham Weir and Sean O'Connor. Said 'Weiro', "I haven't scored since the Clyde game and it's about time I found the net again. Scoring goals gives a striker confidence and we'll need plenty of that tomorrow afternoon. But I don't mind who gets them as long as we win. And his striking partner added, "I managed one against Killie and I'd love to add to my tally. It's an important match and we all want to win it--not only for ourselves but for the fans as well".

It's been left to 'Penalty King', John O'Neill, to get the bulk of our goals to date and this season he has had four strikes to his credit--albeit three of those from the penalty spot. But for a player who has hit the net 59 times in 111 appearances, that's no big surprise.

The manager is also looking to the younger ones to play their part. Paul Burns has started the season brilliantly but agrees, "That's all very well, but it's a team game and a win would certainly be the 'icing on the cake'.

Willie Gibson who has netted a few important counters in his time, including a cup winner at Montrose stressed, "Being a local boy I'd like nothing better than to beat Gretna and keep them quiet for a while". Willie has had five star performances in the last two games and has now put the 'crowd abuse scenario' behind him. He added, "It was only a handful of fans who caused it and I'm glad that the true supporters stuck by me".

New signing, Dermot McCaffrey admitted that he'd love to get on tomorrow but said, "I'm just new here so I realise I must be patient as Queens have a good pool of players".

Dermot is available for selection but won't be for the Ayr United cup-tie on Wednesday as he will be on duty for the Northern Ireland Under 21s who meet Germany.

Bill Goldie
Dumfriesshire 'Derbies' 26th August 2006
Despite tomorrow's match being labelled the 'first Dumfriesshire local derby' our club historian, Ian Black' has rightly pointed out that it is not strictly correct. In season 1923-24, when we first gained Scottish League status and a place in the Third Division, Nithsdale Wanderers from Sanquhar and also Mid-Annandale from the Lockerbie area were there with us.

We actually managed to emerge unbeaten in all four outings against them--drawing twice with the Wanderers and beating Mids in both encounters. In 1925 when we won promotion to the Second Division our Sanquhar neighbours joined us and remained in the same league for the next two seasons. So 'Blacko' is spot-on as usual, as there have been numerous 'Dumfriesshire' derbies in years gone by. But they don't come any bigger than tomorrow's meeting with Gretna.

Bill Goldie
Two days to go 25th August 2006
Talking on the 'Website' a couple of days ago, Gretna's Derek Townsley revealed how much he, and all the Gretna players, were looking forward to a 'real local derby' between two teams from Dumfriesshire. And just prior to leaving for their European tie in Ireland last night Gretna manager, Rowan Alexander, echoed his skipper's words. In an interview with the 'Standard' Rowan said."It's good for the area to have a derby within a 30 mile radius. We're just down the road from each other and there's a lot of rivalry. Obviously I'm looking forward to it, as it's at Palmerston where my managerial career began. We achieved a lot there and it's pleasing to see how they've come on. But it's another league game and we'll approach it as we approach all our matches".

Rowan in fact spent seven years at Palmerston as both player and manager. He first signed as a teenager in 1979, the manager then being Billy Little (a Doonhamer who made a name for himself with Aberdeen). Stalwarts in the side at that time were Allan Ball and Iain McChesney with Jimmy Robertson and Peter Dickson the jokers in the pack.

From very early days Rowan proved to be a prolific scorer and during his time as a Queens' player netted 78 goals in 165 games to become the club's 12th highest scorer and the local press dubbed him 'Alexander the Great'. One of his best season was 1980-81 when he helped Queens win promotion and as a reward thr directors treated the squad to a pre-season holiday in Portugal. And another memorable one was two years later when he was leading scorer with no fewer than 24 goals to his credit.

He was to play under three more managers, George Herd, Harry Hood and Drew Busby before being transferred to St Mirren in 1983 for a fee of £25,000. From there he had a brief spell at Brentford and a successful period at Morton but was later to return to Queens as player manager in the mid 1990s.

There is no doubt that Gretna have had a remarkable rise to fame winning two league titles in consecutive years and reaching the final of last season's Scottish Cup. That earned them a place in Europe but that proved a much harder task. Following a humiliating 5-1 defeat by Derry City at Fir Park they returned from Ireland today having restored some credibility with a 2-2 draw in the second leg. However, just qualifying was a feat in itself.

A big crowd is anticipated on Sunday and supporters are requested to arrive early as it's 'pay at the gate. Apart from season ticket holders of course. Kick-off is at 3 pm.

Bill Goldie
New Trust site launched 25th August 2006
The Queens Trust are pleased to announce a new sponsorship deal with innovative local IT support and website design company Digitl. Trust Chairman David Linden said “ It’s a great link up for both companies. We are so keen to set up mutually beneficial local community based projects and this is hopefully the first of many. They’ve been brilliant to work with and we’d like to thank Digitl for all their support over the last few weeks. The site is now ‘live’ at www.queenstrust.org. We hope it will compliment the existing Queens supporters sites and as we extend it we hope it will become a popular hub for all Queens supporters across the globe”

As well as the Digitl sponsorship announcement the website contains a Gretna match preview by Ewan Lithgow, a competition for Queens Youth Trust members, a Junior Blues section, our Ninetieth minute ‘rant’ as well as pages containing information about the Doonhamers Travel Club, Supporters Groups forthcoming events, D&G Youth Development Football League and QOS Youth Football.

David Linden
Man of the match 24th August 2006
The voting for the internet fan club man of the match from the CIS Insurance cup tie against Kilmarnock on Tuesday was Jim Lauchaln, second came Sean O'Connor with third place going to Graham Weir.

The full scores have been added to the match report and the new Player of the Season league table has been updated along with the scoring spreadsheet. Thanks for voting.


Jim receives his sponsors man of the match award. - Photo. - Angus McDougal, Photo, Dfs. 07 850 790 251

The big one--at last 24th August 2006
The match we've all been waiting for, Queen of the South v Gretna, takes place on Sunday. Kick-off is at 3 pm. A large crowd is expected and as it's 'pay at the gate' (apart from season ticket holders) all supporters are requested to come early. On the game itself Ian McCall emphasised, "There's only three points at stake, as it is for every league match, but it's the first ever meeting between the two clubs which makes it somewhat of a historical occasion. I'd love to win it, not just for myself but for the club, the players and most of all our fans. I know how much it means to them!

"If we play like we did against Kilmarnock on Tuesday night I think we could 'pull it off'. Killie are a top Premier League side but we held them over 90 minutes and it was just that late goal that beat us. We matched them for almost the entire game, even in the first period of extra time, and it was only in the final 15 minutes that the legs started to go.

"Our fans were as noisy as I've heard them and that was great, for it's normally in away games that they really rise to the occasion. I can only ask them to be even noisier come Sunday, and I'm looking for a bumper crowd. I'd love to see Palmerston filled to near capacity as it was when I was down in the cup with Dundee United two seasons ago. But I realise that's a bit too much to ask. Nevertheless, I'd like to see between four and five thousand there--that would really have our Chairman rubbing his hands.

"I feel there's a lot of 'sleeping' Queens' fans in Dumfries who will turn up on Sunday but I can only appeal to them not to make it a 'one off' but to come along and add your support at every home game. What a difference that would make!

"We had a match on Tuesday night but Gretna are playing in Ireland tonight. Both sets of players will be tired, but at least we'll have had a couple of extra days to recover".

Bill Goldie
Team News 24th August 2006
Jim Thomson joins fellow defenders Andy Aitken and Stephen Swift on the injured list and is most unlikely to be risked in Sunday's match. Said the manager, Jim's knee is still bothering him and he'll be travelling down to Sheffield next Thursday along with Andy for surgery. In Jim's case it's only a 'clean up' job but it makes sense to get it over with when there's a free week coming up for the two Scotland internationals". Both new boys, Dermott McCaffrey and Barry Callaghan are included in the squad.

Bill Goldie
Irish eyes are smiling 24th August 2006
Queens are set to finalise the signing of Northern Ireland Under-21 internationalist Dermott McCaffrey tonight. The 20-year-old left-side full back is currently with Hibs and has graduated through the Easter Road club's youth policy over the past two years. Said Ian McCall, "Dermott is the type of young player I've been looking for. He's 5 feet 11 ins. and not just a ball-winning type of defender. He likes to play football and has a lot of pace, and with injuries in that department we need cover". As with our other new recruit, Barry Callaghan, Dermott will be 'on loan' until January.

Bill Goldie
Appeal 24th August 2006
Nearly September and we still need about 10 photo's for "Queens on Tour" in the match programme - Please send them to Solway Offset, 11 Catherinefield Industrial Estate, Heathhall, Dumfries or email to:- info@solwayoffset.co.uk

BLW (QOS Prog)
Degsy airs his views 23rd August 2006
History is in the making come 3 pm on Sunday when Queens and Gretna take the field at Palmerston in the first ever SFL meeting between the two clubs. Although we have met before in the Borders Cup and in Reserve and Youth fixtures, this weekend will see the inaugural battle at senior level. Both sets of supporters have been looking forward to this clash ever since Gretna gained promotion last season and no doubt they'll be counting down the days and hours to kick-off.
One player looking forward to it even more than most is Gretna's Derek Townsley who spent three happy years at Palmerston in the 1990s and has had a 'soft spot' for the club ever since. Talking to the 'Website' earlier this week he joked, "I always had a great rapport with the Queens' fans when I was there but I'm not sure what kind of welcome I'll get when I run out onto the park in the black and white of Gretna. This will be the first time back playing since I left for Motherwell and Premier League football back in 1999, although I have been there a couple of times as a spectator when I hadn't a match myself.

In his Queens days
"There's not many players left there now from my era--only Jim Thomson and Andy Aitken, I think! I was sorry to hear of Andy's cruciate problem, it's one dreaded by all footballers. I played alongside him at Gretna of course and whenever I heard about it I phoned him to voice my concern. I believe there's a few familiar faces from behind the scenes missing now--Doreen and Vi, the two tea ladies who kept us all fed and watered; Margaret Bell from the office and the chairman in my time, Norman Blount. I still bump into Norman on occasions and he's someone I hold in high regard".

On Sunday's big match 'Degsy', as he's affectionally known to family, friends and fans alike, added, "Down at Gretna we've all been thinking about this one ever since the fixture list first came out. It's quite an historic occasion and I hope it's a match to remember. I'm aware that we're top of the table and Queens have yet to win a league game, but the form book often 'goes out the window' when it comes to local derbies. We'll meet at least four times this season and with only 22 miles between us, to me they will be real derby matches--not like Stranraer where you have to travel 150 and 200 miles there and back.

"Both of us have games in midweek which could take its toll. Queens met Kilmarnock in the CIS Cup while we travel to Ireland for a second leg Champions League tie. It was a massive learning curve for us going down 5-1 to Derry City in the first leg at Fir Park and it certainly brought us all 'back to earth'. However, they were a very good side who will shock quite a few teams.

"What makes Sunday's game even more special is the links between the two clubs. Both myself and David Mathieson are ex-Queens' players and believe that Ryan McGuffie and Colin McMenamin were actually born in Dumfries. Add to that the fact that several of our players and backroom staff like Stevie Tosh, Andy Smith, Davie Irons and the gaffer himself, all live in the town. It was Rowan who signed me for Queens in 1996 when he was manager there and he himself played for the club as a young pro back in the early 1980s. So with all those connections, no wonder we're 'up for it'.

"Personally, I'm looking for a turnout in excess of 5000. We took 14,000 up to the Scottish Cup final against Hearts, but I fully realise that was an extra special day.However, we had 1200 at Raydale on Saturday and precious few of those were from Ross County. There's also a lot of 'neutrals' in the Annan and Lockerbie area who support both teams and as we're usually away when Queens are at home they get to see both of us in action. So they too should boost the crowd.

"Naturally there's a lot of rivalry between the supporters and I don't mind that in the slightest, but the last thing we want is any crowd trouble as that would totally ruin the occasion for fans and players alike".

Bill Goldie
Video clip action 22nd August 2006
The match report from tonight has now had a video clip of Sean O'Connor's goal added courtesy of David Gow. Visit the report via the 'Latest Report' link and download the goal, remember though that if you are on a dial up connection the file will take some time to download to your computer.
Match reaction 22nd August 2006
In one of the best cup games seen at Palmerston for many years Kilmarnock ran out 2-1 winners after extra-time, but all credit to Queens who played their hearts out and to the supporters for their vocal backing.

The night started badly for the homesters when Jim Thomson was declared injured with a swollen knee and could be doubtful for Sunday. There were only two clear cup chances in the first half, a Steven Naismith lob which bounced over the bar and a snapshot from Sean O'Connor which went inches wide. Queen opened the scoring in the 48th minute, that man O'Connor poking the ball home following a goalmouth scramble and in the next ten minutes they missed two great opportunities to increase their lead but paid the penalty when with 15 minutes remaining, Grant Murray rose above the Queens defence to head home the equaliser. In extra-time Michael Mullen missed a good chance to regain the lead for Queens but shot just wide and the man Ian McCall feared, Steven Naismith, ensured his side a place in the third round with an excellent finish in 113 minutes.

Ian McCall almost lost his voice in all the excitement but just managed to croak out, "We lost the game and we're out of the cup and that's the bottom line. At one up we had two good chances to increase our lead but didn't take them and Michael Mullen missed another good opportunity late in the game. If you don't take your chances against sides like Kilmarnock you're not going to win. But as I said we're out of the cup and I'm devastated for there's no medals for the losers. There are a lot of tired legs in the dressing room but again I must praise our fans, they were magnificent."

Kilmarnock boss, Jim Jeffries also praised Queens for their fighting spirit and added, "They should be proud of the way they played and they did everything Ian McCall expected of them even when they were sitting deep. In the second half and in extra-time we played as well as we've played all season and we had to to beat them."

CIS Insurance Man of the Match - Jim Lauchlan

Bill Goldie
Premier record 21st August 2006
Queens record against Premier League sides is not that great as we have only registered three victories in thirty six games the last sixteen years ago when we beat Dunfermline in a Skol Cup-tie in Fife. The nearest we've come since then is the 0-0 draw with Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup three years ago.

BLW (QOS Prog)
A testing tie 21st August 2006
Kilmarnock! A team who won 2-1 away to Falkirk on Saturday. A team unbeaten in the Premier League this season. A team only one point behind league leaders, Rangers, and if they beat them at Rugby Park on Sunday they could well go top of the table. That's the opposition Queens face at Palmerston tomorrow night in the second round of the CIS Cup. And Ian McCall is well aware of the task he faces.

Said the manager, "There's no doubt in my mind that Killie are a quality side and they've had a great start to the season. They have a lot of quality players and the lad Steven Naismith will require close attention. Although we drew, 2-2, in a pre-season friendly it means nothing, for it's for real tomorrow night. It's going to be an extremely difficult game for us but we're all looking forward to it. Win or lose it's still quite an achievement to win through to the second round of both cup competitions, particularly if you study the clubs who fell at the first hurdle".

On new recruit, Barry Callaghan, he added, "He did well for his first game but the pace told in the second half". Barry himself agreed with the manager's assumption and commented, "The pace was fast and furious--much quicker than what I've been used to in the Premier Reserve League. But given time I'll get used to it".

Bill Goldie
Man of the match 21st August 2006
The voting for the internet fan club man of the match from the draw against Airdrie Unite don Saturday was Murray Henderson, second came Paul Burns with third place going to John O'Neill.

The full scores have been added to the match report and the new Player of the Season league table has been updated along with the scoring spreadsheet. Thanks for voting.
Well done Jonjo 21st August 2006
John O'Neill has been voted 'Player of the Round' for the opening ties in the CIS Cup. John netted twice in the 4-2 victory over Clyde and will receive his award today.

Bill Goldie
Killie manager has his say 21st August 2006
Speaking to the 'Website' at the weekend, Kilmarnock manager, Jim Jeffries said, "We played Queen of the South in a pre-season friendly a few weeks ago and I was very impressed with their commitment and quite surprised at their fitness. I know Ian McCall very well and since coming to Palmerston he has recruited wisely, brought in some experienced players to boost the squad and last season it certainly breathed some fresh life into the side. They seemed certainties for the drop but miraculously staved off relegation.

"We drew, 2-2, in that friendly but that means nothing when it comes to the real thing. We're the Premier League side so all the pressure's on us to win. Queens also have home advantage, so it will be a tough one and we'll have to be 'on our toes'. No way will it be an easy match and we'll be treating Queens with the utmost respect. My assistant, Billy Brown, was down to watch them play Stranraer last week--we're a professional club and we're not taking anything for granted and we'll prepare for this in the same way as we do for a SPL fixture.

"Palmerston Park looked absolutely fantastic when I was down last month--in fact the whole stadium appeared as good as I've ever seen it. I played there several times when I was with Hearts (that wasn't yesterday), and I always enjoyed it. For many years Queen of the South have been a been a very professional club who have a wide catchment area and if they did make it to the SPL I think they could hold their own gatewise".

Bill Goldie
Travel Club update 20th August 2006
Man of the match on the three Doonhamers travel club buses to Airdrie was 1st M Henderson 2nd P Burns 3rd J O'Neil.

There were no winners in this weeks Doonhamers travel club fixed odds this weeks prize is £1350 anyone wishing to volunteer to become an agent please see Eck Patterson.

Ross Corbett
Special programme 20th August 2006
The programme that is presently being produced for the league game next week versus Gretna may well be one that becomes a very rare collectors item as it will be the very first competitive meeting between Queens and our local neighbours Gretna. There have been a few friendlies over the years but this match will be the first that actually means something more than local pride, with three league points at stake.

If you can't make it to the game we can supply one via the Royal Mail. Contact John Paterson at the Club Shop on shop@qosfc.com and we can send one out at £2.50 including post and packing.
Battles of bye-gone days 20th August 2006
Kilmarnock and Queens, who we meet in the Second round of the CIS Cup on Tuesday night, have for many years been local rivals. Particulary in the days when both clubs were in the old Division A.

Back in the 1950s we enjoyed some epic Scottish Cup battles with Killie, beating them twice in replays after draws at Rugby Park. One former player who still remembers them vividly is Jim Patterson who netted an amazing record 251 goals for the club, including no fewer than 11 'hat-tricks'. Said the Palmerston legend, "I recall them well, and also the replays, for they were a similarity about them both. In 1956 we drew 2-2 away but beat them 2-0 at Palmerston and I'm sure that Bobby Black and myself scored a goal apiece in each game.

"The next meeting, two years I remember even better. There were a big crowd up from Dumfries that afternoon and it was a right dreich day. We were losing, 2-1, with about a minute to go, and a lot of our fans had left the ground to catch the train back home. Then our centre-half Alex Smith appeared out of nowhere to score through a ruck of players. 'Sanny' didn't score many goals for Queens, but that was definitely the most important. We won the replay, 3-0, but went out 4-3 to Rangers at Palmerston in the next round".

Bill Goldie
Guess the crowd 20th August 2006
This coming week could well see the two biggest attendancies of the season at Palmerston. On Tuesday night we meet Kilmarnock in the second round of the CIS Cup and on Sunday we're at home to near neighbours, Gretna. It will be the first local derby at senior level between the two Dumfriesshire clubs and a big gate is expected.

How many will we get at each game? Let's have your predictions on the 'Queens Mad' site. I'll kick off with, 2700 v Killie and 4300 v Gretna.

Bill Goldie
Video clip action 19th August 2006
The match report from today has now had a video clip of the penalty goal added courtesy of Rob Campbell and the second goal courtesy of David Gow. Visit the report via the 'Latest Report' link and download the goals, remember though that if you are on a dial up connection the files will take some time to download to your computer.
Match reaction 19th August 2006
A goal in injury time denied Queens three valuable points at New Broomfield this afternoon. Despite going one down, penalty king John O'Neill scored from the spot to equalise in seventy four minutes and seven minutes from time Murray Henderson put Queens ahead but alas to the disappointment of the 398 travelling fans Garry Tierney scored in the ninety fourth minute to salvage a draw.

Said manager Ian McCall, "I'm naturally disappointed to lose a goal in injury time but a draw away from home is never a bad result in this league and at 1-0 down I would gladly have taken that. We lost a sloppy goal but I was proud at how the lads responded. They were magnificent and had the energy and courage to fight back. I must also thank the Queens fans who took onboard my remarks about the treatment of Willie Gibson, they were chanting his name today and I was delighted at that and I now hope to see Willie back and raring to go against Kilmarnock on Tuesday. Our fans must be the envy of every club in the league, I'm told there were 398 there this afternoon but to me it sounded like double that."

Bill Goldie
A fond farewell 18th August 2006
All at Palmerston will be sad to hear that the 'Courier's' soccer scribe, Alan Hall, is moving on to pastures new in three weeks time. He is actually relocating to the 'Cleyhole' to join the 'Stranraer Free Press' where he first started his journalistic career with the promise of the editor's job when the present incumbent retires next year. Alan has been with the Dumfriesshire Newspaper Group (based at Annan) for the past six years and apart from reporting on Queens' matches he is an avid supporter who follows the team home and away.

He has endeared himself to Doonhamer fans by ensuring Queens always got ample coverage in the 'Dumfries Courier' every week and that's what it should be. Asked about his most memorable match he had no hesitation with his reply, "The Challenge Cup semi-final at Paisley four years ago when we beat St Mirren, 5-3. Robbie Neilson made his debut that night and 'Bowser' scored a wonder goal. But I also recall a game at Livingston when big 'Degsy' netted a winner in a 2-1 victory and remember Stephen Payne's dramatic last minute winning strike against Partick Thistle up at Firhill in season 2004-05".

Alan's favourite player is Eric Paton but he added, "I only hope he returns to his brilliant best now his baby has been born". Yet the player he enjoyed interviewing most was Brian Reid and insisted, "He was always so jovial and would have talked for hours". However, although he's departing to the depths of Wigtownshire, he ensures us that he won't be a stranger at Palmerston and intends taking in most of Queens' matches but joked, "That's if my girlfriend will allow me some 'time out' of course".

All the best Alan and that comes from the manager and chairman as well.

Bill Goldie
Man of the match 17th August 2006
The voting for the internet fan club man of the match from the Challenge Cup tie versus Stranraer at Palmerston on Tuesday was Paul Burns, second came Graham Weir with third place going to Colin Scott.

The full scores have been added to the match report and the new Player of the Season league table has been updated along with the scoring spreadsheet. Thanks for voting.
Video clip action 17th August 2006
The match report from the midweek cup win over Stranraer has now had a video clip of the penalty goal added courtesy of Rob Campbell. Visit the report via the 'Latest Report' link and download the goals, remember though that if you are on a dial up connection the files will take some time to download to your computer.
Queens v Airdrie 17th August 2006
Ian McCall was at the Airdrie v Gretna cup match at New Broomfield last night on a 'spying' mission with his thoughts on the two teams we meet in the league in consecutive weeks. On Airdrie, who we meet on Saturday, he said, "Althought they lost, 3-0, the first half was quite even. They have a lot of good young players, full of running, and they will be hard to beat." On Gretna, who we play a week on Sunday, the manager conceeded, "They have strength in depth and the quality players they had on the bench was unbelievable."

Bill Goldie
Squad for Saturday 17th August 2006
Sean O'Connor who was 'rested' on Tuesday night returns to the Queens' squad for Airdrie but Jim Lauchlan, who was sent off in the St Johnstone game is suspended. Said Ian McCall, "We've been very unlucky with injuries to defenders with both Stephen Swift and Andy Aitken sidelined before the season even started." But he scoffed at rumours in the national press that Jim Thomson has a serious knee injury and would be out for a month. Added the manager, "His knee was a bit swollen after the Stranraer game and he went to see the club doc as a precautionary measure. But it's nothing serious! His knee has been bothering him for a few weeks but it's never stopped him playing, nevertheless the first free week we get for international fixtures we'll get him in for a quick 'clean up' op."

Bill Goldie
The Willie Gibson saga 17th August 2006
In the aftermath of the Willie Gibson saga the manager stated, "I'm glad I got the backing of the great majority of fans after my comments at the abuse Willie had hurled at him on Saturday. I know it's all 'part and parcel' of football but in my opinion it was 'way over the score', particularly as Willie is one of our own players and not the opposition."

Bill Goldie
Travel Club/Action Group Update 17th August 2006
The supporters action group are organising a raffle with the proceeds going towards next years guid neighburris entry as well as any future projects. First prize is "be a Queens director for the day" this will take place on the 29th January when we play Dundee at Dens Park more details will follow. If anyone has any donations for prizes we would be most grateful please contact ross.corbett@tesco.net.

There are still a few seats left on the third Doonhamers travel club bus to Airdrie this Saturday the buses are leaving at 11:00am from the old Tesco on Lochfield Road picking up at the Lochar Inn and Moffat please phone the travel club hotline on 07834687830 a.s.a.p to book a seat

Ross Corbett
Tan Man departs 17th August 2006
Derek Lyle has now officially left the club but Ian McCall insisted, "Del goes with the club's best wishes and also my own personal wishes. He's a great lad and during his time at Palmerston has contributed much to the club. He was in the winning Challenge Cup team and actually scored in the final; he was in the squad which won the Second Division Championship the season previous and has scored some spectacular goals for Queen of the South." It is believed that Del might be joining Dundee.

Bill Goldie
Barry Callaghan 17th August 2006
Speaking to the 'Website' tonight our newest recruit, Barry Callaghan said he was very happy to be joining Queens. Said the 19-year-old, "I was only playing in the Reserves at Tannadice so it now gives me the chance to play First Division football if I can win a place in the first team squad. I've known Ian McCall for a good few years now, and he actually signed me as a youth at Dundee United when he was manager there, and later gave me a two year extension to my contract. So I owe him a lot."

Bill Goldie
Killie game 17th August 2006
Admission prices for the Kilmarnock game on Tuesday night will the same as for the previous cup-ties against Clyde and Stranraer and concessions will apply to all parts of the ground. Adult £14, Senior Citizen £6 and Juvenile (under 16) £3.

Bill Goldie
Congratulations 17th August 2006
Congratulations to Eric Paton and his wife, Catherine, on the birth of their baby daughter on Monday. Alix weighted in at a healthy 8lb 1oz. Congratulations also to proud grandparents, Eric (senior) and his better half, both of whom are avid Queen of the South supporters.

Bill Goldie
Queens draw Ayr 17th August 2006
Yet another home tie for Queens today when the draw for the second round of the Challenge Cup was made at Hampden. Queens will meet Ayr United at Palmerston on Wednesday, 30th August, the tie moving from the preferred Tuesday slot owing to the league match against Gretna being played on the Sunday previous. The draw pleased both the manager and the chairman. Said Ian McCall, "It's a good draw, it's at home and we can't complain at that." Added the chairman, "Four out of four at home--I can't believe our good luck. But we've still to win them."

Bill Goldie
New signing 17th August 2006
Queens today signed 19-year-old Barry Callaghan on loan from Dundee United. A versatile player, Barry can perform equally well in several positions on the right side of the field. Said Ian McCall this afternoon, "I'm glad to get Barry signed up, but I'm also talking to four more players at the moment--three of them are left sided--and I'd like to think I'd have one more on board before Saturday."

Bill Goldie
Match reaction 15th August 2006
Although Queens won through to thanks to a spot kick from penalty king John O'Neill and were well on top for most of the second half Stranraer came back with a vengeance in the last fifteen minutes and at the end home fans were glad to hear the final whistle.

Said manager Ian McCall, "I'm just happy to be through to the next round and hoping for another home tie. I felt we thoroughly deserved the victory but should have won much more comfortably. Although I didn't see it clearly myself the players told me it was a rather 'soft' penalty, but they all count. After going ahead we were well on top. We could have had three or four more goals but missed a couple of 'sitters' and I had a real go at them in the dressing room afterwards. Our misses gave them a boost and they came back at us strongly in the last quarter hour. However we held out. Two or three players out there tonight didn't seem match fit in my mind while a couple of others have been waiting for their wives to give birth, thankfully both are now safely delivered and I'm glad of that."

Penalty King John O'Neill reckoned the win was a real "confidence booster" for the team and hopes it will act as a "pick-me-up" after losing the first two league games. John added, "I feel quite comfortable from the spot at the moment - I never try to place them now, I'd rather blast them."

Murray Henderson enjoyed playing against his old team but confessed there weren't too many of them left now. Said the ex-Stranraer man, "It's the first time I've come up against Michael Moore in a competitive match. He really is a handful but I enjoyed the experience."

The draw for the second round of the Challenge Cup will take place at Hampden on Thursday from 3pm onwards.

Bill Goldie
Challenge Cup Facts 15th August 2006
Queens have played in all the previous 15 Challenge Cups and Jim Thomson tonight equalled Andy Aitkens appearance record with 12.

Andy Thomson's seven goals (1990-93) in this cup leads the QoS scorers.

BLW (QoS Prog.)
An angry manager 12th August 2006
Ian McCall was not a happy man following Saturday's match and hit out at those so-called supporters who gave Willie Gibson a hard time. Raged the manager, "I'm very angry at the verbal abuse Willie got from certain fans on Saturday. I don't like individual players being singled out, for we're all in this together. Willie is a young local player, he's obviously got ability, and that type of abuse is not going to help. The time's long gone when fans pay their money and say what they want. I just don't buy that!"

Although disappointed at the 1-0 defeat he insisted that the two teams we've met in the league so far (Livingston and St Johnstone) will most certainly be up there challenging for promotion this season. Looking forward to tomorrow's Challenge Cup clash with Stranraer he added, "Although they lost their managerial team and quite a few of their best players--in fact three of them to us--they'll still be a real test. In Gerry Britton they have an ambitious and well-qualified new manager who'll be up to the challenge. But it's a match we want to win, for we aim to progress in both cup competitions.

"However, three matches in a week can be hard and whether you're full-time or part-time it does eventually take it's toll. I felt some of our lads looked a wee bit jaded towards the end of Saturday's game so we might give one or two of them a 'rest' tomorrow. Sean O'Connor took a bad kick on the ankle and he might be one of them while Willie Gibson is still not quite over his chest infection".

Stephen Swift and Andy Aitken are naturally still sidelined and on Andy the manager agreed, "A player of his quality is always missed but I feel the lads at the back have done well. But we do need more cover there and I'm working hard to remedy that. Ideally I'd like to get three new players signed before the 'window' closes and I was up north this afternoon watching a game with that in mind. Following his red card on Saturday, Jim Lauchlan is due a one match suspension, but we won't know until tomorrow whether he'll miss the Stranraer game or Saturday's match at Airdrie."

Bill Goldie
Man of the match 14th August 2006
The voting for the internet fan club man of the match from the second game of the league season at Palmerston on Saturday saw Neil Scally just pip Paul Burns for the honour with Murray Henderson in third.

The full scores have been added to the match report and the new Player of the Season league table has been updated along with the scoring spreadsheet. Thanks for voting.
Challenge Cup Game 12th August 2006
Supporters are reminded that season tickets are not valid for Tuesday nights Challenge Cup match against Stranraer. Prices are £14 (adults), £6 (Senior Citizens) and £3 (Juveniles) and they apply for ALL parts of the ground - Main Stand, East Stand and Terracing.
Match reaction 12th August 2006
Not a classic by any means and certainly not for Queens fans who saw their side lose 1-0 to a strong St Johnstone outfit. The match was void of goalmouth incidents as defenders cancelled out forwards and there were far too many unnecessary stoppages. Most of the action came in the final ten minutes when Queens pressed forward looking for an equaliser. Sponsors Man of the Match Paul Burns had the best chance but blasted the ball over and to make matters worse Jim Lauchlan was sent off in the final minute.

Said Ian McCall afterwards, "We lost a poor goal early on and there were very few chances going begging out there this afternoon, our best opportunity fell to Paul Burns but he couldn't find the target. They came here big and strong and if they could add some football to that they will be in with a chance of promotion. We've been 'punching above our weight' for the last six months and will continue to do so. We've met Livingston and St Johnstone, two of the main contenders to go up and there's been nothing to choose between them and us and there's a long way to go. With his red card Jim Lauchlan will miss the Airdrie United game so it's even more important we get two or three new players on board as soon as possible."

Said Jim Lauchlan himself, "I didn't think it was a 'last man' infringement. He was going away from me and I never really tackled him."

Saints boss Owen Coyle said he was "delighted" with the 1-0 scoreline and added, "Not many teams will come to Palmerston this season and leave with three points. Ian has brought in a lot of seasoned professionals and strengthened his squad and I think Weir and O'Connor prove a right handful upfront. We can play a lot better than we did today but we showed character in abundance. There were few goalscoring opportunities. We got our strike early but Burns did come close late on, nevertheless it's three points in the bag and I'll settle for that."

Bill Goldie
Programme Exclusive 11th August 2006
It is a widely held opinion that the greatest ever forward-line in Queens history was Black, McGill, Paterson, Rothera and Oakes (indeed Bobby Black and Big Jim notched 371 goals between them). Many of them were laid on by that old fashioned term (inside forward) Jimmy McGill and it is with great pleasure that prog. correspondent Colin Rutherford has an exclusive interview with him in Saturdays prog. versus the Perth Saints.

BLW (QoS Prog.)
Video clip action 11th August 2006
The match report from the midweek cup win over Clyde has now had some video clips added courtesy of David Gow. Visit the report via the 'Latest Report' link and download the goals, remember though that if you are on a dial up connection the files will take some time to download to your computer.
Man of the match 11th August 2006
The voting for the internet fan club man of the match from the CIS Insurance Cup tie versus Clyde at Palmerston on Tuesday was two-goal hero John O'Neill, second came Graham Weir with third place going to Jim Lauchlan.

The full scores have been added to the match report and the new Player of the Season league table has been updated along with the scoring spreadsheet. Thanks for voting.
It's Killie at home 10th August 2006
The draw for the second round of the CIS Cup was made at Edinburgh Castle this afternoon and Queens will meet Premier League, Kilmarnock, at Palmerston. The tie will take place on Tuesday, 22nd August.

Said Chairman, David Rae, who was present, "It's certainly a tough one but we have the home advantage which is massive and it's definitely winnable. We played then in a friendly last month and drew, 2-2, and if we perform at our best I'm quietly confident we could win through to the next round when the 'Old Firm' come in".

Added Ian McCall, Yes, it's a good draw. It's at home and apart from Rangers, Celtic and Hearts who weren't in the draw, Kilmarnock and Hibs were the next best placed in the SPL last season. So we've got Killie and I'm delighted at that. We played them in a friendly a few weeks ago and drew, 2-2, but on top of that we also matched them for fitness and that really pleased me. I don't think they're much between full-time and part-time sides normally, but when extra games are coming 'thick and fast' in midweek it begins to take its toll.

"Kilmarnock is only 60 miles up the road and both the chairman and myself are looking for a bumper gate that night. I'd love to see between four and five thousand for that would really put a big smile on the chairman's face."

Bill Goldie
Saturday's match 10th August 2006
Turning to Saturday's league match against St Johnstone the manager stated, "They're a good side and one of the favourites for promotion, but we fear no team at home. Queen of the South are the envy of a lot of clubs and I want Palmerston to become a fortress this season. We scored four against Clyde on Tuesday night and although they held St Johnstone to a goalless draw last Saturday that means nothing, for every game's different and I'm preparing for an extremely tough encounter.

"I'm looking forward to meeting up with my old pal Owen Coyle again, but if we win he probably won't speak to me. Only joking! We're still without Andy Aitken and Stephen Swift while Willie Gibson is 50-50 with a nasty chest infection. There's a lot of it going round and I'm suffering a bit myself as those of you who tuned into the Hearts game last night may have noticed. I still hope to bring in three more players before the end of August, but there's no further progreess on that just yet.

Bill Goldie
Travel Club Update 10th August 2006
The Doonhamers travel club first two buses to Airdrie are full, names are now being taken for the third bus please phone the hotline on 07834687830 to book a seat. The Airdrie buses leave from old Tesco Lochfield Road at 11:00am picking up at the Lochar Inn and Moffat. Prices for this game is adult members £4 junior members £2 adult non-members £14 junior non members £8.

Would all members please note that the Doonhamers travel club weekly meetings have been moved to the later time of 8:15pm in the Globe Inn, Market Square, in the upstairs bar.

Winner of the season ticket for Palmerston through the free raffle amongst travel club members was Darren Ross well done.

The highest bid for the other Doonhamers travel club season ticket was won by Jayne Pringle thanks to Ewan McNaught for donating this ticket towards club funds.

The Doonhamers travel club will be holding a race night on the 28th October in the Lochside Labour club, Lochside Road, Dumfries, first race will be 8:00pm horses will be on sale this Saturday for £5 from Iain McLeod or Phil Short tickets will also be on sale shortly at £1.

Ross Corbett
News in Brief 9th August 2006
Cup draw: The draw for the second round of the CIS Cup will be made at Edinburgh Castle tomorrow, Thursday, 10th August at 2 pm. All clubs except those involved in European ties will be in the 'hat'.

Nice gesture: Winner of the half-time draw at last night's match was Michael Blount who generously asked for the £150 prize money to be put into the Palmerston Youth Development fund.

Baby boom: Neil Scally dedicated the cup win over Clyde to his new born son. Said Neil, "My wife gave birth to a bouncing baby boy on Sunday after a long wait. His name is Reece and we're both so proud of him". Perhaps there's more than just seagulls hovering above Palmerston at the moment--it's a wonder no storks have been spotted. Our former physio, Kenny Crichton, was presented with a baby girl by his wife, Katie, a couple of months ago; our new vice-chairman, Craig Paterson became a dad for the second time a few weeks later and we believe that Eric Paton's wife is due on Friday.

Bill Goldie
Thanks from Andy 9th August 2006
Via the 'Website' Andy Aitken would like to thank all Queens' fans for their messages and support since his serious knee injury in Coleraine. Said Andy, "I appreciate each and every one of them and it helped cheer me up. It couldn't have happened at a worse time--right at the start of the season--and I was 'gutted' when I realised the severity of the injury. However, I've had my first 'clean-up' operation and it's feeling a lot better already and I go in for major surgery at the end of this month. I know things like the cruciate can't be rushed but I'd still like to think I'll be back playing before the February deadline which has been mentioned".

Bill Goldie
New badge 9th August 2006
With the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers about to begin what better way to show your support for both club and country than the new Queens & Scotland badge available now at the club shop priced £3.



Graham Crofts
Match reaction 8th August 2006
Not a time for the faint-hearted Palmerston tonight - particularly if your were a Queens fan. They won 4-2 with all of their counters coming in the first half and the last time they managed that was in the infamous 6-5 win over Morton in that stormy night in February 2002. Queens conceded nine corners in the first quarter hour but were two up after only seventeen minutes they then made it three, Clyde pulled one back after a goalkeeping blunder but the homesters made it 4-1 to give them a comfortable interval lead. But it was all so different in the second half. Clyde came at them in force, pulled back to 4-2 early on, however the Queens rearguard held out valiantly to win a place in the second round of the CIS Cup.

Said a relieved Ian McCall afterwards, "We were on top in the first half and thoroughly deserved our interval lead. They never really created any real chances of note and the goal they did get was a gift from our 'keeper. But to be fair to BJ although he did make a couple of slip-ups he also made two excellent saves. Other players out there also made blunders but when it's the 'keeper everyone notices. Clyde have a lot of good young players and will give many teams in our league a run for their money this season. The lads O'Donnell and Imrie were particularly impressive but they all ran their socks off over the last twenty-five minutes but we scored four great goals and to get them all in the first half was quite an achievement. John O'Neill looked very sharp and scored two fine goals and I thought Paul Burns had another exceptional game. Willie Gibson wasn't dropped he was sent home with a virus."

Jim Lauchlan reckoned Queens deserved their win and it was all down to a tremendous first half. Said the sponsors Man of the Match, "We played some great stuff in that first 45 minutes and our 4-1 lead was well deserved. They showed a lot more passion after the interval but at three goals down they really had to have a go. But in the circumstances I thought we defended well. For the sake of the fans I'm so glad we're into the second round and I know it will be a big financial boost for the club as well."

Bill Goldie
Man of the match 7th August 2006
The voting for the internet fan club man of the match from the season opener at Almondvale on Saturday saw Paul Burns just pip Scott MacKenzie for the honour with Jim Lauchlan in third.

The full scores have been added to the match report and the new Player of the Season league table has been updated along with the scoring spreadsheet. Thanks for voting.
Travel Club Update 7th August 2006
Doonhamers travel club man of the match over the three buses to Livingston was Paul Burns.

The first two buses to Airdrie on 19th August are now full anyone wishing to book a seat on the third bus please phone the travel club hotline on 07834687830 the buses are leaving at 11:00am from the old Tescos Lochfield Road picking up at the Lochar Inn and Moffat. Anyone who fails to cancel or cancels after the deadline of 7:00pm on a Wednesday prior to the match will have to pay the full bus fare failure to do so will result in no futher travel on travel club buses.

There was no winner in this weeks Doonhamers travel club fixed odds this weeks prize will be £1250 anyone wishing to volunteer to become an agent please see Eck Patterson.

Ross Corbett
Important match 7th August 2006
Queens face Clyde at Palmerston tomorrow night, (kick-off 7.45 pm) in which could be the most financially rewarding match of the season. Said chairman, David Rae, "Over the past two seasons we've lost to Albion Rovers and Stirling Albion, sides we should have beaten comfortably, and it has cost us thousands of pounds. The CIS Cup can be very profitable if the team can progress to the latter stages and draw one of the 'big guns'--just look at Clyde last season who met Rangers and then Celtic in the Scottish Cup later in the season. Victory in every round of this competition is worth more so I sincerely hope we get through against Clyde".

And Ian McCall warned, "Although they had managerial problems during the close season they had a great result on Saturday, holding St Johnstone to a goalless draw at Perth. They had a tremendous run in the CIS Cup last season, running Rangers very close, so it won't be easy. However, it's a match I'd love to win for it would mean such a lot to the club and the fans. We played well at Livingston on Saturday and I felt we merited a draw. If we play as well tomorrow night I'd be satisfied, but we'll have to find the net if we hope to progress."

Bill Goldie
Andy Aitken 7th August 2006
Queens still have Stephen Swift and Andy Aitken injured for the Clyde match but following the specialist's report the picture is now a bit clearer. Said the manager this evening, "It's his cruciate right enough and he'll be going in for major surgery on the 31st of August. Following that he'll have three months of easy work then re-hab will commence in December. All being well I'd hope to have him back by February, but knowing Andy he himself will be keen to get back even sooner. However, we don't want to rush it." He also stated that he'd like to add two left-sided defenders and another midfielder to the squad and admitted, "I've been speaking to Rowan Alexander at Gretna regarding the availability of Davie Nicholls and he said to leave it with him." Nicholls was on the bench for Gretna on Saturday and could fill in for Andy Aitken if he was to sign. At 34 he is a very experienced player and was with Falkirk prior to joined the Raydale Park side.

Bill Goldie
Match reaction 5th August 2006
Two goals in the space of three minutes late in the game gave Livingston a victory in this opening match of the season and sent Queens home pointless and the 530 vociferous travelling fans deflated.

Queens had a let off just before half time when a free kick came off the upright but ten minutes into the second half Graham Weir had a golden opportunity to put queens in front but somehow his effort went wide when it seemed easier to score. After the goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes, alas there was only going to be one winner.

Said Ian McCall afterwards, "It was a tense, tight game but very fast. The first goal was always going to be crucial and unfortunately they scored it. We had the better chances, failed to take them whereas they had two half chances and took them both. Had Graham Weir scored early in the second half I think we would have gone on to win for that was the type of match it was. But to be honest I think a draw would have been a fair result."

Added Livingston boss John Robertson, "There was absolutely nothing between the teams and it could have gone either way, I always maintained that the first division is extremely tight and very difficult to get out of, the first goal is massive in this league and when we scored it opened the game up a bit. Up until then it was end to end stuff but Queens are a very good side and had us pinned back at times and personally I don't think they'll have a problem staying up this season. Graham Weir, Sean O'Connor and the lad Mullen are a right handful and will trouble a lot of defenders."

Bill Goldie
Action Group Update 5th August 2006
The Queens supporters action group need as many volunteers as possible this Sunday from 8:00am onwards to add the finalising touches to the big tidy up at Palmerston. There is a delivery of 20 tonnes of red blaze which has to be spread around the track and also some painting. Even if you can only make it for half an hour everyone is welcome.

Ross Corbett
No need to wait 4th August 2006
With the first league match fast approaching a week this Saturday we are sure to see the usual queue for Season Ticket purchase and collection prior to the game. To avoid the queue we would like to remind all those fans with debit or credit cards that we have the facilities to accept this type of payment and that you can of course purchase the tickets over the telephone. We will post them out to you so that you have the ticket books prior to the game.
Bad news for Andy 3rd August 2006
Following his recent knee injury at Coleraine, Andy Aitken visited a specialist in Sheffield this afternoon and, unfortunately for Andy and all Queens' fans in fact, it was bad news. He had damaged his cruciate and could be sidelined for between six and nine months. What a terrible start to a season for a professional footballer.

Bill Goldie
Well done Robbie 3rd August 2006
Congratulations to Robbie Neilson who got his first call-up to the full Scotland squad yesterday. And to make the day even better he helped Hearts win in Bosnia last night to clinch a place in the next round of the Champions League. Robbie, of course, played a big role in Queens winning the Challenge Cup four years ago.

Bill Goldie
Almondvale--here we come 3rd August 2006
Queens will pay their first visit to Almondvale for seven years when they meet Livingston in the opening game of the season on Saturday. When we last met Livvy were actually top of Division Two at the time but we beat them 2-1.

Commenting on the match Ian McCall said, "They couldn't come much harder for starters. Livingston have been in the SPL those past four years and were just relegated in May, so they'll be doing their utmost to get right back up again. I must stress from the start, they'll be no easy games in our league this coming season but we'll be going out there to give it our 'best shot'.

"I'm hoping they'll be between 400 and 500 fans up at Almondvale to cheer us on and that always acts as a massive boost."

On the injury front both Andy Aitken and Stephen Swift are out while Willie Gibson has an ankle injury and is listed as 50-50.

Bill Goldie
Del Lyle 3rd August 2006
The manager announced tonight that Derek Lyle has been informed that he can leave the club.

Bill Goldie
Admission details 2nd August 2006
The admission prices for the two upcoming cup matches against Clyde in the CIS Cup on the 8th August and Stranraer in the Challenge Cup on the 15th August have been set at £14 for adults, £6 for OAP's and £3 for Juvenile's. Kick off for both matches is 7.45pm.

Bill Goldie
Former players progress 2nd August 2006
Brian McLaughlin scored on his debut for Stenhousemuir in the Stirlingshire Cup at Falkirk last night. Having just returned from a coaching trip to Seattle, representing his former club Celtic, 'Wee Eddie' showed no signs of jet-lag and partnered well with Joe McAlpine on the left-side of the park.

After going a goal down midway through the first half, Brian levelled the scores with a left foot strike on the stroke a half time. With the score at 1 - 1 on ninety minutes, Falkirk went on to win the game on penalty kicks.

Ex-Queens men involved at the Falkirk Stadium were Ryan McStay [Falkirk] as well as Joe McAlpine and Des McKeown [Manager] for Stenhousemuir. Other former Doonhamers lining up at Ochilview this season are Gordon Connelly, Robbie Henderson and Sean Dillon who impressed during pre-season games.

Colin Rutherford
Penrith result 2nd August 2006
Good to see that our friends down at Penrith are responding positively to the result that we had against them at the weekend. The young lads managed to turn over a Gretna side by two goals to one last night with many of their visitors first team players featuring along with the black and whites recent signing Colin McMennamin.
Queens beat Spiders 1st August 2006
Queens completed a successful pre-season programme with a 4-0 victory over Queen's Park at Lesser Hampden tonight. A John O'Neill goal gave the Doonhamers a 1-0 interval lead and two goals from Andy Thomson and another from Michael Mullen saw them run out worthy winners.

Bill Goldie
Action Group Update 1st August 2006
The Queens supporters action group require as many volunteers as possible on both Thursday night from 6:30pm and Sunday from 9:00am for one final big effort to get Palmerston looking good for Tuesday night please remember everyone is welcome. We still have to paint the big blue hoarding which runs the full length of the old stand and one blue wall beside the Terregles Street end.

Ross Corbett
New physio 31st July 2006
Queens moved swiftly today to acquire the services of physio, John Kerr, to replace Kenny Crichton who left to join Gretna on Friday. Said Ian McCall this evening, "The club are delighted to announce that John Kerr, MCSP, SRP has joined us as physiotherapist. John has had spells with Hearts, Stoke City and Falkirk and has been at Ayr United for the past 11 years. I worked with 'Kerrso' when a player in the early 90s at Falkirk and found him to be excellent at his job as well as being a bit of a character.

"There has been a lot written about K.C.'s departure--at times I thought he had scored over 100 goals for Queens and not Andy Thomson. But he will be missed. I think the main reason for his leaving is that being full time, he can now study to become a qualified physio. He certainly has all the attributes to be an excellent full-time physiotherapist. With this in mind I hope our supporters give him a good reception when he returns to Palmerston".

John Kerr himself said he was very pleased to be joining Queens and added, "I had a good look round when I arrived and unlike some part time teams they don't appear to be any scrimping at the club and they seem to be moving in the right direction. They are, without a doubt, the best part time side in Scottish football and have proved that by remaining in the First Division for four seasons now, and that in itself is an achievement. They were promoted under John Connolly and I know both John and his son, Stuart, from my time at Somerset Park. I'm really looking forward to working with Ian McCall again and I sincerely hope we have a successful season then everyone's happy. I met all the players for the first time tonight. They're a great bunch of lads and I'm up for the challenge".

Anton Stuart will continue in his normal role of assistant physio.


John Ker gives a player some treatment
Photo Angus McDougal
Bill Goldie
Off to Lesser Hampden 31st July 2006
Queens will be taking a strong squad to Lesser Hampden tomorrow night for their final friendly match against Queen's Park and will be looking to maintain their unbeaten pre-season record. Said the manager, "We'll be going all out for a win to keep our good run going and if we play like we did against Penrith on Saturday I'll be satisfied. The Penrith match was yet another excellent 'work-out' for us. We scored four goals without conceding a goal and once more I think fitness told in the second half".

Bill Goldie
New Physio 31st July 2006
Queens have moved swiftly to replace Kenny Crichton with John Kerr being appointed Physio today. More details later.

Bill Goldie
Season Review 29th July 2006
It is the final installment of our Season Review tonight with Ewan giving a round up of the all important stats. Remember that you can read all of our previous Season Reviews by following the 'Previous Seasons' link.

Click on the link to the right to read all about it.
JUNE 06 JULY 06 AUGUST 06 SEPTEMBER 06 OCTOBER 06 NOVEMBER 06
DECEMBER 06 JANUARY 07 FEBRUARY 07 MARCH 07 APRIL 07 MAY 07
CURRENT MONTH


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