THIS MONTHS LATEST NEWS
For previous news see the monthly archive at the foot of this page.
NEW LOOK PROGRAMME LAUNCHED31st July 1999
Queen's new look programme for season 1999/2000 was available for the first time today. It see's quite a dramatic change in terms of presentation with the use of excellent high quality graphics for the front page.

The quality of the content again ensures that a programme is a must for every fan visiting the ground, surely a strong contender for Second Division Programme of the Year again.
NEW SHOP ITEMS31st July 1999
As promised last week here are the photo's of the other two new items now available from the Palmerston Club Shop.
Framed aerial photo £8-50
[An Aerial view of Palmerston Park] 		New mug £3-50
[New mug]
ROUND UP31st July 1999
Noticed this evening that Albion Rovers new signing Alex Nesovic found himself in the referee's book again today, collecting a red card in their CIS League Cup defeat against Clyde. We also noticed that Craig Flannigan and Gary Russel have joined Mark Shank's new team.

A Derek Townsley cross set up Pat Nevin for Motherwell's first goal in their two all draw with Hibs this afternoon.
FOUR NEW FACES SIGN UP30th July 1999
Some frantic activity over the past few days behind the scenes at Palmerston has borne fruit, in total four new players have been signed, three for the season and one for a month initially.

Players with valuable experience at higher levels have seen the set up at Palmerston and want to be part of it, these include Paul Harvey formerly of Airdrie and Raith Rovers, Billy Findlay formerly of Ayr United and Kilmarnock, Alan Kerr previously with Icelandic side Thor and prior to that at Kilmarnock where he was highly thought of.

At this stage it is unclear whether Alan Kerr will be able to take part on Saturday as international clearances are still required.

Finally Queen's goalkeeping crisis has been resolved with the signing on a months contract of John Hillcoat, formerly at Morton.

Hopefully tomorrow we can continue the good form shown against Aberdeen midweek and safely proceed to the next round of the CIS League Cup.
LICHTIES BRING FAMILIAR FACES29th July 1999
This Saturday sees the opening competitive match of the 1999/2000 Season with the first round of the CIS League Cup.

We welcome David Baikie and his Arbroath team to Palmerston, amongst the faces at Gayfield are a couple that will be more than familiar to Queen's fans with both Tommy Bryce and Jim Thomson both moving during the close season to the North East fishing port's team. It could have been worse however as Arbroath also had designs on Stevie Mallan and talked to Marv, fortunately for us though, Tuesday's hat-trick hero Stevie decided that he wanted to stay at Palmerston where he remains one of the fans most popular players for many years. Also JT picked up and injury in a recent friendly and may not be a definite starter.

The bad news for Queen's is that David Mathieson will be missing, see story below, however the good news is that coach George Rowe is available as his remaining two match suspension does not include the CIS League Cup only the League. Team selection will depend on a few unresolved issues as neither of the three midweek trialists are as yet confirmed and registered.

Our record versus Arbroath last season wasn't too bad with a 0-0 draw at Palmerston in August, see photograph below where Andy Aitken just shaves the post with a header late on, a 2-1 defeat at Gayfield then a 3-0 win at Palmerston and a 2-0 win in the second last game of the season at Gayfield.
[Aitken shaves the bar]

Arbroath will be a stronger side this term with the addition of both Thomson and Bryce, they have already shown this in their pre-season results having beaten Inverness Clach and Buckie Thistle, drawn with Dundee United and Morecambe with narrow defeats from Dundee and Lancaster City. Other Arbroath players to watch out for are Jim Mercer and McGlashan who always performs well at Palmerston.

MATHIESON MISERY29th July 1999
David Mathieson learned today that he is unlikely to figure in goals for Queens until October at the earliest, following the twisted knee that he picked up in the 3-1 friendly win versus Aberdeen on Tuesday night.

Queens now face a mammoth task in locating and registering an experienced replacement keeper in time for Saturday's CIS Insurance League Cup clash versus Arbroath. It is an unexpected blow as David has been an ever present between the sticks for the past three seasons with an excellent injury free record and also as reserve keeper Tommy Muirhead is being developed for the longer term.
SHORTEST LOAN SPELL EVER29th July 1999
Almost as soon as Kilmarnock left back Garry Hay had been signed up on loan from the Rugby Park team he was recalled again. The unfortunate circumstance being the broken arm sustained by Killie regular full back Martin Baker this week, with Killie's other covering player for this position also out through injury Bobby Williamson had no choice but to recall Hay who will be playing against the Gers this weekend at Ibrox instead of facing Arbroath at Palmerston.

It is hoped, however, that Alan Kerr, who has just returned from a spell in Iceland and turned in an impressive performance versus Aberdeen in midweek, whilst not even close to match fitness, will be signed up in time to take the field on Saturday. At this time it is not yet clear whether either Paul Harvey or Billy Findlay will sign.
NEW STRIP28th July 1999
New replica strips will be available this week from the Club Shop, Adult sized tops will cost £37 whilst Childrens sizes will be priced at £27.

Some other new items available this year are a framed aerial photo of Palmerston at £8-50, a new style of mug at £3-50 and Dougie the Doonhamer soft toy mascots at £10. Pictures of the photo and mug next week. Dougie doll and Denis Boyle modelling the new strip below.
[Denis Boyle shows off the new kit] [Dougie the Doonhamer mascot]
MARVELOUS MARV27th July 1999
Stevie Mallan was the star man this evening as Queen's came from 1-0 down to defeat an Aberdeen team 3-1, Marv scoring all three. The victory was overshadowed however by a worrying injury to 'keeper David Mathieson who had to leave the field midway through the second half after pulling up clutching his right leg.

The Queen's team tonight was Mathieson, Lilley, Rowe, Aitken, Kerr, Harvey, Leslie, Cleeland, Boyle, Mallan and Bailey. Substitutes were Adams, Robison, Stewart and Findlay.

All in all it was a satisfying performance for coaches Eadie and Rowe with the defence looking as solid as ever, the midfield more workmanlike and both Mallan and Bailey looking lively up front, indeed Lee Bailey was unlucky on a number of occassions. The addition of the experienced Paul Harvey, previously with Raith Rovers, Alan Kerr from Kilmarnock and Billy Findlay from Ayr United seemed to complement the younger players pretty well, although there is no news of any contracts being offered or accepted by these players as yet.

The first half was a pretty even affair with Queen's getting themselves familiar with the new faces in the team, in thirty two minutes however disaster in the defence as Tiernan of Aberdeen broke through and slotted the ball past the outrushing David Mathieson.

The second half saw Queens settle much more quickly and soon take command of the match, numerous chances were being made and it was only a matter of time before one was taken. It came in the form of a penalty which Stevie Mallan crashed into the top left corner, see photo below.

Stevie was on hand ten minutes later to crash a spectacular goal home from well outside the box and again another ten minutes on when a Charlie Adams run and shot could only be parried out by Peat in the Aberdeen goal and Marv was there again to finish of the Dons.

A final mention to new signing Kevin Robison who replaced David Mathieson and kept a clean sheet for the twenty minutes that he played.
[Marv's penalty]
QUEENS REMAIN UNDEFEATED25th July 1999
Lee Bailey was the on form striker in the friendly match versus Largs Thistle on Saturday, he scored both Queen's goals in a fine 2-0 victory. The squad followed this up with another good result drawing 1-1 with Scottish Junior Cup winners Kilwinning Rangers today, the goal being scored by Denis Boyle.

Whilst there are no new signings to report as yet, Queens have secured Garry Hay, a 21 year old defender on loan from Kilmarnock for the start of the season.
WEEKEND BY THE SEA24th July 1999
The whole squad plus a number of "experienced" trialists are spending this weekend up on the Ayrshire Coast at Largs. The training camp is planned to be an intensive session to really sharpen up the players in preparation for next Saturday's CIS Insurance League Cup match versus Arbroath.

Two matches will be played over the weekend, firstly versus Largs Thistle today and then against Kilwinning Rangers on Sunday. Our final friendly is at Palmerston on Tuesday evening when Aberdeen visit.
THREE AMIGO'S ON OUR TRAIL22nd July 1999
[Three Amigo's] We have received this photograph and cryptic message via e-mail, it appears that the Mexican branch of the supporters association is alive and well when they were spotted in Workington last Saturday.

Their message reads:

"Has anyone anyone seen uncle norm since this picture was taken..........keep a look out for any mexicans in disguise...............they are the crazy gang!!"
NEW SIGNINGS 20th July 1999
As reported below a number of young players made their debut at the weekend versus St Cuthberts and it has to be said greatly impressed the Queens coaching staff. As a result the following players have been signed up.

Ally Brown - A seventeen year old midfielder from Troon.

Raymond Finlayson - A nineten year old midfielder/forward who comes highly recommended from Queens Park and who hails from Glasgow.

Darren McDowal - Signed on an 'S' form, 16 year old Darren comes from Maybole and was formerly signed to Hibs.

Paul Stewart - A victim of Clyde's policy of signing experienced 'Junior' players. Paul plays at either right back or right midfield, lives in Cumbernauld and is just coming up to his twentieth birthday.

Kevin Robison - A Dumfries lad who has been on 'S' forms with Rangers for the past two years and plays in either central midfield or defence.

George Rowe is extremely happy at the quality of the lads that have been attracted to Queens this season and plans to supplement this youth by running out a number of more experienced players during this weekends two day training session at Largs. Amongst these will be Tommy Tait who has yet to decide his future but has been given an option at Palmerston.
YOUNGSTERS SHINE AT KIRCUDBRIGHT20th July 1999
The Queen's team that recorded a 3-1 victory versus St Cuthberts on Sunday was primarily a team of our younger players and a number of young trialists hoping to make the grade. This they certainly did and a number of them have "played their way into a contract", commented George Rowe earlier today.

Goals on Sunday from Charlie Adams, Ally Brown and Raymond Finlayson put Queens three one up at the break, experimental substitutions in the second half restricted the scoring.
DONS COMING IN STRENGTH20th July 1999
Despite reports in the local press that Aberdeen are sending a youth team to Palmerston for next Tuesday evenings friendly, we have been assured by Aberdeen that they will be providing a number of first team players as they split the squad in an attempt to get everyone up to speed for the early season start.
GOOD NEWS FOR MARC20th July 1999
Good news today for Marc Cleeland, after sustaining what looked like a nasty injury during Saturdays friendly versus Workington. Initial reports were that Marc might miss a couple of months, however subsequent examinations have revealed that the injury may not be as bad as first thought, indeed his recovery time is now more than likely to be measured in weeks rather than in months.
QUEEN'S RECORD SECOND WEEKEND WIN19th July 1999
On Sunday Queen's came away from Kircudbright with a satisfying 3-1 victory over local team St Cuthberts Wanderers. More details to follow.
STARTING LINE-UP FROM SATURDAY18th July 1999
The Queen's team that took the field versus Workington yesterday was, Mathieson, Lilley, Weir, Rowe, Aitken, Cleeland, Strain, Leslie, Bailey, Mallan and Caldwell. Substitutes were McCaig, Adams, Stewart, Tate and Robinson. News on the unfamiliar names on Monday night.
QUEEN'S OPEN WITH A WIN17th July 1999
Queen's started the pre-season friendlies with a 1-0 win over Workington Reds this afternoon. George Rowe scoring the winner in the 59th minute in a game with few chances. For some excellent coverage of the game click HERE. You will find a number of photographs from the match and a strange quartet of Queens fans dressed as Mexicans and either supporting or being supported by Chairman Norman Blount.
WHAT THE PAPERS SAY 17th July 1999
A quick round-up of the local papers this weekend shows us that interest and speculation is growing nicely in time for the new season.

The Courier/Annandale tells us that Chris Strain looked impressive playing in the 13-1 win over the Chrichton last weekend, that Tommy Tait will feature this weekend versus Workington Reds in the first competetive friendly of the season, that Paul McGrillen formerly of Falkirk is on his way to Palmerston, although that is denied by George Rowe and that Andre Lopez from Portugal is being lined up as a Nesovic replacement, although Andre is unlikely to remain in Dumfries very much longer.

The Standard covers much of the same ground but gives some front page coverage to the release of tickets for "The Cup" filming, tickets will be available from Wednesday onwards at a number of local outlets, or by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the office at Palmerston.
OOPS!17th July 1999
Please note that the date of the friendly against Aberdeen is 27th July and not as has appeared on the fixtures section 22nd July. The confusion arose because the provisional date was the 22 July and we hadn't updated the fixture list.
FRIENDLY KICK OFF TIMES14th July 1999
The first friendly of the season this Saturday versus Workington Reds will kick off at 3.00pm at Borough Park. The following weeks midweek game versus Aberdeen on 27 July will kick off at 7.30pm.
TICKETS FOR 'THE CUP' FILMING AVAILABLE FROM THIS WEEKEND14th July 1999
A series of local press announcements will be made this weekend to advise people of where they can collect tickets for the filming of the Robert Duvall film "The Cup". A number of outlets in Dumfries will be distributing the tickets as well as Queen's sponsors who will all receive an allocation.

Internet fans are not left out either and anyone wishing to obtain tickets should send a stamped addressed envelope to the Administration Office at Palmerston, (See address above), stating how many tickets you would like, no reasonable requests will be turned down as long as tickets remain.
McALLISTER MAKING AN IMPACT14th July 1999
Former Doonhamer Jamie McAllister appears to be making an immediate impact at Aberdeen. More than one national Press report marks out McAllister as being outstanding in the Dons friendly versus Montrose last night.
CHALLENGE CUP RETURNS12th July 1999
[Challenge Cup]Queen's favourite Cup competition of recent years, "The Challenge Cup", returns along with sponsorship of the Scottish Football League by Bells. The draw for the first round has already been made and Queens will travel across the border to Berwick on 10 August on what will hopefully be the start of another successful campaign. Lets hope that we can get our hands on the Cup this time.
PALMERSTON IN FINE SHAPE9th July 1999
[Kevin McCormick and Denis Boyle show off the pitch] Palmerston Park is in fine shape for the start of the season. Groundsman Kevin McCormick, pictured here earlier today with Denis Boyle, has produced a fantastic playing surface which surely must be one of the best in Scotland.
There have also been a number of impressive improvements around the ground, the most notable of which is the addition of an extending tunnel for the players and officials to enter the pitch through. This see's a modification to the enclosure to afford improved protection for both players and officials. [The new tunnel]
NEW STRIP REVEALED 9th July 1999
[Denis Boyle shows off the new kit] Denis Boyle is shown earlier today giving internet fans an exclusive preview of the new seasons kit complete with Alex Wilson TV and Radio sponsorship message. Denis is shown here 'modelling' the new kit at sun drenched Palmerston. [Denis Boyle shows off the new kit]
DUO RE-SIGN9th July 1999
Both Marc Cleeland and Andy Aitken have re-signed for the club this week as expected.
SHANKS IN ANOTHER HOT-SEAT 9th July 1999
Ex-boss Mark Shanks has followed in the footsteps of Billy McLaren and moved from Queens to Albion Rovers to resurect his managerial career. Mark is featured on this month's "In the hot seat" feature on the Scottish Football website.
LEAGUE CUP SECOND ROUND DELAYED8th July 1999
If Queens can overcome Arbroath at Palmerston in the first round of the League Cup the second round tie versus Hearts will take place on 18th August and not, as originally planned either the 4th or 5th. This is at the request of the SPL who have a number of clubs playing in Europe and want to minimise fixture congestion.
CAMERA CREW FINALISING DETAILS7th July 1999
The camera crew for the filming of "The Cup" are due back at Palmerston tomorrow to finalise the detail of how the scenes will be shot. Details of ticket distribution will be made available next week.
DUO TO RE-SIGN THIS WEEK7th July 1999
The two remaining first team players offered new contracts will re-sign this week. Both Marc Cleeland and Andy Aitken will put pen to paper and consolidate the core of the squad from last term.
QUEEN'S DUO OFF ON INTERNATIONAL DUTY7th July 1999
Denis Boyle and Donna Clachrie are both off shortly to represent Northern Ireland and Scotland Under eighteen's respectively. Both players are delighted to have been chosen and are relishing the opportunity to get back in international action.
QUEENS SAY THANKS TO FANS1st July 1999
As a gesture of thanks to the fans Queens have decided that for the third season in a row Season Ticket prices will remain unaltered.
PRE-SEASON TRAINING STARTS1st July 1999
Queen's players tonight meet up for the first of pre-season training. Coaches George Rowe and Ken Eadie decided to start with a session at Mabie Forest to stretch those holiday muscles.
DATE FOR FILMING ANNOUNCED1st July 1999
Filming for "The Cup" has been confirmed as taking place on the 15th and possibly 16th August at Palmerston. Arrangements regarding ticket allocations etc are now in hand, details will follow.
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