LATEST NEWS
For previous news articles see the monthly archive at the foot of this page.
STAIR PARK FROZEN 31st December 2001
An early inspection at Stair Park has ruled out any chance of the match scheduled for Tuesday going ahead, the pitch being frozen.

This means that Queens will not have a competitive match until a week on Saturday when league leaders Clydebank visit Palmerston.
FAIR SUCCESS 30th December 2001
An impressive display of football programmes could be seen today at the Programme Fair held in the Social Club at Palmerston, almost one hundred people attended the event with most purchasing items of interest to them.

Queens Historian and Museum Curator Ian Black was especially pleased with the numbers attending and with being able to add a few missing programmes to his extensive collection as a number of Queens fans turned up with some particularly hard to get items.
EVENT ON 29th December 2001
An event at Palmerston that is definitely on tomorrow is a Programme Fair being held in the Social Club, the Fair starts at 11.00am and runs until 4.00pm, with FREE admission and thousands of football programmes and related memorabilia for sale. There are super selections of Queen of the South, Celtic, Rangers, Manchester United and Liverpool.

An original copy of the 1967 European Cup Final programme between Inter and Celtic will be on sale on the day.

Also football programmes are wanted so if you have a large or small collection bring it along on the day, particularly vintage Queen of the South programmes.
GAME OFF 29th December 2001
Today's scheduled Scottish Second Division match versus Hamilton at the Ballast Stadium has been called off, an inspection moments ago, around 10:15am, confirmed that the pitch was unplayable due to a hard overnight frost. No date has been set for the rescheduled match although it is likely to be into February before it is played.
JT IN THE SQUAD 27th December 2001
The surprise team news this evening straight from the training session in Dumfries is that Jim Thomson is back in the squad for the encounter against Hamilton Accies at the Ballast Stadium. The Club Captain has made a much quicker recovery than even the most optimistic of predictions and will certainly make the squad for the match.

Other news is that Allan Moore is doubtful with a ligament injury in his back and of course long term absentee Jamie Campbell is also posted missing as he struggles to regain fitness.
NOT MANY LEFT 27th December 2001
pictorial history The excellent publication "Images of Scotland - Queen of the South Football Club", has now disappeared from the bookshops and, we believe, will not be reprinted. There is however one outlet that still has a limited supply of the book and that is the Club Shop, they are expected to go quite quickly and at £10 at the Shop or £11.50 inclusive of post and packaging mail order, they are very good value. 128 black and white pages chronicling the history of the Doonhamers in photographs right up until the 1998/99 season, guaranteed to bring back memories for Queens fans of all vintages.
ALL IN VAIN 23rd December 2001
As well as the many Morton fans who made the journey to Palmerston in vain yesterday spare a thought for the numerous Queens fans who also travel hundreds of miles just for a home match, there were many regulars from the central belt and further up into Fife and a number from south of the border, one in particular, Geoff Mullen from County Durham, spent four hours battling through six inch thick snow to get across only to find out five minutes after he had arrived that the game had been called off, another four hours back across the country through the snow followed.

As yet a date for the re-arranged match has not been set.
GAME OFF 22nd December 2001
A late inspection by the match referee has resulted in him calling this afternoons' match versus Morton off. Apologies to all fans who have travelled or are travelling for the lateness of the decision.
GAME ON 22nd December 2001
The match versus Morton today is definitely on, the pitch has recovered following some milder weather towards the end of the week and the surface is playable.
TEAM NEWS 20th December 2001
News from the training session tonight is that only long term absentees Jim Thomson and Jamie Campbell remain sidelined, the rest of the squad are all fit and ready for the match versus Morton which was originally scheduled for Boxing Day but is now to take place on Saturday 22nd December with a 3.00pm kick-off.

John Connolly commented, "My biggest problem is who to leave out, although I obviously much prefer problems like that".
MAN OF THE MATCH 18th December 2001
Colin Scott wins his third Man of the Match award of the season and his second in two weeks, runner-up was debutant George O'Boyle whilst his fellow striker Peter Weatherson was third.

All of the remaining scores were as follows, the Player of the Season league table has been updated and can be found via the Man of the Match link.
Scott
Rating: 6.79
Allan
Rating: 4.32
Crawford
Rating: 5.16
Aitken
Rating: 5.74
Gray
Rating: 5.79
Connelly
Rating: 5.79
S3
O'Neill
Rating: 5.26
S2
Donald
Rating: 5.67
Atkinson
Rating: 5.58
O'Boyle
Rating: 6.53
S1
Weatherson
Rating: 6.16
SUBSTITUTES
S1 - 61
Moore
Rating: 4.94
S2 - 77
McMahon
Rating: 4.94
S3 - 86
Burns
Davidson
Robertson
JT ON ROAD TO RECOVERY 16th December 2001
Queens' Press Officer Bill Goldie tells us that Jim Thomson was giving him the low down on his current state of fitness at the Alloa match yesterday. The good news is that Jim is progressing better than expected and has been keeping himself fit at the Barracuda Club whilst unable to train. This Tuesday evening will, however, see him take part in his first 'real' training session since the injury. The signs are good for a return before the end of January. [Jim Thomson]
REACTION 15th December 2001
John Connolly
I am obviously disappointed, however there was little to chose between the teams in the first half. Losing the goal just before the interval was the turning point. We were perhaps a bit cavalier in our quest for an equaliser and this probably lead to their second goal.

Terry Christie
It was even stevens in the first half and we were lucky to score from the free kick as Jimmy Fisher mis-hit it and a Queen's defender jumped over the ball on its' way into the back of the net.
MORE SIGNINGS 14th December 2001
Another two new faces join the Palmerston side.

Former Queens star Jim Donald will see his son, 22 year old Barry sign tomorrow on a contract that will see him at Palmerston until the end of the 2002/03 season. The tough tackling midfielder may not be signed in time to be included in the squad for the match at Alloa.

The second new face is that of former Newcastle United forward, 20 year old David McMahon who has initially signed for a month. The tall striker has turned out for Darlington and Falkirk on loan, scoring in both spells and has recently been training with Irish Side Bohemians and Northern Irish side Bangor. He also scored the winning goal in the 1998 European Under 16 Championship final against Italy when the young Irish side won the Championship with a 2-1 victory.
TEAM NEWS 13th December 2001
Straight from the training session held at Palmerston this evening comes the Queens team news ahead of Saturday's trip back up the same route to Alloa, this time for an important league clash.

Into the squad come Allan Moore, Gordon Burns and George O'Boyle whilst both Jim Thomson and Jamie Campbell remain on the sidelines with Jamie now possibly requiring an operation to repair his damaged shoulder. Youngster Stuart Robertson will again take his place on the bench.
NEW DIRECTOR 13th December 2001
"Queen of the South FC" are co-opting a new director to the club, in what is seen as an innovative move Mrs Shirley Bradford will become the first lady director in the clubs history and introduces a new dimension as the club strives to make further progress.

Mrs Bradford brings with her a wealth of business experience gained over many years.
"BALLY" IS BACK 11th December 2001
Whilst he has never really been away former Queen of the South goalkeeper Allan Ball has now been officially brought back into the Palmerston set-up, a statement from the club reads:
"Last night Queen of the South created a new position when former goalkeeper Allan Ball was made "Honorary Director". Allan was a first team regular for nineteen years between 1963 and 1982 and made over 800 appearances."

Allan was signed in 1963 from North East side Stanley United and was given a testimonial in 1984 against Manchester City.

Allan with his 'All Star' testimonial Queen's side.
MAN OF THE MATCH 10th December 2001
Goalkeeper Colin Scott has now taken two of the last three Man of the Match awards following his performance between the sticks at Recreation Park on Saturday, in second place was the ever industrious Peter Weatherson and third is picked up by Andy Aitken.

We have a new leader in the Player of the Season league table as Craig Feroz has featured in less than fifty percent of matches played and therefore is now not eligible for the award. The table can be found via the Man of the Match link, all of the other scores were as follows:
Scott
Rating: 6.57
Allan
Rating: 6.00
Crawford
Rating: 5.57
Aitken
Rating: 6.21
Gray
Rating: 6.07
Sunderland
Rating: 5.43
O'Neill
Rating: 5.57
Connell
Rating: 5.36
S1
Atkinson
Rating: 5.14
S2
Glancy
Rating: 5.29
Weatherson
Rating: 6.36
SUBSTITUTES
S1 - 64
McAlpine
Rating: 4.71
S2 - 72
Armstrong
Rating: 4.93
Connelly
Davidson
Robertson
REACTION 8th December 2001
John Connolly
It was a poor game, Alloa scored early and were then content to sit back. In terms of possession we dominated but our finishing was weak, however next week the new signings will be available so we will have to give the team a bit of a shake up.
WILLIE JOHNSTONE 7th December 2001
Wonderful turnout at Gatehouse for Willie Johnstone's funeral with lots of representatives from Doonhamers Travel Club and Wullies darts pals from Dickies Bar and elsewhere. Also wee Brucie from Globe Inn Doonhamers and Dick Shaw from Queen of the South F.C. not forgetting one lad all the way from Liverpool! Well done everyone and thanks to the Johnstone family for the wonderful hospitality.
TEAM NEWS 6th December 2001
With the game on Saturday versus Alloa in the Scottish Cup there are three players unavailable, Allan Moore and George O'Boyle are both cup-tied and can take no part in any of the Queens games in this season's competition and Gordon Burns was signed after the deadline for registering players for this round of the cup.

In terms of injuries only Jamie Campbell, with an injured shoulder, and Jim Thomson remain unavailable whilst everyone else is fully fit and available for selection, Jon Crawford having shrugged off the injured thigh that saw him miss out last Saturday.

There may also be a place on the bench for one of the younger up and coming players in the squad.
GEORGE SIGNS 3rd December 2001
Queens new striker, George O'Boyle signed for the club this lunchtime in a deal that will see him here untilt he end of the season at least, there was no fee involved as George was a free agent.

George O'Boyle
"Coming to Queens was an easy decision after discussions with John Connolly, his positive attitude and enthusiasm for where the side are going convinced me that Queens were the right choice for me. The facilities and the general set up here are terrific and the crowds must be about the best in the second division"

George also admitted to choosing Queens ahead of a number of other sides who had made him offers.

John Connolly
"George joining Queens must be one of the biggest signing that the club has made in many years, he is a top class player and will fit in very well with us."

"We also still have an offer on the table at another club for a striker and we are waiting to hear from them"
MAN OF THE MATCH 3rd December 2001
Goalscoring utility man Paddy Atkinson takes this weekends Man of the Match award from the internet fan club members, in second place was the sponsors man of the match Andy Aitken whilst Colin Scott received the third highest points.

The rest of the side scored as follows, also check out the updated Player of the Season League Table via the MoM link.
Scott
Rating: 6.65
Gray
Rating: 5.87
Allan
Rating: 5.74
Aitken
Rating: 6.79
1
Atkinson
Rating: 6.87
Connelly
Rating: 5.77
S2
Davidson
Rating: 4.97
1
O'Neill
Rating: 5.92
S1
McAlpine
Rating: 3.95
Glancy
Rating: 5.41
S3
Weatherson
Rating: 5.74
SUBSTITUTES
S1 - 59
Moore
Rating: 4.67
S2 - 67
Connell
Rating: 4.11
S3 - 83
Sunderland
Burns
Robertson
STRIKER TO SIGN 2nd December 2001
Queens have agreed terms and hope to secure the signature of former Northern Ireland international George O'Boyle tomorrow lunchtime. The Irishman has previously played for Bordeux, Dunfermline, St.Johnstone, Raith Rovers and for the past month Brechin City, where he scored four goals in six games for the third division table toppers.

The signing will be a major boost to Queens challenge for a promotion place this season and demonstrates John Connolly's commitment to bring in quality players.

Both O'Boyle and Allan Moore will be cup tied after appearing respectively for Brechin City and Morton in the first round.
WILLIE JOHNSTONE 2nd December 2001
Well known Queens fan Willie Johnstone was found dead on Saturday. Willie, who was 40 years old, served as Treasurer of the Travel Club from it's inauguration in January 1991 until June 1997 when an injury meant he had to retire from the committee. He was also a keen darts player, frequently representing Dumfries and Galloway in the county leagues. He was originally from Gatehouse but had lived in Dumfries for many years, working in the offices of Robison and Davidson, the building firm. He will be sadly missed on the terraces by all who knew him. Our sympathy goes to his family.
BIRTHDAY BOYS 2nd December 2001
Both new signing Gordon Burns and 'keeper Jamie Campbell celebrate their birthdays today, so it's congratulations to both with Gordon 23 and Jamie 21 years old.
REACTION 2nd December 2001
John Connolly
"That's two weeks running that we have let the opposing team off the hook and that has cost us four points. Had John O'Neill converted the penalty it would have been 3 or 4-0, but yet again we only have ourselves to blame. We still managed to jump above Alloa in the league to go third and that again shows just how tight a league this second division really is."
NOTES 1st December 2001
Jon Crawford missed out today after failing a late fitness test following him pulling up on Thursday evening during training.

John Connolly was said to be gutted at losing another two points in a match where the game should have been killed before half time.
BRAIN TEASER 30th November 2001
Earlier this month we published a football team related quiz sheet handed to us by Queens fan Mark Seaton, Mark and his friends came up with their answers and we asked you to have a go as well. All the answers are in now so click the [Quiz form] icon to see if you agree.
TEAM NEWS 29th November 2001
Team news this evening, following the regular training session, is that new signing from Ayr United, Gordon Burns will be in the squad for this Saturday's Border derby at Palmerston against Berwick, Jim Thomson will obviously miss out following a three hour operation this afternoon to insert a plate in his jaw, but other than these changes everyone else is fit and suspension free.

It will undoubtedly be a tough clash against the English side as they have some players of quality in their ranks and their league position is surely a false one. A familiar face to Queens fans will be that of Craig Feroz who has moved to the Borderers since his loan spell at Palmerston, coming in the other direction was Martin Glancy and he will be hoping for a starting place this weekend following his brief appearance from the bench last Saturday in which he almost managed to steal the points for the Doonhamers with a couple of efforts in the last few minutes.
NEW SIGNING 28th November 2001
Midfielder Gordon Burns has joined Queens today from Ayr United. The six foot one, twenty two year old has progressed through the Ayr youth system and has made twenty three first team appearances, six of those when on loan to Partick Thistle.

He has played at Palmerston once before when he turned out for Partick in the last game of season 1998/99 in the 2-2 draw.
JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER
DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY
CURRENT MONTH


[Back to Queens front page]