LATEST NEWS

For previous news articles see the monthly archive at the foot of this page.

Doonhamers Day Out

31st December 2002

First of all a Happy Hogmanay to Queens fans all over the world from all at the Queens website. Now that the votes have been counted we can reveal that the match voted as the best all-time Queens day out in the opinion of the members of the Internet Fan Club is:

Forfar Athletic 0 - 3 Queen of the South

This match received 34% of the vote, more than twice that of the second placed match, voting for each game went as follows: First - Forfar 0-3 QOS - 34% Second - St.Mirren 3-5 QOS - 16% Third - QOS 5-4 Ayr United - 14% In all there were 297 votes cast and a more detailed analysis of the results will be produced in the next few weeks. In the meantime why not re-live the winning match by clicking on the link below to see the match report and picture special, including a video clip of the action. Forfar 0-3 QOS - Match Report

Team News

30th December 2002

Ahead of the Ne'erday derby match against South West rivals Ayr United the news from the training ground tonight is mixed. It is hoped that Steve Bowey who was missing on Saturday will be fit but the bad news - although Sean O'Connor has recovered from the flu his ankle injury is causing concern - Sean will probably have to go for another x-ray and will be out for at least the next two games against Ayr United and Inverness, however Paul Shields loan period does not expire until the 14th January so he is eligible.

Day Out Voting

30th December 2002

The voting will close tomorrow evening at 5.00pm so please make sure that you have all submitted your vote before that time. So far we have had over one hundred votes from a very wide cross section of fans.

Man of the Match

30th December 2002

With so many shops having their sales on at the moment it would appear that the Queens players put on a performance that got them 50% off their normal scores in the Man of the Match voting on Saturday. Only three players broke 5, with Peter Weatherson slightly ahead of fellow striker Derek Lyle, third place went to Andy Goram. It seems a little ironic that we should concede five and score none yet the top performers in the side were the strikers and the goalkeeper! The scores of all the other players have been added to the report, see 'Latest Report' and the Player of the Season League Table has also been updated and can be found via the 'Man of the Match' link.

Falkirk 5-0 Queens - Reaction

28th December 2002

After suffering his highest defeat since coming to Palmerston John Connolly was disappointed but not devastated. "It was not nearly as bad as it looked on paper," he said, "in the first half we actually had as many scoring chances as them and their manager, Ian McCall, actually admitted to me after the game that it could have been 3-2 for them at half-time instead of 3-0. But that fateful fifteen minute period in the first half effectively killed the game, As I've always said Falkirk are a very good team and you can't afford to give sides like that a three goal start. Derek Lyle had a great chance to open the scoring in the second minute and he also had another good opportunity later in the first half but it just wasn't to be - it was just one of those days, we'll put it down to a bad day at the office - discuss it all at training on Monday night then concentrate on the next two games. I realise we haven't done ourselves any favours as far as goal difference is concerned and we can't go on losing silly goals as we did today but we've only dropped one place in the table so it could have been more costly. Sean O'Connor had to pull out with flu and Steve Bowey had an ankle injury but I'm hoping both will recover in time for the Ne'erday game against Ayr United. Finally a Happy New Year to all that log on to the website." Bill Goldie

Team News

26th December 2002

Hot from this evenings training session in Dumfries comes the news that boss John Connolly has only one injury worry ahead of this Saturday's clash with promotion favourites Falkirk at Brockville. The potential absentee is Steve Bowey who tweaked an ankle in this evenings session and will face a late fitness test. Robbie Neilson misses what would have been his last match at Palmerston through suspension as he returns to Hearts at the beginning of January to conclude his loan deal. John Connolly has echoed the thoughts of many Queens fans when he told us that he wishes Robbie well and hopes that he will enjoy a successful career at Hearts, John also made a point of expressing his gratitude to Robbie for the impressive performances that he put in for the club during the loan spell.

Merry Christmas

25th December 2002

From everyone at the Queens website we would like to wish all Queens fans in whatever part of the world that they have strayed to a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let's hope that the next twelve months will bring with it even a little bit of the success that we have enjoyed in what has arguably been our finest year ever. Please also remember to get your nominations in for the 'Day Out' vote currently running, it closes next Tuesday evening so make sure that your opinion counts.

Mistaken Identity

22nd December 2002

Two cases of mistaken identity this week across the website desk, firstly an 'Internationalists' submission crediting Roy Henderson with an appearance for Scotland against England in an army international in Calcutta in 1945. A quick word with Queens Historian and Museum Curator Ian Black and he quickly confirmed that it was not our Roy Henderson that appeared. The programme, see below, clearly states that the goalkeeper for Scotland was Henderson of Queen of the South, however when Roy was shown the programme by Ian a few years back he confirmed that it must have been a mistake as he had never represented Scotland. It was interesting to note that this international was the one already credited to Murray Landsborough in the Internationalists section. Secondly we have had a 'Tracker' submission regarding a player by the name of Danny White, presently at Wealdstone but credited with having been on loan at Palmerston in 2001 on their website, if he was here then we don't have any record of him. Maybe Danny was at Queen's Park or QPR on loan.

Not too late

20th December 2002

If you had planned to pick up your last minute Christmas presents at the club shop tomorrow and are now wondering how to get them with the match being off then don't despair as the club shop will be opening on Monday afternoon between 2.00pm and 4.00pm.

GAME OFF

20th December 2002

With an inch and a half of ice in the pitch today and no great thaw forecast the game scheduled for tomorrow versus Clyde at Palmerston has been postponed, no date has yet been set for the fixture.

Team News

19th December 2002

It will undoubtedly be a competitive match on Saturday as the 'Bully Wee' come to Palmerston looking to avenge their opening day defeat at the hands of their hosts. Queens too will be looking for revenge for what was seen as points lost at Broadwood in the return match. For Queens both captain Jim Thomson, with a knee injury and Sean O'Connor with an ankle knock are doubtful whilst Robbie Neilson is definitely missing due to suspension.

Man of the Match

16th December 2002

For the second week running Brian McLaughlin has taken the Man of the Match award from the members of the Internet Fan Club, second place was awarded to Sean O'Connor whilst Eric Paton took third place for his goalscoring performance. The Player of the Season League Table has also been updated but Steve Bowey still leads the way as he has done from almost day one, next week though should see some competition entering the top half of the league as Sean O'Connor heads for the 50% qualification mark. All of the other players scores from Saturday are listed on the 'Latest Report' page.

Christmas Shopping

15th December 2002

If you were shopping in Dumfries today you will have witnessed a unique site never before seen in Dumfries - A Queen of the South side proudly taking centre stage and showing off two of the major trophies that are available in the Scottish League, the Bell's Second Division Championship Cup and the Bell's Cup. The squad was initially introduced by our most successful manager John Connolly and then the coaching staff and players introduced themselves, Ian Scott, Warren Pearson, Jim Thomson, Peter Weatherson, Andy Aitken, Brian McColligan, Eric Paton, Brian McLaughlin, Andy Goram and Alan Gray. The players get ready to introduce themselves After the introductions the large crowd of supporters were treated to the sight of the players kicking the balls into the crowd to the many youngsters present some fully kitted out in Queens replica strips, there were a few tears at the end when some of the youngsters present hadn't been able to get hold of an autographed ball but it was heartening to see so many young boys and girls wearing the colours of Queens. There is real pride in the achievement of the side throughout Dumfries and Galloway. The balls are kicked out to the waiting crowd

St. Johnstone 2-2 Queens - Reaction

14th December 2002

John Connolly was bitterly disappointed when he spoke from the team bus, "We're all completely dumped", he said, "At two nil up with just minutes to go you're expecting to collect full points but they went and grabbed two late goals. Unfortunately that's football, however I can't fault the team for effort but we did lose our concentration a bit at the end, especially the first goal, but we would have taken a draw before kick-off, however it's hard to take when you lose a game you know you should have won. On a brighter note we are now midway through the season and have twenty three points, we have lost only two of the last twelve games and three of our next four matches are at home, so we've come a long way!" Bill Goldie

Congratulations

14th December 2002

Our congratulations to Castle Douglas side Threave Rovers for an historic victory today as they put league opposition in the shape of East Stirling out of the Scottish Cup, well done to Threave.

Team News

12th December 2002

With Saints legend John Connolly making his first return to Perth as a manager he will undoubtedly be keen that his side put in an impressive performance at McDiarmid Park. Two players are doubtful Paddy Atkinson with a bout of flu and Steve Bowey with a calf strain that saw him replaced last weekend. In terms of suspensions only one player is now over the threshold and this means that Robbie Neilson will miss the match versus Clyde a week on Saturday.

Extra Time at the Shop

12th December 2002

The Club Shop at Palmerston will be open on Sunday 15th December between 2.00pm and 4.00pm and also on Monday 23rd December between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. Make sure that you get your Christmas presents in plenty of time. Also remember that the first team squad will be on Dumfries High Street on Sunday 15th December to sign autographs and give away footballs, there will also be the chance to have your photo taken with the Bell's Cup and the Second Division Championship trophy, so make sure you take your camera along.

McColligan or McLaughlin

10th December 2002

Many Queens fans were puzzled at the weekend when many of the national papers credited Brian McColligan with the goal against Alloa instead of Brian McLaughlin. The confusion arose because data is phoned by a journalist at Palmerston to a central point in Leeds and this is forwarded ton to Teletext, Ceefax and the results and statistics pages for most of the Sunday and daily papers. Apparently the journalist had phoned giving details of Queens double substitution of Paul Shields and Brian McColligan. Two minutes later when Brian McLaughlin scored he phoned again with the scorer but the girl in Leeds apparently picked up his Scottish accent wrongly and misinterpreted McColligan for McLaughlin quoted - obviously with the earlier phone call in her mind. So that folks is how the error came about. Bill Goldie

Man of the Match

9th December 2002

Taking his first Man of the Match award of the season for what must be a contender for goal of the season is Brian McLaughlin, second place went to Eric Paton and third to Jim Thomson. The rest of the scores can be found via the 'Latest Report' link whilst the Player of the Season league table has been updated and can be found via the 'Man of the Match link.

Queens 1-1 Alloa - Reaction

7th December 2002

After the match John Connolly admitted he was reasonably happy with a draw, "Alloa are a stuffy team and we knew from past experience that they would be very difficult to beat if they went in front. But we battled right to the end and Brian McLaughlin scored a tremendous goal to give us a share of the points. At half time I told the lads to shoot more from long range and one super effort from Eric Paton was net bound had it not been for a great save by their 'keeper. I must reiterate, three weeks ago I said if we took seven points from the next three games I'd be a happy man and that's what we got. I must say though, I was looking for full points today, however we've kept our unbeaten run going and have now lost only twice in our last eleven games. So I can't really complain too much for we are still sitting sixth in the table. We have some difficult matches coming up in the next few weeks so it's important we stay focused on the job in hand." Goal hero and sponsors Man of the Match, Brian McLaughlin was delighted with his late strike, said Brian, "I knew time was running out so when I saw the gap I just looked up and chipped it over the defence and it went in at the far post. Alloa are a difficult team to break down but a draw is always better than a defeat."

Site Problem - Resolved

5th December 2002

The following problem has now been resolved. You may have noticed but if not, at present you cannot submit any forms from the site, this includes Day Out voting, Messages, Fan Club memberships etc, we are working on this and hope to resolve it soon.

Team News

5th December 2002

Queens hope to have a full squad available for the visit of Alloa on Saturday. Earlier in the week Sean O'Connor and Steve Bowey were suffering from flu symptoms but both appear to have recovered. Although Alloa are bottom of the table there is no way we can afford to be complacent, it should be noted that eight of the nine points to date have been collected away from home and last season they actually beat us four times in five outings. Manager John Connolly summed it up in one sentence, "Alloa are never an easy team to beat and we must stay 100% focused." Queens players will have to be on their best behaviour over the next few weeks for four of them are literally walking on eggshells in the disciplinary stakes. Robbie Neilson is only one booking away from suspension, while Peter Weatherson, John O'Neill and Brian McColligan are just two yellow cards away form suffering a similar fate. When Jim Donald played for Queens back in the seventies he was occasionally referred to as @Lucky Jim', but that can never be said of his son Barry who must be the unluckiest individual on Queens books. This season alone he has undergone a knee operation, broken a bone in his foot and just when he'd resumed training he went over on the same foot and the bone has broken again, so once more poor Barry has ended up on crutches. We hear that Queens will be moving to their new training ground at Maxwelltown High School very shortly, floodlights are awaiting being installed while the facilities should be ready within a week to ten days. Bill Goldie

Christmas Treat

4th December 2002

Sunday 15th December will see the Queens first team squad in Dumfries town centre between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. The players will be signing autographs and knocking some balls into the crowd. There will also be the chance to have your photograph taken with the Bell's Cup and Bell's Scottish Second Division Championship trophy. More details to follow.

Man of the Match

2nd December 2002

Steve Bowey consolidates his position at the top of the Player of the Season league table after another Man of the Match winning performance on Saturday in the 2-1 victory over the Red Lichties. Second place went to his nearest challenger in the Player of the Season league table, Sean O'Connor, whilst third was taken by former 'Smokie' Jon Crawford making a rare appearance but confirming his credentials as a solid defender and his popularity with the fans. The full scores can be found via the 'Latest Report' link and the Player of the Season league table can be found via the 'Man of the Match' link.

Doonhamers Day Out

1st December 2002

There have been so many superb day's out as Queens fans recently we thought it might be a good idea to ask you how they rank with some of the legendary days that always seem to spring up when people talk about classic Queens matches, Dundee 6-0, Ayr 5-4 etc. So here is your chance, for the next month we will run a vote on the site for the day that stands out most amongst Queens fans as being the 'best' Doonhamers Day Out. Click on the 'Day Out Vote' logo on the right hand side and submit your vote.

Goal	30th November 2002

For a fans-eye view of Derek Lyle's goal click on the link below, again thanks to David Gow for the footage and to Derek Lyle for the close-up. Derek Lyle scores the second

Arbroath 1-2 Queens - Reaction

29th November 2002

It goes without saying that John Connolly was a happy man when he spoke to the website from the team coach, "It was another great win for us", he admitted, "Arbroath is never an easy place to come and get a result, they always put you under pressure from their set-pieces and being right next to the North Sea the weather can also play a big part. Derek Lyle's goal just after the interval came at a great time and big Sean O'Connor should have made it 3-0 shortly after that which would more or less settled the match. They had a man sent off but it doesn't always make it easier and then they pulled back to 2-1, we were under pressure once again, however we held on to take maximum points and that's what counts at the end. We're almost half way through the season now and have twenty one points from sixteen games, if anyone had offered us that back in August we would have bitten their hand off. We're now eleven points clear of the second bottom team so they would need four wins to overtake us so that in itself takes a lot of pressure off us. A couple of weeks back I said I'd take seven points from the St.Mirren, Arbroath and Alloa games, but I've changed my mind now, I want nine. But Alloa are never an easy side to beat so it's crucial we focus on each game as it comes along and take it one week at a time." Bill Goldie

A Shot at Glory

29th November 2002

The long awaited release of the Robert Duvall/Ally McCoist football based movie on DVD has been made across the Atlantic. The DVD went on sale in the US on the 19th of this month but as yet there seems no sign of a UK release date. If you have a region free DVD player then you can watch this movie quite happily in the UK, the lowest cost supplier seems to be www.deepdiscountdvd.com who, including shipping to the UK will sell it to you for around £15, probably cheaper than it will be when released in the UK in any case. Shipping takes less than a week, or did when we purchased a copy.

Team News

28th November 2002

Owing to work commitments both Derek Allan and Derek Anderson will be missing from the Queen of the SOuth squad who travel to Arbroath on Saturday. Derek Anderson in particular will be a big miss as he has been performing so well in the centre of the defence these past few months. A defence that has recorded ten clean sheets in twenty two competitive games so far this season. Back however will be Peter Weatherson and Brian McColligan who were both missing through suspension last Saturday. Bill Goldie

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