Andy's ambition has always been to move to a bigger club although he's always loved Queens. His big chance came in 1999. Jamie McAllister, David Lilley and Andy had all been invited up to Pittodrie for a trial period by Aberdeen coach, Keith Burkinshaw. "Jamie and David were both signed" he recalls "But just when it looked as if I'd follow them up the road
the manager, Paul Hegarty, was sacked and that was the end of it. It had been a golden opportunity to join a Premier League side and go full time and I must admit it was a real blow for me and the biggest disappointment of my entire career.
"After that setback my form slumped for a while but I soon pulled myself together and realised I'd just have to get on with the game.
"The following season there was another disappointment. Carlisle United came forward with an offer but it was a derisory one and Queens turned it down"
Andy openly states that his favourite position is playing in central defence. "From time to time I've been asked to play as a left-sided defender" he confirmed "I think it's because I'm a bit younger than some of my fellow defenders and have a wee bit more pace. However, I just get on with it and try to give 100% in every game".
Having turned out well over 200 times for Queens, Andy has had many memorable matches. But the most memorable of all was that 'gala day' at the end of last season against Morton. "We'd just clinched the league championship the previous Saturday at Forfar and the whole town was buzzing. It was a 'full house' that day and the atmosphere was electric. The fans were tremendous, we won 4-0 and before the game the championship flag was raised and we were presented with the trophy. It was a day I'll never forget as long as I live!"
Three other matches Andy will long remember are the two Challenge Cup finals. "We won one and lost one" he said "But they were both great days out for fans and players alike. Also my 200th appearance earlier this season against St Mirren at Paisley, but I was sorry to lose that one after leading at half time.
"Those past 18 months have brought us two trophies and I'm convinced the reason is the great atmosphere in the dressing room. We all get on so well together and that makes all the difference. We've got some right characters as well--wee Joe McAlpine is a real 'belter' and Andy Goram, despite being Scotland's greatest ever keeper, is very down to earth and a real laugh a minute" Away from football Andy is a very busy young man. He works as a pipe fitters mate; is studying Business Administration and is also on work experience one day a week with the council.
He is a true family man at heart and is happy to confess that his family is right behind him. "My wife used to hate football" he admits "But now Kerry's at nearly every game and is my biggest critic. My parents have always encouraged me throughout my career and have been there for me through good times and bad".
To relax Andy likes a round of golf at his local Powfoot course. In winter he plays badminton and enjoys nothing better than walking his two dogs.
He has always been a big favourite with Queens' supporters, young and old, who appreciate his genuine enthusiam for the game. Long may it continue !
Look out for next months 'Player Chat' when we speak to John O'Neill.
Bill Goldie
|
![[Back to Queens front page]](nhome.gif){kind=small}