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

We have also noted that a number of visitors to the site are happy to lift stories and reproduce them elsewhere - we do not mind this happening however if you do so then please have the decency to credit the source. We do not allow the copying of photographs - please do not do this as copyright exists on all images used on the site. If you wish to use an image please contact us first.
Two more sponsors 30th June 2006
Since the annual shirt sponsorship draw took place two other kit sponsors have now emerged for next season. Gallovidian Fresh Foods (whose proprietor is long-standing fan and Director Club member, David Carroll) will have their name on the back of the actual shirts while Castle-Douglas newsagent, John Low, are sponsoring the team shorts. Their owner, of course is Drew Low, our official video man at Palmerston.

Bill Goldie
Tommy steps down 30th June 2006
Tommy Harkness has decided to step down from his post of Vice-Chairman but will continue to serve as a Director of the club. Tommy has been a member of the Board for 12 years and following the resignation of Ronnie Bradford in the summer of 2003 took the role of Acting Chairman for several months prior to David Rae taking over the Chair in November.

Our Company Secretary and Financial Director, Craig Paterson, has agreed to become the new Vice-Chairman. Craig has been a Board member now for almost five years.

Bill Goldie
Fit as Fiddles 29th June 2006
As the Queens' squad set off for another tough training session at Mabie Forest this evening Ian Mccall said, "I'm very happy at the standard of fitness. Mabie is a good place to train and the players appear to enjoy it." The manager added, "As I mentioned earlier in the week we have a keeper, Allan Fergusson, coming down for a wee chat tonight and we'll see if we can sort something out. He's very experienced and I know Allan well and with Richie Barnard leaving I'd like to get some cover in that department soon."

No more pre-season friendlies have yet been arranged.

Bill Goldie
Travel Club Update 29th June 2006
The Doonhamers travel club world cup fixed odds winners were M Robson c/o Jayne Pringle and I Little c/o Greens Bar both will receive £100 for predicting 36 out of 48 results well done and thanks to everyone who took part and supported the Travel Club.

The Doonhamers Travel Club are on the look out for more agents for the fixed odds for next season anyone who can help please phone the Travel Club hotline on 0783 4687830.

Volunteers are still required for the 'Big Palmerston Tidy-Up' on Saturday 1st July meeting at 10:00am at the main car park at Palmerston for more information please phone Ross Corbett 01387 267376 or 07851982822 or e-mail ross.corbett@tesco.net at the moment we have over 30 volunteers but the more helpers we get means Kevin can spend more time looking after the pitch.

Ross Corbett
The 'Big Palmerston Tidy-Up' 28th June 2006
Calling all Queens fans - more volunteers are required for the 'Big Palmerston Tidy-Up' on Saturday 1st July at 10:00am in the main car park at Palmerston. Anyone who has not yet confirmed or needs more information please e-mail ross.corbett@tesco.net or phone 01387 267376. We also need numbers to confirm half-time refreshments. Anyone who has spare paint brushes, rollers, brooms, petrol strimmers and buckets please bring them along.

Ross Corbett

Get along on Saturday and help Eric Fisher, Greig Corbett, Phil Shortt, Stuart Myatt and Ross Corbett in the 'Big Palmerston Tidy-Up'
Pic. Angus McDougal, Photo, Dfs. 07 850 790 251
Cup Draws 28th June 2006
It is expected that the draw for the CIS Cup will be made on Friday, 21st July, but this has not yet been officially confirmed. For the first time in three years Queens will not be 'seeded' in this competition owing to their 8th place finish in the league last season.

No date has so far been set for the draw for the Challenge Cup.

Bill Goldie
Season Tickets 28th June 2006
It has now been officially announced that the Season Tickets will go on sale on Monday, 3rd July. The Palmerston will be open as usual from 10 am to 4 pm. And a reminder of the prices--Adult, £220. Senior Citizen, £100. Junior Blue, £18.

Bill Goldie
Fixture change 28th June 2006
At a Board meeting on Monday night it was agreed that Queens would switch their home fixture with Gretna, scheduled for Saturday, August 26th to Sunday, August 27th owing to the Raydale Park side's European tie to be played in midweek. This, of course, has still to be agreed with the SFA, the SFL and the police.

Bill Goldie
Fixture Cards 28th June 2006
Fixture cards will be ready this weekend from the usual pick-up points. T.B. Watson, English Street will have some from Thursday morning, (29th).

BLW
Barnard to go 26th June 2006
Keeper, Richie Barnard, will be leaving the club later this week. Said Ian McCall, "They've been a couple of problems and he'll be signing his release papers on Thursday". Richie joined Queens in January of last year and made 34 first team appearances.

Although we are now without a goalkeeper the manager doesn't see it as a big problem and added, "There's two keepers I'm having a look at at present and Allan Ferguson (ex-Falkirk) is now back from holiday and is coming down to Palmerston on Thursday night for a chat".

Bill Goldie
Season Tickets 26th June 2006
It's expected that season tickets will officially go on sale at the Palmerston office a week today--Monday, 3rd July.

Bill Goldie
The big Palmerston tidy up 24th June 2006
The Queen of the South supporters action group is looking for as many volunteers as possible to help Kevin the groundsman with the "big Palmerston tidy up" even if its only for an hour every little helps as there is a lot to be done to get Palmerston back to its best for pre-season. We have already received sponsorship for a skip, wheelbarrows(with wheels) and various other equipment from local companies. Anybody who can help next Saturday 1st July please meet at the main car park at Palmerston at 10:00am if you can also bring any spare paint brushes, rakes, brooms, hoes and petrol strimmers. For more information please contact Ross 01387 267376 or email ross.corbett@tesco.net

Ross Corbett
Season Review - Part 7 24th June 2006
A cup exit but lots of new faces and some hope for the run in - that was January 2006.

Click on the link to the right to read all about it.
Mabie work out 23rd June 2006
Queens' friendly phtographer Angus McDougal was on hand last night to capture the squad being put through their paces with a run in Mabie Forest. Some of the new faces were on display as boss Ian McCall made sure that the fitness levels were up to scratch.
New players start training 22nd June 2006
Ian McCall increased his first-team squad to 17 with the signing of former Falkirk, Dumbarton and Ayr United midfielder, Neil Scally, this evening. After putting pen to paper and just before joining his new team mates for a gruelling training session in Mabie Forest he told the 'Website', "I'm very happy to be joining Queen of the South as they are a long established club". And he added, "I didn't really know Ian McCall until I actually met him, but I certainly knew of him as Craig McPherson, John Henry and a few others spoke very highly of him when I was up at Falkirk.

"I've played at Palmerston quite a few times for both Falkirk and Ayr United, and looking at the park tonight it looks as good as ever. I've signed a two year contract and I'm raring to go, but having been 'full-time' for so long I'll maybe have some spare time on my hands now. However, I'm moving into a new house in Barrhead shortly, so that will keep me busy".

Although Neil's family hail from Liverpool, he himself was born in Paisley. For six years he was with Ayr United then spent a season at Dumbarton before signing for Falkirk. He was three years there and made 48 first team appearances.

Neil with Davie Rae - (Photograph Angus McDougal)
Also preparing for training tonight was Stephen Swift our other recent signing. Although playing in the First Division last season with Stranraer he admits it will be a 'step-up' turning out for Queens. "Dumfries is a much bigger place than Stranraer and Queens have a much bigger fan-base than they have and that was proved at the 'local derby' at Stair Park at New Year when Queens' fans outnumbered the home support." he conceded. "It's a fresh start for me and a new challenge but I won't be lonely for I've got my old team-mate, Murray Henderson, who I played with at Stranraer for three years, right there alongside me. I also know Jim Thomson, Derek Lyle and quite a few of the other Queens' players as well.

"I played in three of the four matches against Queens last season and they were all close ones. I really thought we'd finish above them after we beat them at New Year to open up a 12 point lead but it was not to be. After Ian McCall 'came on board' Queens made an amazing recovery and although I was 'gutted' at the time it has now turned out O.K. since I'm now at Palmerston and will still be playing First Division football".

Bill Goldie
Fixtures 22nd June 2006
Yet again Queens have a difficult start to their league programme with five of their first eight fixtures away from home. But one plus factor, we play Gretna at home on Saturday, August 26th and again at Palmerston on Tuesday, January 2nd in the 'Ne'erday local derby' which will ensure a bumper gate. However, we face a long trip to Dingwall to face Ross County on Saturday, December 30th--certainly not the fixture we would have chosen for that time of year.

Queens kick-off with a visit to newly-relegated, Livingston on August, 5th and their opening home game will be against St Johnstone the following Saturday. The first round of the CIS Cup will take place on Wednesday, 9th August and the opening tie in the Challenge Cup on Wednesday, 16th August. The draws for both those competitions have still to be made.

Bill Goldie
Kenny says 'thanks' 22nd June 2006
Through the 'Website' our physio, Kenny Crichton, sends his thanks for all the cards of congratulations received following the recent birth of his baby daughter, Maisie. Said Kenny, "We got over 100 cards, many of them from Queen of the South fans, and every one was greatly appreciated".

Bill Goldie
Parade Stars 22nd June 2006
Pictured here are many of the loyal Queens fans who spent over five weeks planning the float which was the highlight of Dumfries' Guid Nychburris parade. Along with the three other QoS exhibits the "Doonhamers" were enthusiastically received by the thousands of people who lined the streets. Remember "Yer Hame Team is yer ain Team".

BLW - QoS Prog.
Neil Scally to sign 21st June 2006
Ex-Falkirk and Dumbarton midfielder, Neil Scally, is to sign for Queens tomorrow night. Said Ian McCall this evening, "Everything's been agreed and Neil will 'put pen to paper' prior to tomorrow night's training session at Palmerston. He's an aggressive player, good in the air and a real winner". Neil is 27 and stands 5 foot 11 inches.

Despite reports on Teletext that Ross County defender, Jim Laughlin, is set to join Queens the manager insists that he is just one of many players he has spoken too in his search for new faces. He knows Jim very well but stressed, "Nothing has been agreed yet".

Neil Scally (Image copyright Falkirk FC)
Bill Goldie
Big Palmerston tidy up 21st June 2006
Following the meeting of the Queens supporters action group last night we are looking for as many volunteers as possible even if its only for an hour to assist in the "Big Palmerston tidy up". This will take place on Saturday 1st July from 10:00 am anyone who can help please phone Ross 01387 267376.

Ross Corbett
Training starts 19th June 2006
Training began in earnest tonight when a big squad of players were put through their paces by Ian McCall at the Loreburn Hall. The manager confirmed that they'll be training every Monday and Thursday from now on with a double session on Saturday and Sunday for the next three weeks until the pre-season fixtures commence. He stated that one more pre-season match had so far been arranged to add to those already confirmed. Said Ian. "We'll be meeting Queen's Park at Lesser Hampden on Tuesday the 1st of August but it won't be a full team that takes part in that one.

"We would have liked to have met Carlisle United but with all the uproar at Brunton Park at present following the departure of Paul Simpson to Preston North End, that's not going to be possible. However, we still intend to have an away fixture down in England somewhere for I know the fans always enjoy a weekend away at this time of year. And we'll probably have another one on the Saturday prior to the big 'kick-off', either at Palmerston or away from home."

He admitted that he had been talking to Alex Burke and added, "Burky's a super player and I'd love to have him at Palmerston. But we've got our full quota of strikers at present so we'd have to move things around a bit to fit him in. Ideally, I'd like to have a squad of between 19 and 20 outfield players which would allow us to compete more with all the 'full-time' sides in our division".

Bill Goldie
Guid Nychburris thanks 19th June 2006
Thanks to everyone who was involved in arranging the Queens entry into Guid Neighburris parade all the hard work was worth it raising the profile of our beloved club in Dumfries, also on behalf of everyone involved thanks to all the local companies who sponsored us also a big thank you to Kevin McCormick the groundsman, Aisla (his partner) and Margaret Heuchan without your support this would not be possible. We received a thank you note from the organisers hoping they can rely on us for next year.

The next meeting of the Queen of the South supporters action group is tomorrow Tuesday 20th June at the new stand at Palmerston 6:30pm basically a clear up of equipment, handing back of donated tops and organising of the Palmerston tidy up on 1st July. Remember the Queens fight back has started.

Ross Corbett
Chairman's thanks 18th June 2006
Davie Rae was 'over the moon' today after the splendid representation by Queens' fans in the annual Guid Nychburris parade yesterday. Said the Chairman, "It was a great all-round team effort and one to be pround of. If our coming season turns out as successful as the parade which was the biggest and best for years, I'd be happy. I would just like to thank each and every one of you who took part in the festivities and also all those who worked so hard behind the scenes those past few weeks to assist with the preparations.

"I went along to Huntington Mart just before the parade set off to thank everyone personally and it was tremendous to see, not one but four vehicles entered from Queen of the South. There was the main float itself, the big tractor and trailer with our successful Under-13 squad, the minibus and our own small tractor. We must have some of the best supporters in Scottish football and I assure you that myself and the Board appreciate and applaud all the effort you put in throughout the year."

David Rae

Bill Goldie
Season Review - Part 6 17th June 2006
Merry Christmas! - we certainly didn't think so.

Click on the link to the right to read all about it.
All change at Palmy 17th June 2006
Following the news that Gary Wood and Stuart Lovell are to leave Palmerston one thing's for sure--Ian McCall has certainly 'rung the changes' since taking over as manager in November.

During the January 'Window' Brian McColligan, David McNiven, Stephen Payne and young Stuart McGrady were all released but coming in were three former Queens' favourites Andy Aitken, Sean O'Connor and Andy Thomson. Also joining were newcomers Michael Mullen (from the amateur ranks), Shaun Dillon and two loan players--Graham Weir from Hearts and Ryan McStay from Falkirk.

At the end of the season many others were released--Brian Reid, Brian McLaughlin, Colin Scott, Chris Carr and Tommy English--also young players, Stuart Hill and Richie Maxwell. Shaun Dillon was also released while Ryan McStay was offered terms with his own club, Falkirk, and signed.

As previously mentioned Gary Wood is leaving and believed to be re-joining his former side, Berwick Rangers while Stuart Lovell is 'in talks' with other clubs. But the most notable to depart was ex-skipper, Steve Bowey, who made over 150 appearances in his four and a half year spell with us. 'Bowser' has now joined Conference League side York City.

Our other 'loan' player, Graham Weir recently signed a one year contract to stay on at Palmerston and three other newcomers were Murray Henderson and Stephen Swift (both from Stranraer) and the experienced John Henry from St Johnstone.

To date the present First Team squad reads as follows: R. Barnard, J. Thomson, A. Aitken, M. Henderson, E. Paton, J. Henry, S. Robertson, J. O'Neill, S. Swift, P.Burns, W. Gibson, A. Thomson, G. Weir, S. O'Connor, D. Lyle and M. Mullen.

Bill Goldie
Cup Competitions 17th June 2006
In the Annan Tournament, which takes place in the middle of next month, Queens will meet the host club, Annan Athletic, in the first game. In the other tie Stranraer play Ayr United. The draw has also been made for the Southern Counties Challenge Cup, a tournament Queens have always supported. We have a bye in the first round but meet the winners of Dumfries Amateurs and Annan Athletic in round two.

Bill Goldie
Guid Nychburris preparations 16th June 2006
Would all volunteers for helping with the Guid Neighburris float please turn up at the back of the old stand at Palmerston anytime after 4:00pm. The more helpers the better as we still have the goodie bags to pack.

Anyone who can't make either Friday night or Saturday morning to help with the float but has volunteered for either the float or the walking section please be at Huntingdon market, Huntingdon Road, Dumfries at the following times: Float volunteers - between 3:00pm and 4:00pm; Walking volunteers - between 4:30pm and 5:00pm. Anyone requiring more information please phone Ross 07851982822.

Ross Corbett
Guid Nychburris preparations 15th June 2006
The float for the parade on Saturday will be in the Palmerston car park behind the Main Stand from 4.00pm on Friday afternoon.

Ross Corbett
Lovell and Wood to leave 15th June 2006
Ian McCall announced this afternoon that Gary Wood and Stuart Lovell are set to leave the club. But the manager stressed, "both did well for us during their time at Palmerston and go with the club's best wishes for the future. With the defensive signings I hope to make in the next couple of weeks Stuart's first team appearances could well have been limited and the same goes for Gary. Gary still had a year of his existing contract to run but we both agreed that now was perhaps the best time to go and there was no financial settlement involved."

However, Ian dismissed rumours that ex-Queens' favourite, David Lilley (now with Kilmarnock) and Stranraer's David Hamilton, would be signing on at Palmerston and added, "There's no truth in those stories and as far as Hamilton's concerned, I haven't even spoke to him."

The manager did take a morning off today for a round of golf at Dumfries and County and revealed, "I gave big Jim Thomson and young Willie Gibson 'a bit of a lesson' and won the money,"

Bill Goldie
From the Chairman 14th June 2006
It's been quite a few weeks since I've had the opportunity to speak to you, the fans, through the 'Website' and a lot has happened in that space of time. Probably the biggest issue has been all the talks on league re-construction and with SFL, SFA and other important meetings in Glasgow, my car has never been up and down that A74 so often.

I'm not going to dwell on the subject too long for it has all been documented in both the local and national press. However, I've got to agree that changes should be made in the system for the best interests of Scottish football. There was one worry, as far as I was concerned, when it was first suggested that the new division would include only full-time sides. Although we have several players now full time we were still not really a 'full-time club' as such, but I can tell you this--none of the clubs round that table wanted Queen of the South to be excluded and the main reason, we have such a great travelling support. So it could be said that our fans helped 'win the day' for us.

On Friday I was back up that road again at Cameron House on the 'Bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond' for the final 'Bell's Annual Awards'. Over the past seven years Bell's have ploughed several million pounds into the SFL for the Challenge Cup and the League itself, so their backing will be sorely missed. I know that every club in the SFL will be hoping that a new sponsor can be found very soon but I would like to thank Lord and Lady Macfarlane for the part they have played over the years.

On the actual playing side I feel we have a stronger and more balanced squad than we had this time last year and the manager is still hoping to bring in one or two more players before the season kicks-off in earnest. I'm not prepared to 'stick my neck out' and predict where we'll finish in the table, but as long as it's eighth place or better I won't complain. We're the only part-time club in our league this season and it will be harder than ever, but if we could end up in mid-table I'd be a happy man indeed.

What I would like to see though, a better performance in the C.I.S. Cup! The last two seasons have been disastrous, going out to Albion Rovers and Stirling Albion, teams we should have beaten easily. And you don't need me to tell you, it has cost our club dearly financially. C.I.S. agreed last season to sponsor this competition for a further three years and that's one bit of good news for all chairmen.

The recent drought has meant a lot of extra work for our groundsman, Kevin McCormick, but as usual he's coped admirably and the park is looking well thanks to the gallons of water that has been sprinkled on it in the last fortnight.

Ross Corbett and his Travel Club fans, plus the Trust members and many other supporters have been very busy lately, working on the float for the Guid Nychburris parade on Saturday so I hope you'll all be out in force to cheer us through the street. As I've stated many times before, we are a community club and we like to take part in local events. Our young players were busier than ever over the past season visiting local schools and I'm glad to report that we got round a great many and met scores of pupils which is what we set out to do. A couple of weeks ago I was pleased to be invited once again to the Lochar Thistle Boys' Club's annual presentation night. Lochar are of course our 'feeder' club and it was good to see Provost Kenny Cameron and all the committee members once again.

And finally, I hope you are all enjoying this prolonged spell of warm weather but perhaps you're all indoors watching the World Cup on the telly. But it won't be long now until we kick-off again and official pre-season training actually commences on Monday. Here's hoping it will be a good season for all at Palmerston but not quite as stressful as the past one.

David Rae

Bill Goldie
Guid Nychburris preparations 14th June 2006
Following another great turnout of supporters at Palmerston last night the final touches were added to our entry in preparation for the arrival of the lorry on Friday night. Times will be announced A.S.A.P. and displayed on both the Official site and the Mad message board. As many helpers as possible will be required on both Friday night and Saturday morning to put the float together and make up lucky bags.

We also need more flags, scarfs and most importantly Queens fans to attend the parade to either walk or go on the float. Anyone who is interested please phone Ross on 01387 267376 / 0785 1982822. On Saturday night after the parade food will be laid on for all the Queens entry at Palmerston lounge bar more details will follow.

The next meeting of volunteers will be Tuesday 20th June at Palmerston (new stand) to tidy up and discuss our next project which will require as many helpers as possible. We have arranged for a big tidy up of Palmerston which will take place on Saturday 1st July at 10:00am anyone who can help phone the above number please bring paint brushes, rakes, petrol strimmers and brushes.

Ross Corbett
Show your colours 14th June 2006
Just a wee reminder for all Queens fans young and old to wear their QoS shirts on Saturday to make it a Guid Nychburris "Blue Doo". Globe Inn or Bazaar Doonhamers polo-shirts etc perfectly acceptable.

BLW - QoS Prog.
The manager returns 13th June 2006
Ian McCall arrived back from holiday in Barcelona yesterday and was back behind his desk at Palmerston today when he spoke to the 'Website' and he confirmed, "They've been no more new signings but I'm currently in dialogue with several players including the keeper and defender I mentioned before--but there's been nothing concrete decided yet. No more pre-season friendlies have been arranged but now I'm back we'll get those sorted out as well. Pre-season training starts officially on Monday, but on Thursday I've got some young players coming in to join us and we'll be timing their runs.

"Sean O'Connor has already commenced his training schedule and one or two others have done so as well. Sean's desperate to get back to full fitness as soon as possible and there's a chance he may be moving to Dumfries to cut out the long tedious drive from his home near Wolverhampton. If we can get him fixed up with somewhere to stay that is. I'll be back down at Palmerston on Thursday, so I might have some further news for you then."

Bill Goldie
Guid Nychburris preparations 12th June 2006
This weeks Guid Neighburris meeting is now on Tuesday night at 6:30pm at Palmerston, everyone is welcome we will just be adding the final touches to our entry and hopefully packing the lucky bags.

Any Queens fans who are willing to volunteer to help Queens youth coaches this week running the Guid Neighburris 5-a-side competition please report to Gordon Hyslop at the Kingholm at 6:00pm Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri. Duties will include setting up the pitches and taking the scores.

Ross Corbett
Shirt Back Sponsor 10th June 2006
Another ardent Queen's fan will see the name of his company feature on the sides kit this season. Following in the footsteps of B.B. Body Repairers will be Gallovidian Fresh Foods who this week agreed a deal that will see their logo, as featured below, positioned on the back of the kit between the number and the collar. Owner of Gallovidian, David Carroll is a regular at Palmerston.

The logo that will feature on the back of the Queen's shirts this season. (Thanks to Solway Offset.)
Season Review - Part 5 10th June 2006
It's part five of the Season Review tonight as Ewan looks back to November - Stuart Lovell started the month in charge of the side, Ian McCall had to endure a tortuous start with a hammering at Hamilton and to cap it all off we produced a superb performance against Ross County only to see the game stolen from us in the dying minutes.

Click on the link to the right to read all about it.
Guid Nychburris preparations 8th June 2006
Many thanks to the 40 or so supporters who turned out tonight to help organise and prepare the decoration of the float for the Guid Nychburris parade. I'm glad to report that the woodwork skeleton is now completed and the painting is almost finished. Alex Wilson has his recordings of our favourite terracing songs up-to-date and our appeal for old Queens' jerseys has been outstanding. We've had over 50 handed in spanning four decades and they're now all strung up on a 'washing line' ready to be hung round the float. At present they're hanging under the East Stand and the line stretches over half the length of the stand. What a response!

What we need now is more flags and, of course, more donations and I can be contacted on 01387 267376 or 0785 1982822. Our next meeting is next Tuesday in the East Stand at 6.30 pm to make our final preparations.

Ross Corbett
Guid Nychburris preparations 7th June 2006
Many thanks to the 40 or so supporters who turned out tonight to help organise and prepare the decoration of the float for the Guid Nychburris parade. I'm glad to report that the woodwork skeleton is now completed and the painting is almost finished. Alex Wilson has his recordings of our favourite terracing songs up-to-date and our appeal for old Queens' jerseys has been outstanding. We've had over 50 handed in spanning four decades and they're now all strung up on a 'washing line' ready to be hung round the float. At present they're hanging under the East Stand and the line stretches over half the length of the stand. What a response!

What we need now is more flags and, of course, more donations and I can be contacted on 01387 267376 or 0785 1982822. Our next meeting is next Wednesday in the East Stand at 6.30 pm to make our final preparations.

Ross Corbett
Swift to sign 6th June 2006
Although still on holiday in Barcelona, Ian McCall announced to the 'Website' tonight that all has now been agreed with ex-Stranraer full-back, Stephen Swift, and the player will officially sign for Queens on Thursday. Said the manager, roasting in temperatures of 90 degrees, "It was great to pull this one off as two other full-time clubs from our division, Dundee and Airdrie, were also 'chasing' him. He plays as an attacking right wing-back and it will be competition for Eric Paton. It will also allow me to release Eric to play in his natural position of central midfield if required. Stephen is a good friend of Murray Henderson who we signed a couple of weeks ago, and that also helped".

Ian admitted that he was still deep in talks with the former Falkirk and Airdrie keeper, Allan Ferguson. At 37, Allan is very experienced and the manager knows him well from the past. He is also in discussions with a defender with SPL experience and one or two others.

Bill Goldie
Father Kenny 5th June 2006
Congratulations to our physio, Kenny Crichton, whose wife, Katie, presented him with a beautiful baby daughter on Friday night. Baby Masie weighted in at a healthy eight pounds one and a half ounces but Kenny was first to admit, "Thankfully, she looks like her mother". Added the delighted father, "She's already got a Queen of the South teddy and my mum's bought her a babygro with 'I'm a Q.O.S. fan' on it. Brilliant! I feel on top of the world but it's not true that she was lying there in the Baby Unit wrapped in my Hibee scarf". Kenny, however, would like to thank all Queens' fans for their messages of congratulations--they were really appreciated.

Bill Goldie
Programme Advertising 4th May 2006
If you are interested in giving your business some great exposure to the regions most dedicated football fans then what better place to get your message across than the Queen of the South matchday programme. If you are interested then why not give John Paterson a ring on 01387 268781 or email the site on webmaster@qosfc.com.
Awards Night 4th May 2006
On Friday night past Queens Chairman David Rae, Jim Thomson and Dumfries Provost Ken Cameraon presented the awards to Queens' Community Partners Lochar Thistle FC players at U-13, U-15 and U-17 level at a Players' End-of-Season Dance held in Locharbriggs Social Club.

The photograph shows the winning players after the presentation ceremony with the guests.


Thanks to Neil Benson for the story and photograph.
Travel Club Update 3rd June 2006
This weeks Guid Neighburris meeting is underneath the new stand at Palmerston at 6:30pm everyone is welcome, if possible bring a paint brush as we are going to be painting some of the equipment for the float. We are still on the lookout for old tops and any budding artists would also be made very welcome on Wednesday night. Also on Wednesday night we will be arranging who will be on what on the day of the parade so anyone who cannot make the meeting please phone Ross on 01387 267376 to put your name down.

Lochar Thistle Youths AFC who are Queens community partners are still on the lookout for any kind of international flags for their World Cup theme for the Guid Neighburris parade, please anyone who can help please phone Ross on 01387 267376

The Doonhamers Travel Club committee are looking for fixed odds agents for next season anyone who can help please phone Ross on 01387 267376 remember in order to keep the bus prices at £4 for adult members and £2 for junior members we need as many agents as possible.

Ross Corbett
Season Review - Part 4 27th May 2006
It's part four of the Season Review tonight as Ewan looks back at October - it was the month that saw the departure of Iain Scott and new interim manager Stuart Lovell being installed.

Click on the link to the right to read all about it.
Queens On Tour 2nd June 2006
Sandyhills or Seychelles, Blackpool or Barcelona get your "Queens on Tour" photo's sent in (or e-mail to Solway Offset at info@solwayoffset.co.uk)

BLW (Queens Prog.)
Site Update 1st June 2006
The end of May brings the season to a close on the website and also welcomes the new season as various pages are updated in preparation for 2006/07 season. If you find anything that doesn't quite work please let us know as there are a lot of modifications and from time to time bits do fall off.

Remember also that you can still read through all of the past eight season's worth of webpages by clicking on the 'Previous Seasons' link.
Pre-holiday signing talks 30th May 2006
Before jetting off tomorrow for a 12 day holiday in Barcelona, Ian McCall said he was 'talking' to three or four prospective signings but stressed, "Nothing's been decided yet". However, the manager did add, "There's no strikers on that list, for with Graham Weir joining us we now have five and that's sufficient. There's little news apart from that! No more 'friendlies' arranged yet, just the ones already mentioned--the two against Southern Counties opposition, the match against Kilmarnock at Palmerston and the Annan Tournament. But pre-season training will commence on the 19th of June and I'm looking for all the players to return fit, healthy and raring to go.

"Before signing off, I'd just like to take this opportunity to congratulate all members of our Under-13 squad who won the big International Youth Tournament at Ayr yesterday.To do it once is great, but two years in a row--brilliant".

Bill Goldie
U13's Retain Trophy 29th May 2006
Queen of the South Under 13's won the Ayr International Youth Tournament for the second consecutive year today beating Edinburgh City 2-0 in an exciting final. Goals came from Grant Middlemiss who also won the Man of the Match and Golden Boot award. This competition is one of the more prestigious in youth football and our own manager Ian McCall took part in it himself as a youngster with Greystone Rovers many years ago.

Queens youths had to win six matches to retain the trophy and this took place over three days. They scored no fewer than twenty seven goals with none conceded which was a record for the tournament. Top marksmen were both Queens lads - Grant Middlemiss with eight and Habib Abdul with seven.

All members of the squad hailed from Dumfries and Galloway which augers well for the future. A tremendous weekend was had by all and it was a fitting gesture that Chairman David Rae was at Palmerston to welcome the party back home at 5.00pm this evening.

Route to the final

Group stage - Cookstown (Northern Ireland) 3-0
Group stage - St Mary's (Eire) 4-0
Group stage - Ayr Boswell 4-0
Quarter final - Lurgan (Northern Ireland) 8-0
Semi final - Londonderry Sunnyside (Northern Ireland) 6-0
Final - Edinburgh City 2-0

The triumphant Under 13's squad. Back row left to right; H Abdul, J Muirhead, J Kerr, J Ogston, A McCulloch, D Thomson, J Locke, G Middlemiss, J Simpson and N Pomfret. Front row left to right; C Murray, R Newlands, E Miller (Capt), R Parker, D Murphy, M Dillon, K Holt and S Steele. Missing from photograph Head of Youth Development Gordon Hyslop and coaches Keith Middlemiss and Scott Solley.
Bill Goldie
Season Review - Part 3 27th May 2006
It's part three of the Season Review tonight as Ewan looks back at September - it wasn't a good month!

Click on the link to the right to read all about it.
Shirt Draw Winner 26th May 2006
It's been a busy day for the shirt draw winners and the logo creators at Solway Offset. We now have the first glimpse of the new shirt logo hot off the press and courtesey of Angus McDougal our first photograph of winning businessman Tom Beattie showing his delight at finally winning the top prize after ten years of trying.

The new shirt logo.

A delighted Tom Beattie showing his colours.

Pic. Angus McDougal, Photo, Dfs. 07 850 790 251
Shirt Draw Winners 25th May 2006
The tenth annual shirt sponsorship draw as made at Palmerston tonight and the lucky winner who will have their name emblazoned on the Queen of the South strips next season will be BB Body Repairs, Dumfries. The proprietor Mr Tom Beattie has featured in every draw to date so it was fitting that he was the lucky participant this year.

The actual draw was made by Ian McCall who took the opportunity to thank everyone concerned for their support last season but warned that Queens can't afford to rest on their laurels as it will be harder than ever this coming season. The manager added that our most recent acquisition Graham Weir was a "signing for the fans".

There was a record total of over 150 tickets went into the drum and even one from as far afield as Baghdad.

1st Prize Shirt Sponsorship BB Body Repairs
2nd Prize League Match Sponsorship H K Thorburn and Sons
3rd Prize Matchday Hospitality for a party of six Meridian Residential
4th Prize Executive Club Membership Remax Property Services
5th Prize Executive Club Membership Alarm Systems Limited
6th Prize Admittance to 2 adults to the Boardroom/Directors Box for one home match Dumfries and Galloway College
7th Prize Autographed Team Shirt Horizon Dumfries Limited
8th Prize Sponsor a Player for the Season William McCormick
9th Prize Autographed Match Ball Border Utilities
10th Prize Match Mascot Pipe Fabrication Services

Commercial Manager Ian Heuchan with Manager Ian McCall getting ready to make the draw.

Pic. Angus McDougal, Photo, Dfs. 07 850 790 251

Bill Goldie
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


[Back to Queens front page]