LATEST NEWS
For previous news articles see the monthly archive at the foot of this page.
Ayr 1-4 Queens - Reaction 30th August 2003
Somerset Park is fast becoming a happy hunting ground for Queens having won both away games against Ayr last season and recording another victory today, John Connolly was naturally delighted with the result. Said the manager, "It turned out to be a comfortable win in the end, Eric Paton scored an excellent goal to give us a 1-0 interval lead and I was quite happy at that since we were against the wind. In the second half we had the wind at our backs and ran out worthy winners, both Sean O'Connor and Alex Burke took their goals well and had it not been for their 'keeper, who had an outstanding match, our goals tally would have been double, he thoroughly deserved the Man of the Match award.

Any away game in this league is hard and to win is a real bonus, we've had three of our first four matches away from home and to collect seven points at this stage is absolutely brilliant. Once again our fans were great, I'm told there were over three hundred there and we all appreciated their support."

John Dodds said he was "Chuffed to bits" to come back to Somerset and beat his old team, "Had it not been for Ludovic Roy in goal it could have been double figures", said the 'keeper.

Ayr manager Campbell Money summed it up in two brief sentences, said Campbell, "Queens were by far the better team on the day. Infact they were very, very impressive indeed and it was four goals going on seven."

Bill Goldie
Team News 28th August 2003
With no injury worries it's little surprise that Queens stick with the same squad that performed so well against Falkirk for the local derby against Ayr United on Saturday.

Queens picked up six points on their two visits to Somerset Park last season and will be looking to maintain their impressive record.

Bill Goldie
Interview with Brian Reid 25th August 2003
All those fans who travelled to Ochilview for the Falkirk match on Saturday would no doubt see big Brian Reid raising both fists in the air at the final whistle, "It was a kind of spontaneous reaction", said the big centre back, "I had a brief spell with Falkirk at the end of last season but I felt I never really got a chance to show what I could do, I was a bit disappointed at what happened at Brockville and felt very hard done by. I had a few niggling injuries and never got the opportunity reach match fitness so on Saturday it was good to prove to Falkirk what I could really do.

I'm grateful to Queens for giving me a six month deal, I've always been a full-time player and I only hope they can help me as much as I can help them". Asked how he's settling in at Palmerston Brian said, "No problems whatsoever. We've had two clean sheets in two games and you can't ask for more than that, Jim Thomson and I have settled in well together at the back , we're both six foot three so it gives us a big advantage in the air. There's also a good atmosphere in the dressing room, I've been with six different clubs and they're as good a bunch of lads as I've come across. Apart from playing for Queens I'm also helping out with the coaching at Ibrox, I'm really enjoying it and I'm hoping to get involved in that when I quit playing."

Queens next visit to Ochilview will be on Tuesday 2nd September when they meet Stenhousemuir in the CIS Insurance Cup and in the Warriors line-up will probably be former Queens favourite Stevie Mallan. The striker who netted 94 goals in a six year spell at Palmerston, signed for the Larbert club on Saturday after turning out as a trialist.

Bill Goldie
Man of the Match 25th August 2003
Three league matches into the season and only one man with the IFC Man of the Match accolade, Willie Gibson scoops the title again following another impressive left-wing showing against reigning champs Falkirk. Second place was shared between John Dodds and Brian Reid with Bowser taking third.

All of the scores have been added to the 'Latest Report' page and the Player of the Season league table has also been updated.
Casualty Room Open 24th August 2003
Our very own Kenny Crichton takes centre stage tonight with another installment of his 'Casualty Room', be sure to click on the picture link on the right hand side to see the latest goings on on the treatment table.
Ace Reporter 24th August 2003
Anyone tuning in to West Sound Radio's coverage of the SPL and SFL on Saturday afternoon would have heard the live radio debut of our away day match reporter Ewan Lithgow. Asked to step in with only ten minutes notice Ewan did an admiral job with his pre-match, half-time and full time reports, all done from the end of a mobile phone. Well done to Ewan.
Mallan Tracked 23rd August 2003
Could it be former Queens favourite Stevie Mallan that came on as a second half substitute for Stenhousemuir in their 2-2 draw with Alloa today? The player was listed as 'Steve Mallon'. It if was then maybe Stevie will feature in the CIS Insurance Cup game against us in a few weeks time!!
Falkirk 0-0 Queens - Reaction 23rd August 2003
John Connolly was full of praise for his team after a sterling display, said the manager, "It was a great performance by the lads, the effort and commitment was out of this world and I'd go as far as to say it was as good as I've seen since coming to Palmerston.

There were no failures, John Dodds was tremendous in goal: the defence was rock solid: the midfield worked very hard indeed and up front Gary Wood and Derek Lyle both played well while young Willie Gibson was again brilliant.

Last season we conceded eight goals in our two away games against Falkirk but we never looked like losing any today, infact in the second half WE had four or five good chances but didn't quite find the net, so at 0-0 against a team who will not be far away at the end of the season - yes I'll take that.

Only two weeks ago individual defensive errors saw us lose four goals at St.Johnstone. I said then we'd have to eliminate these errors and with shut-outs in our last two matches we achieved that, so I'm a happy man."

Bill Goldie
Reserves Victorious 23rd August 2003
The reserve side were again victorious today, this time 8-1 against Newton Stewart. Once again Emilio Jaconelli hit a hat-trick and Craig Coates a brace, also scoring two was Sean Ferrie with the final goal coming from substitute Baird.
Sandy Leaves 22nd August 2003
Sandy Hodge, re-signed during the close season, has today left the club to join up with Hamilton Academical. The parting of company is amicable and we would wish Sandy all the best with his new side. There was no fee involved.
Team News 21st August 2003
Queens hope to have a full squad available for the away game against Falkirk on Saturday, says manager John Connolly, "We have one or two injury worries but will make a decision on their fitness come Saturday."
Reserves Continue Winning 20th August 2003
Paddy and Gordon's Southern Counties side continued on their winning ways tonight with a 6-1 victory over Mid-Annandale at Palmerston. Emilio Jaconelli scored a hat-trick with Craig Coates bagging a double and Sean Ferrie a single as the Lockerbie side found the going just a little bit too tough.
My Top Ten 19th August 2003
Thanks very much to everyone who has submitted a Top Ten of Queen's moments, however despite receiving almost twenty responses we have only received one photograph, can everyone who sent in a Top Ten please email a photo as soon as possible as without it we can't use your Top Ten.

Thanks.
Man of the Match 18th August 2003
Two league games and two IFC man of the match awards to the same player, no not Bowser but Willie Gibson. It looks like we are seeing a star in the making as the youngster wins his second award and takes over the top spot in the player of the season league table, a position that has for so long been Bowser only territory, well done Willie. Second place went to Derek Lyle, revelling in his favoured striking role and third to new signing Brian Reid.

All the scores can be checked on the 'Latest Report' page and the IFC player of the season league table can be found via the 'Man of the Match' link.
50-50 Half Time Draw 18th August 2003
The winner of the new 50-50 Half Time draw on Saturday was Brian Gainford from Collin who pocketed £140 for his 50p stake.

You need to be in it to win it so make sure you buy your draw ticket at every home match.
Gary Wood Interview 17th August 2003
Queens fans may find the interview with Gary Wood for the Berwick web site an interesting read, click on the link below.

www.theducket.com
Queens 1-0 Ross County - Reaction 16th August 2003
A relieved John Connolly said, "It was three very valuable points for us, it was a big match for us today and one we desperately wanted to win. In our last two games nothing really went for us but today we got some breaks, which makes a bug difference and I think we done well enough to get a result. We have been landed with a very difficult start to the season with only two home games in our first six so that's why it was so important to win today. Willie Gibson was again absolutely brilliant, he's only just turned 19 and I think we have a good find there. I also thought new signing Brian Reid was immense and organised the defence really well."

Asked about the penalty claim he said, "Although Alex Smith will probably disagree with me I never thought for a minute it was a penalty, the ball came from behind and hit Jim Thomson on the arm."

Jim Thomson himself fully agreed with his managers assessment, "The bal came over my head and hit me on the arm", he said, "I didn't even see it coming."

Young Willie Gibson was delighted with the win and said the sponsors Man of the Match award was a real bonus, added Willie, "I did win the Man of the Match award once before, it was in my debut against Queens Park two years ago and I only played for half a game then after that I broke my leg and last season I picked up a couple of nasty injuries which kept me out. But it's brilliant to be back in the first team squad and just great to be back playing again."

Bill Goldie
It's A Record Breaker 15th August 2003
The nine goals scored by Emilio Jaconelli in the South of Scotland league match on Wednesday night is thought to be a record for a Queens player in a senior match.

Before that Jim Patterson's six goals in a 7-1 win over Cowdenbeath on December 16th 1961 and Billy Houliston's five in an 8-2 win against Partick Thistle on the 28th August 1948 are the best we can trace. However we'd be glad to hear from anyone who can recall anything better.
Team News 14th August 2003
Queens kick-off their home league programme on Saturday with a match against high-flying Ross County. The Dingwall side have crashed in nine goals in their last two games beating Brechin City 4-0 in the league and hammering Dumbarton 5-0 in the Bell's Cup.

Queens have a full squad available with Jim Thomson back after his tonsillitis and new signing Brian Reid added to the pool. Paul Talbot, Craig Coates and Emilio Jaconelli are also listed.

Bill Goldie
Falkirk Clash - All Ticket 13th August 2003
The forthcoming league match against Falkirk at Ochilview on the 23rd August 2003 has, at the dictate of the local Police Authority, been made all ticket. This means that there will be NO tickets available on the day in Larbert or in/around the ground.

To assist our fans we have agreed to distribute tickets on behalf of Falkirk Football Club, bearing in mind that there is no financial income from ticket sales to Queen of the South FC. To this end we will be selling the match tickets on Saturday 16th August 2003 from the Club Shop at Palmerston, (from 1.00pm and again after the match), and from the 18th to the 22nd August 2003 from the Office at Palmerston, (normal office hours).

The tickets are priced as follows:

Seated - Adult - £14, OAP and Children - £7
Standing - Adult £12, OAP and Children - £6

There are sufficient tickets available and anyone who wishes to purchase a brief will be able to. We would apologise to our fans for the inconvenience, however it is outwith our control.
Reserves Run Riot 13th August 2003
Emilio Jaconelli recorded a hat-trick of hat-tricks tonight in the reserves 13-0 defeat of local Dumfries side Chricton in the South of Scotland league match. Other scorers were Craig Coates with two, Paul Burns and the best goal of the night (according to Paddy Atkinson anyway) Paddy Atkinson.
We Know Our Manners 12th August 2003
If you have been at a Queens game recently you may well have heard mobile phones ringing to the tune of, "We know our manners", well thanks to Queens fan Walt Adamson we can now bring you the code for your Nokia mobile phone, tap in the code that follows and you'll soon be hearing the Queens anthem every time that you receive a phone call.

4b1 4b1 8a1 8g1 8b1 8c2 4d2 4d2 4b1 4- 2d2 8d2 8e2 8d2 8c2 8d2 8b1 8- 8d2 8d2 8d2 4- 8d2 8c2 8b1 8c2 8d2 8c2 8b1 8- 8b1 8a1 8g1 8a1 8b1 8a1 8g1 8- 8d2 4d2 8e2 4b1 4a1 2g1

We will keep the code on the 'Multimedia' section so remember if anyone is looking for it you know where to direct them.

Many thanks to Walt, the composer of the mobile version of the tune.
Man of the Match 11th August 2003
Top man in the defeat at Perth on Saturday was first team newcomer Willie Gibson, second place went to goalscorer Steve Bowey with Derek Lyle grabbing third place in the IFC voting.

All of the scores have been listed on the 'Latest Report' and the player of the season league table has been updated and can be found on the 'Man of the Match' page.
CIS Cup Draw 11th August 2003
Queens were given an away draw in the first round of the CIS Insurance League Cup when the names were pulled out of the hat earlier this morning. They will face a trip to Larbert to meet Stenhousemuir on either the second or third of September.

The rest of the draw was as follows:

Morton v Stranraer
East Fife v Airdrie United
Arbroath v Raith Rovers
Inverness CT v Queen's Park
Ayr United v Dumbarton
East Stirlingshire v Ross County
Elgin v Brechin
Gretna v Peterhead
St Mirren v St Johnstone
Hamilton v Albion Rovers
Montrose v Stirling Albion
Cowdenbeath v Alloa
Forfar v Berwick
St.Johnstone 4-1 Queens - Reaction 9th August 2003
After the match John Connolly was disappointed but not devastated at the scoreline, "If we were to analise the game there were never three goals in it", he said, "to me, 4-1 did not give a true reflection of the match and I honestly felt there were several positives there for us and there's no way I could fault the effort or commitment the players gave on a very hot day.

Our new signing Gary Wood was on for eighty minutes and did really well, while both Derek Allan and Willie Gibson were outstanding , all four goals came from individual errors and as I said last week we must eliminate these mistakes if we are going to win games.

But let's not forget St.Johnstone are favourites to win the league, they have three really big centre backs and with quality players like Paatelainen, Parker and Donnelly upfront, they will be very hard to beat.

I felt we played well in the second half but didn't get many breaks, their third goal came against the run of play and their fourth came late in the game so I can only emphasise once again there were never three goals in it. Although we have a tremendous travelling support there is still a small minority who are too ready to slag us, we have a tough opening programme so I can only appeal to ALLfans to get behind us in these difficult matches."

Bill Goldie
New Signing 9th August 2003
Today Queens signed 33 year old Brian Reid who trained with the squad last week. The centre back stands 6ft 2inches and is a very experienced player. He started his career with Morton, was signed by Rangers in 1991 and spent five years at Ibrox, following a loan spell at Newcastle United, Brian returned to Morton in 1996 then it was on to Barnsley, Dunfermline and Blackpool before joining Falkirk towards the end of last season. He will report for training on Monday night and is expected to be in the squad for next Saturday's home game against Ross County.

Bill Goldie
Team News 7th August 2003
For their opening league match of the season against St.Johnstone at Perth, Queens latest signing from Berwick Rangers, Gary Wood, will be drafted into the squad. Doubtful however is skipper Jim Thomson who is suffering from tonsillitis.
Reserves Maintain 100% Record 6th August 2003
Queens fought back from 2-0 down to beat Dumfries Amatuers 5-3 in a South of Scotland league match at Glencaple tonight. It was 2-2 at half-time but Queens went 3-2 down before a strong fightback saw them triumph 5-3. Hero of the hour was Sean Ferrie who netted a hat-trick, our other marksmen being Paul Burns and Emilio Jaconelli.
It's official - At last 5th August 2003
We're pleased to report that Gary Wood is now a Queen of the South player.

Following protracted discussions between the player, his agent and Berwick Rangers today a satisfactory conclusion was reached and the deal finalised leaving all parties happy.

Gary comes with an impressive scoring record having scored 84 goals in 171 games, some played at centre-half.

Bill Goldie
Signing News Update 4th August 2003
It's just been announced from Palmerston tonight that those loose ends in the Gary Wood transfer deal may not be tied up so easily and the deal may not now go ahead. However the final outcome will not be known until tomorrow.

Bill Goldie
New Signing 4th August 2003
Gary Wood could well be only a day away from being a Queen of the South player, it was revealed this afternoon. The player has agreed terms with Queens but there's still a couple of loose ends to tie up with his former club Berwick Rangers before the deal can be finalised.

Wood (26) is a versatile player who can turn out in a strikers role or in central defence. Prior to Berwick he was with Cowdenbeath and Ross County. Gary will be on a two-year contract and joins for an undisclosed fee.

Meanwhile the Queens manager dismissed claims that striker Sean O'Connor will be moving to Morecambe, John Connolly admitted that the Lancashire club had put in a bid but it was a derisory offer far below the clubs valuation of the player and since then the matter has gone no further.

Bill Goldie
Man of the Match 4th August 2003
Man of the match on Saturday according to the IFC was new goalkeeper John Dodds, second place went to Steve Bowey whilst goalscorer Derek Lyle had to be content with third.

The 'Latest Report' page carries the full scores and the 'Man of the Match' link shows the new Player of the Season league table.
Stranraer 2-1 Queens - Reaction 3rd August 2003
Speaking after the match John Connolly said "I'm bitterly disappointed at the result but we have only ourselves to blame.The defending at both goals was schoolboy stuff and it's sad to go out of the cup at the first hurdle particularly since we were the holders. Also, it was a local derby and I'm sorry for the Queens fans for I know they always like us to win this one.

There was nothing in it for the opening 15 minutes then we started giving the ball away 'willy nilly' and we got what we deserved when they scored. I felt we totally dominated the second half and had several good chances but following a basic corner kick we failed to clear our lines and Moore rammed the ball home for their second.

Even after Derek Lyle scored 10 minutes from the end we still had chances to take the game into extra time but we couldn't take them. It's apparently obvious that we must cut out all the silly mistakes or it's going to be a long hard season. If the players we have can't do the job then we will get players that can. It's as simple as that.

In fact we have now agreed terms with Gary Wood from Berwick Rangers and he will be coming into Palmerston on Monday morning to sign the contract.

Bill Goldie
Junior Blues News 1st August 2003
Junior Blues can purchase tickets for either the Portland Drive terracing or the designated Section 1 and 2 of the East Stand.

This is to comply with Club Licensing which comes into force this year whereby junior and family sections must be segregated, monitored and stewarded to adhere to the Child Protection Policy.

The safety certificate states that spectators are not permitted to change sections.
Queens Top Ten 31st July 2003
This season will see the matchday programme run a feature each game on a fan and you could be that fan, just click on the new 'TOP TEN' picture link on the top bar of the page, fill in the form and send a photograph of yourself to us and you could be featured in the programme this season.
Team News 31st July 2003
Queens will have three of their new signings missing for the local derby at Stranraer on Saturday, Emilio Jaconelli and Paul Talbot are both nursing minor injuries while Craig Coates has a bruised collar bone.

As holders of the Bells Challenge Cup, Queens start favourites, but derby games are never easy and very unpredictable so Stranraer will be treated with the utmost respect.

A big travelling support is expected to descend on Stair Park for this, the opening match of the new season.

Bill Goldie
JC's Thoughts 30th July 2003
With the league kick-off only ten days away John Connelly spoke frankly and openly about the season ahead in an exclusive interview for the website.

Asked if he thought it would be a tougher league than last season he said "Put it this way, I can't see a repeat of the Falkirk scenario when they ran away with the title with weeks to spare. I feel it will be tighter at the top with three or four teams challenging. By the end of the season I think about six clubs could have stadiums which would allow them admission to the Premier League and that would be a good thing following the Falkirk controversy last season. This time around there are only ourselves and Brechin City part time. Before there were Arbroath and Alloa who both went down. So, yes, it will be tougher."
Do you think we have a stronger squad than this time last year we asked? "I certainly don't think it's any weaker" he retorted. "But like every other club in the league it all boils down to finances. We have had our budget reduced so we must 'cut our cloth' accordingly. The three players who left, John O'Neill, Brian McLaughlin and Peter Weatherson were all offered new contracts but chose to move on, but I can't really blame them if they get the chance of full-time football. However, pound for pound I think our squad is every bit as good as last year".

We then asked John what position in the table he would settle for? "Last season was one of consolidation but we excelled ourselves to finish fifth. I would be delighted with a spot, top to mid-table, but the second season up can often be more difficult. The other teams know your style of play, also your strong points and weak points, but to be fair we should know theirs as well".

What clubs do you rate favourites for promotion we challenged. "I think it could turn out a real 'dog-fight' at the top " he replied. "St Johnstone have now got Paatelainen and Bernard and they should be strong but don't write off Clyde. They have added Harty to their squad and are a big side which is a major advantage when it comes to winning games. And don't forget they surprised everyone by finishing second last season.

"Falkirk have lost their entire strike force of Samuel, Coyle and Miller but have money in the bank to buy new players, however I feel playing their home matches at Ochilview may be a disadvantage with smaller crowds. Caley Thistle have lost both Wyness and Robson but I don't see them being too far away at the end.

"St Mirren have signed practically an entire new team so they may take time to settle while Raith Rovers are newly promoted and will be an 'unknown quantity'. Ross County started well last season but fell away badly but I felt they were a better side than their third bottom finish suggested.

"Ayr United are experimenting and have a very young squad. Like everyone else Campbell Money has been hit by cash restrictions. And as for my old mate Dick Campbell's Brechin City, they will be a hard team to beat, particularly on their home ground. "However, if I had to answer the question honestly I'd go for St Johnstone and Clyde".

The first team squad gathered at the photo-call this week

Bill Goldie
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