LATEST NEWS
For previous news articles see the monthly archive at the foot of this page.
Match Reaction 31st July 2004
Queens pulled off a well earned 2-0 victory at Airdrie this afternoon and Warren Pearson was absolutely delighted with both the result and the performance, after the match he said, "The game very much followed the pattern that we expected, they were on a high having been promoted last season just as we were a couple of years ago. The first half was fairly even but after Gary Wood scored I felt we got on top. We passed the ball about really well, played possession football and our movement off the ball was particularly pleasing. After he came on Emilio Jaconelli's performance was outstanding and he was involved in both goals, however it was a tremendous team performance and I was proud of the lads but I'd like to give a special mention to Brian Reid and Jim Thomson. Their presence and experience has been magnificent both on the pitch and in the dressing room. As for the fans, you were brilliant. Thank's a million for the support. I spoke to Scotty on the phone after the match and he was ecstatic".

After his Battlecry on the website this week Bowser was glad if it had helped inspire the team and the fans. Said the skipper, "It's always great to start the season with a victory and I thought we thoroughly deserved it. I'm told that apart from the Scottish Cup Airdrie haven't lost a game since Christmas so that makes the win even better. It was hot out there but we adapted well. In the second half we took control of the game and just as we did so many times last season we soaked up the first half pressure and came good".

Although disappointed Airdrie manager Sandy Stewart praised Queens and admitted the better team won. "It was a typical cup tie but Queens took their chances well and deserved their success. After they scored the first goal they really got on top and the penalty just killed the game and put it beyond our reach. It was good to meet a first division side in the cup rather than one from the lower leagues as it gave us a chance to see what we will be up against this coming season".

Both David McNiven and Emilio Jaconelli sustained injuries this afternoon, McNiven suffering a slight calf strain and Jaconelli a hamstring injury the extent of which will be fully assessed on Monday.

Bill Goldie
Striker Signs Up 30th July 2004
All our fans will be 'over the moon' to hear that Queens have at last acquired another striker today, Chris Armstrong. Said assistant manager Warren Pearson, "We're absolutely delighted, we've been talking to Chris for a week or two but now everything's sorted out and we've agreed terms. He won't be playing against Airdrie tomorrow but he'll be joining us for training on Monday night. He's a big lad at 6ft 2in and that's what we've been after. He's only twenty but joined Leeds United as a youngster and was five years at Elland Road. Since May he's been on the books at Rochdale".

Bowser's Battlecry 29th July 2004
An upbeat Steve Bowey spoke out this week and blasted out his own personal battlecry. "Let's build on last season and let's go that bit higher in the table!". Added 'captain courageous' "We've finished fifth for the past two seasons so it would be a great achievement if we could finish even higher. There's only Hamilton and ourselves 'part-time' so once again we're up against eight 'full-time' sides but that hasn't bothered us in the past. But it's important we get off to a good start with three of our first four league games at home. If we can get points on the board early it takes a lot of pressure off and allows us to play a more relaxed type of football. As in past seasons our first priority is to consolidate our First Division status and proceed from there. Fifth again would be acceptable, fourth would be great, third would be tremendous and higher than that, magnificent. I'd really love to win the title for it would be 'one in the eye' for the bookies who have us favourites for relegation once more".

Ready for the off!
Do you think we have a stronger squad than last season we asked? "At the end of last season we lost two very good strikers, big Sean and 'Burky'. Between them they scored over 30 goals so it's going to be hard to replace them. However the gaffer's signed David McNiven, a real goal-getter, and he's certainly been knocking them in at training. I know he's still on the look-out for another good striker and I've every faith in him getting the right man. Andy Aitken was another big favourite to leave but we appear to be well covered in defence with Chris Scott and Tommy English, two lads from my part of the country, and also Paul Hilland, already signed. Brian McLaughlin is back and he's a very experienced player and we've got Craig Samson on loan again to challenge Colin Scott in goal. Whether we're stronger or nor--only time will tell!".

As for the new training facilities at the Crichton, 'Bowser' describes them as "Fantastic, a big improvement on our previous venue. It's a great playing surface, it's nice and flat and there's plenty of grass--so you can't ask for better than that. He added "When we get the floodlights up we'll be able to train there all the year round. It's a huge step in the right direction. If I wasn't working I'd be right up there to train with the young lads but if I do manage to get the odd day off I'll be first there in the morning. I'm a fitness fanatic and proud of it".

Where do you see your future was the next question. "In the close season I had the opportunity to go 'full-time' with two or three clubs but I turned them down to stay with Queen of the South". But why? "Because I'm very happy at the club" he responded. "I've a lot of respect for 'Scotty' and 'Wasa' and I was delighted when they took over when John Connolly left. Although they're my bosses I'm very close to them both--us 'Geordies' stick together! The atmosphere in the dressing room has always been brilliant and though I'm skipper I'm treated just the same as the rest of the lads. I wouldn't have it any other way. And finally the Queens' fans. I've always had a tremendous rapport with them and I sincerely hope I always will. They give us 110% support, both home and away. They're always right behind us, particularly away from home when they seem to be much more vociferous, and it gives us all a lift. They make the club and without them there wouldn't be a Queen of the South. So I hope to be at Palmerston for a good few years yet".

Bill Goldie
Two out for Cup clash at Airdrie 29th July 2004
Queens will be minus Paul Hilland and Eric Paton for the Challenge Cup tie at Airdrie on Saturday. Said assistant manager, Warren Pearson "Paul is unavailable owing to illness in the family while Eric is still recovering from a hip injury. Eric has been getting a course of injections from a specialist and appears to be responding to the treatment but it could be a week or two before he's fit again". Here's hoping the doc's getting to the bottom of it! Added Warren "We're hopeful that Emilio Jaconelli will feature. He's been out for a fortnight with a thigh injury but I think he might make it".

Bill Goldie
New Signings? 29th July 2004
On the subject of new signings Warren emphasised "We'll have the existing squad for the first two games but hopefully we'll be signing two new players after that. It will be a striker and another defender. Most of the ground work has been done but both have still to put pen to paper".

Bill Goldie
Coaching Changes 25th July 2004
Queens have re-organised their coaching personnel for the coming season. With Iain Scott and Warren Pearson both moving up a rung to become manager and assistant manager respectively, Brian Reid will now take on the role of First Team Coach. With Paddy Atkinson and Gordon Doig having left the club the coaches are now: George Paterson (Head of Youth), Fred Smith, Tim Leighfield, Keith Middlemiss and newcomer, Paul McGinlay. Colin Scott is now Goalkeeper Coach, but will still of course be playing, while Gordon Hyslop takes on the role of Player Recruitment Officer.

Bill Goldie
Youths in Ireland 25th July 2004
Queens' Under-15s lost their final two matches in the international Northern Ireland Milk Cup Tournament but although the youngsters managed only one victory in the competition they acquitted themselves well both on and off the park. On Thursday they lost 1-0 to County Londonderry in a re-match of their opening game but were a bit unfortunate, and on Friday they went down 4-1 to County Armagh (another big strong side) with Stuart McColm again our marksman.

Said coach Fred Smith who was in charge of the party "It has to be taken into account that the majority of our squad were just turned 14 and one lad only 13, and we were up against sides nearly a year older than ourselves. The venture was still a huge success and greatly enjoyed by us all and we could not have been made more welcome by our Irish hosts. It's possibly thr biggest youth tournament in the world and there were over 20,000 lining the streets for the opening, so it was indeed an honour to have been invited. Early indications point to us getting an invite back next year so it might, hopefully, become an annual event for us".

Bill Goldie
Match Reaction 24th July 2004
Said assistant manager Warren Pearson after the match. "It was a game of two halves but it was a great fightback and I was proud of the lads. Chester were a very good side and are one of the favourites for promotion from their league this season. They were big, strong and physical but that's what we expected and don't forget they beat both Cardiff City and Walsall last week.

"We didn't start particularly well. In fact after the two hard games against Dunfermline and Newcastle we looked a bit jaded. However, in the second half we brought on Gary Wood, Paul Burns and Willie Gibson and the fresh legs certainly made a big difference. Gary took his goal really well, a great header which I hope will be a confidence booster for him while 'Burnseys' was real class--the goal of the game. Willie Gibson started the move down the left wing. He played the ball in to David McNiven who held it up well gave it to 'Burnsey' whose finish was tremendous--a left-foot shot into the top corner of the net which gave the keeper no chance. In fact, in the last ten minutes we could well have won the game, but I'm not complaining.

"To draw with a very good team away from home after giving them a two-goal start wasn't a bad day's work and I've told the lads that that's the kind of effort and commitment I'm expecting when the season starts in earnest.

"We're all going out tonight to enjoy ourselves--the lads deserve it!"

Bill Goldie
Off to Chester 22nd July 2004
Queens set off for Chester tomorrow with a full party travelling. However both Eric Paton and Emilio Jaconelli are still on the injured list and are unlikely to feature. Steve Bowey suffered a minor knee injury against Newcastle on Wednesday evening but the skipper said "I only came off as a precautionary measure, I'll be O.K. for Saturday". It looks like being another tough match for Chester are playing really well at the moment and in the past few days have defeated Cardiff City 2-0 and Walsall 3-0.

Bill Goldie
Chester Details 22nd July 2004
Admission prices for the game on Saturday at the Deva Stadium are as follows; East Stand - Adults £10, Concessions £5, Terracing - Adults £8, Concessions - £4.

Directions Follow this link to the Official Chester City website for thorough directions: Deva Stadium
Under-15's in Ireland 21st July 2004
Queens Under-15 squad are performing well against very stiff opposition in the Northern Ireland Milk Cup. Although they lost 3-0 to County Londonderry in their first game on Monday they bounced back to beat St Patricks from Dublin 2-1 on Tuesday. Scorer of both goals was Stuart McColm. This victory saw them qualify for quarter-final stage of the B.T. Cup. They will be competing in the middle section of the three qualifying groups and only missed out on the top section on goal average. Today they met another side from Dublin, Cherry Orchard who were rated one of the best teams in their group but despite a brave fight against a big, powerful side they went down 4-0 with young Jack Steel their star player. Tomorrow they again face County Londonderry so they'll be all out to avenge that defeat on Monday. The tournament is proving a huge success with over 10,000 at the official opening ceremony.
Match Reaction 21st July 2004
Queens surrendered their unbeaten record in pre-season friendlies tonight when they went down 3-1 to a Newcastle United eleven. Although it was a young side the visitors fielded it was a fast and classy outfit. There were at least four players with first team experience - Jamie McClen who has made about 20 big team appearances; Michael Chopra and Steven Taylor, both England Under 21 internationals and Martin Brittain who turned out for them in the UEFA Cup last season.

Said manager Scotty after the game, "They were a good side with a lot of excellent players but it was a good workout for us. Again we created a lot of chances but failed to take them and we could have been 3-0 up at half-time - we know we have a problem up front and we lack pace in that department so that's why we're still looking for other strikers, but they are not easy to come by".

Bill Goldie
7.00pm Kick Off 20th July 2004
Just a quick reminder that the match versus Newcastle United tomorrow evening kicks-off at 7.00pm.
Team News 19th July 2004
Iain Scott was delighted with the team performance against Dunfermline on Saturday, "The first half hour in particular was excellent" he said, "we passed the ball about well, we also broke well and matched them in every department. Don't forget we were up against a top Premier League side, a team who will be playing in Europe this season and who were Scottish Cup finalist last season.

A draw was a good result for us but to be honest in pre-season friendlies the result isn't all that too important. It was our first friendly against top opposition but will prove most useful before we tackle Newcastle United on Wednesday".

Queens will have two players missing for the visit of the Magpies. Emilio Jaconelli has a thigh injury and Eric Paton has still not fully recovered from his hip injury.

Bill Goldie
Photo Shoot 19th July 2004
It was time for the annual photo-shoot of the new squad tonight at Palmerston so look out in the local papers and the website for team groups and individual shots. All of the squad were present and looked extremely smart in the new home strips whilst the 'Fit for Purpose' lads sported the new away tops.


Back Row L to R: Richard Maxwell, Tommy English, Stephen Payne, Brian McColligan, Paul Burns, David Bagan, Mark Whorlow
Middle Row L to R: Kenny Crichton(Physio), Gary Wood, Jim Thomson, Colin Scott, Stuart Hill, Craig Samson, Brian Reid, Paul Hilland, Warren Pearson (Assistant Manager)
Front Row L to R: James Baty, Brian McLaughlin, Willie Gibson, Eric Paton, Steve Bowey, Iain Scott (Manager), Chris Scott, David McNiven, Emilio Jaconelli, Ross Beattie
George Farm 17th July 2004
It is with great sadness that we learnt today of the death of former Queen's great George Farm just one day after his eightieth birthday. Our condolences go out to his wife, children and grandchildren. It was a particularly poignant one-minutes silence today as both sets of fans fondly remembered the great goalkeeper and manager. Indeed it was Farm who guided Dunfermline to their greatest achievements in winning the Scottish Cup in 1968 and reaching the semi-finals of the Cup Winners Cup the following season.
Season Review 17th July 2004
Remember tonight that it is time for the latest installment in our review of last season. Tonight Ewan looks at the months of February and March, a Scottish Cup exit but a Player of the Month award for big Sean. Click on the link on the right.
Pars at full strength 15th July 2004
Queens take on Dunfermline on Saturday in their first home friendly of the season. Jim Leishman confirmed today that they will be bringing their full first team squad which will include Barry Nicholson, Derek Stillie, Scott Thomson and Andrius Skerla. Also in the pool will be Derek Lyle who is currently on loan at East End Park - but no Maradona.

Queens too hope to be at full strength although Eric Paton is still nursing a hip injury. More news tomorrow.

Kick-off will be at 3.00pm on Saturday with the admission price £5.00 and £1.00 for concessions.

Bill Goldie
Cup Comments 14th July 2004
In the opening round of the CIS Insurance Cup Queens have been drawn at home to Albion Rovers, a side we haven't met for 10 years. Commenting on the draw manager Iain Scott said, "After six cup ties away from home last season I'm just delighted the game's at Palmerston. They're in the third division but we shouldn't kid ourselves for I'm sure it will still be a tough match. There are no easy games in football - just look what happened at Stranraer last year. However if we prepare properly and show Albion Rovers the respect they deserve I'm confident we can win through to the next round when most of the Premier League sides will become involved".

Bill Goldie
Queens' youngsters off to Ireland 14th July 2004
Queens' Under-15 squad set off this weekend for an experience of a lifetime when they cross the Irish Sea to take part in the Northern Ireland Milk Cup.

Said Gordon Hyslop who was involved in the negotiations "It all came about quite suddenly when Tanzania were unable to get visas in time and had to withdraw. With Queens having a good record of their own for organising youth tournaments we were invited to take their place and it was too good an opportunity to miss. Normally such a trip would cost in the region of £5000 but thanks to the help of our Irish hosts who are meeting costs at their end, only the ferry crossings will need to be paid for and discounts have already been arranged for them".

He added "It's the biggest and most prestigious tournament of its kind in the world and will be covered by Ulster TV and national radio. So it's a great honour for the club to be asked to take part" Queens will be competing in the Junior section for Under 15s which includes no fewer than 24 teams and they will play five matches kicking off at mid-day on Monday when they meet County Londonderry in Coleraine. Their base will be the University of Ulster in Coleraine itself and in charge of the party will be Fred Smith who will be assisted by Paul McGinlay, Neil Muirhead, George Paterson and Tom Leighfield.

So big is this tournament that in the Premiership Section for Under 17s are Ajax, Bayern Munich and Manchester United plus most of the other clubs in the English Premiership. And in the International Elite group (for Under 19s) Brazil, Sweden, U.S.A., Canada and New Zealand are all represented.

So we wish our youngsters all the best! For full details of the tournament log on to nimilkcup.org.

Bill Goldie
Tonight's Squad 14th July 2004
Queens will be fielding only four first team players for tonight's meeting with Threave Rovers at Castle Douglas - Willie Gibson, Paul Burns, Stephen Payne and Scott Robertson. The rest of the side will comprise youngsters from the Under 19 squad.

Bill Goldie
Junior Blues News 13th July 2004
Queens today responded to representations made by fans to the club regarding the Junior Blues seating arrangements that were planned for next season. Whilst it is still the preference of the club to retain the seating arrangements in the East Stand, this will NOT be mandatory and the Junior Blues will be free to transfer between areas. This keeps the situation as it was last season.
Shock in Cup Draw 13th July 2004
There was a major shock today as the draw for the first round of the CIS Insurance Cup was made.....Queens received a home tie!

The opponents will be Albion Rovers with the match to take place on either the 10th or 11th August.
Unhappy Manager 12th July 2004
Iain Scott was not a happy man after Saturday's 1-1 draw at Barrow. Said the manager "It just wasn't good enough--both the performance and the fitness level left a lot to be desired and I think after the midweek game at Kirkcudbright we've been kidding ourselves. I'd only give about half a dozen players pass marks for fitness but it's early days yet so I'm looking for a big improvement. We hit the woodwork five times and should have won the match comfortably, but hitting the woodwork's not the same as scoring and it's goals that win games. We've got to take our chances and get the ball in the back of the net and the players have all been told that."

Bill Goldie
Hilland Signs 12th July 2004
Queens made their sixth capture of the season when they signed versatile defender, Paul Hilland, today. The ex-Hibs and Berwick player has been training with the club for the past couple of weeks and can play either left-back or as a central defender. Paul started the match at Barrow on Saturday but had to leave the field with a toe injury after only 25 minutes. He has been signed on a one year contract.

Bill Goldie
Season Review 10th July 2004
Tonight Ewan looks at the months of December and January as Queens had some mixed results.
Barrow Prices 8th July 2004
The cost to gain entry to the match versus Barrow on Saturday will be Adults £5 with Concessions at £2.
Southward Bound 8th July 2004
Following their 9-0 victory over St.Cuthbert Wanderers at Kirkcudbright on Wednesday night Queens head south of the border on Saturday to meet Barrow. Like most sides in the Unibond Premier League they are a big strong team and manager Iain Scott reckons it will be a good test for his players. Said Scotty, more or less our full squad , Brian Reid was late back from holidays and is a bit behind the others for fitness but he'll certainly be travelling. Both Eric Paton and Brian McColligan have been nursing injuries but I hope they'll feature for at least part of the game".

Looking back at the match at Kirkcudbright Scotty added, "It was very helpful but there were some positives and negatives. It was a good exercise and it gave us the opportunity to make up our minds on some of the trialists who have been training with us. It also gave us the chance to play some of our fringe players as well as yes, it was well worth while".

Bill Goldie
Season Ticket Discounts 8th July 2004
Watch this space for news on where and how you can make your season ticket pay for itself. KC has promised a list of offers and participating sponsors once he has closed all of the deals and will publish it here very shortly. Keep checking back.
50-50 Draw 8th July 2004
Grateful Thanks to George Schneider, mine host of the New Bazaar in the Whitesands Dumfries ( A popular Queen's fans' bar) for once again sponsoring the half-time 50-50 draw this coming season.

BLW
Barrow Friendly 7th July 2004
For those who plan top make their own way to Barrow please leave yourselves plenty of time as although it is in Cumbria it is a good two to two and a half hours drive from Dumfries. Head down the M6 until Junction 36 then follow the A590 (for ever - it seems!). The rest of the directions are from the Barrow Official Website (See "Next Match" link on the right).

"Follow the main A590 trunk road into Barrow, passing the industrial units on the way in. On the right, you pass Kimberley Clarks soft tissue factory. Continuing on another mile or so, the road starts to rise to pass over the railway line, on your right is a part-landscaped 'slag-bank' - a legacy of the bygone days when Barrow had a thriving Steel industry. On dropping down, Bradys Road Haulage and Warehousing is on your left, with the Fire Station on your right. The football ground is now to your left, with Asda, MFI and Stollers 100 metres further on."

There is also a few fast food places reasonably close by and a Morrisons Supermarket. If you plan to make a day of it you could do worse than head for the South Lakes Wild Animal Park in the morning, for details click on this link South Lakes Wild Animal Park.
Solid Start 7th July 2004
Queens got off to a good start to the pre-season with an emphatic 9-0 victory over St.Cuthbert Wanderers tonight in Kirkcudbright. For the match report please see the 'Latest Report' link.
Club Shop to Open 6th July 2004
The Club Shop at Palmerston will open on Friday evening between 6.30pm and 8.30pm for the sale of the new season replica strips. Club Shop manager John Patterson has been advised that he will have a delivery this week of the tops which will enable those travelling to Barrow to be the first in the new colours.
New striker joins the fray 3rd July 2004
Queens had their full squad on show for the first time this season for their Saturday morning training session at the Crichton, this included Brian Reid just back from holiday in Gran Canaria.

Also there was our most recent signing, David McNiven who confessed at being delighted to be a Queen of the South player at last. Said the striker "I've known 'Scotty' for quite a while and during the summer break we had several meetings and he made it clear from the start that I was his number one target. However, I was out of contract and there were other clubs interested so naturally I had to consider my options. Part-time football appealed to me as I'm a mature student at Edgehill University in Liverpool and playing for Queens would work in well with my studies. So I turned down bigger offers to come to Palmerston".

Obviously money's not everything to the much-sought-after hit-man who claimed he'd actually netted 27 goals for his former club, Leigh R.M.I. last season, not 26 as was previously reported. He continued "An added incentive to move north again was the vibes I got when I first walked into the club. The park looked great, so did the training facilities and all the lads made me most welcome".

Football must run in the McNiven blood for his father, who played for Leeds United, gained three Under-21 caps for Scotland and his twin brother, a former Oxford United player, was also capped for his country at Under 21 level. David himself has also sampled Scottish football having played for Hamilton two years ago in the Second Division. However, he considers the First Division a level higher than the Conference in which he previously competed.

20-year-old Chris Scott who joined from Sunderland earlier in the week was also up for the challenge. Said the young full-back "It will be my first experience of Scottish football but I'm really looking forward to it".

Midfielder Tommy English, however, is no stranger to football north of the border. "I played in the Premier League last season with both Livingston and Partick Thistle" he said "So although it's First Division now, I'm glad to continue my career in Scotland. I've been training with Queens for two weeks now, so I know most of the lads and they're a friendly bunch".

Bill Goldie
Samson adds his strength 3rd July 2004
Manager, Iain Scott, admitted he was very happy at how training was progressing and said he was now looking forward to the pre-season matches against St Cuthbert's and Barrow next week. He is also confident that goalkeeper Craig Samson will return to Palmerston on Monday. "It's a one year loan deal. It was all agreed a couple of weeks ago but Kilmarnock manager, Jim Jeffries was reluctant to give the final go-ahead until he'd signed another keeper himself. However, Jim secured Alan Combe from Bradford City this week so I don't see any problem now". The manager says he's also meeting with another striker on Monday. "He's from south of the border but I'm not naming names at this stage for it's only 50-50 at the moment".

Bill Goldie
Season Review 3rd July 2004
We're into November now as Ewan continues his review of last season. The month that saw us have some mixed results and see Sean O'Connor crocked again. Click on the Season Review link on the right hand side of the page to read all about it.
Season Ticket Pricing 2nd July 2004
The Season Tickets for 2004-05 are now available and can be purchased at Palmerston Park. Prices are £200 for adults, with OAP's and Juniors £100, Junior Blues (confined to section 1 and 2 of the Galloway News Stand), £45.

Available everyday from the Office at Palmerston or over the phone by credit card payment.
Fit for Purpose 2nd July 2004
The 'Fit for Purpose' programme commences at the Crichton on Monday with ten young players involved. They include first team regulars, Paul Burns and Emilio Jaconelli, also Stuart Hill, Ross Beattie, Colin Carnochan, Craig Rudd, Scott Robertson, Mark Whorlow, James Baty and Richard Maxwell.

Iain Scott himself will be in charge of the morning coaching sessions--Warren Pearson will also be helping out and in 'Scottys' absence Brian McLaughlin will be assisting 'Wasa'. Joining in on a daily basis will be first team players David Bagan, Willie Gibson and Stephen Payne--also Billy McDonald who has been training with the club those past two weeks. When available, Jim Thomson, Steve Bowey, Eric Paton and a couple of others will be taking part to boost their fitness levels. So it could be said Queens are gradually moving closer to becoming a 'full-time' club.

Much of the credit for the 'Accord' with the Crichton must go to our Development Manager, Kenny Crichton, who has worked tirelessly on the project in recent months.

Bill Goldie
Chairman's Message 2nd July 2004
In an exclusive interview for the 'Website', Chairman David Rae enlightened Queens' fans on the happening at Palmerston over the last seven weeks.

Said the Chairman "At the end of the season I promised to keep you all updated with the goings on at the club during the summer break. Well, as you all know by now the Accord with the Crichton was signed providing benefits for both parties. Already 10 young players (including Emilio Jaconelli and Paul Burns) have enroled and will train under 'Scottie' in the morning and further their education at the Crichton Campus in the afternoon. It's all part of a 'Fit for Purpose' programme in conjunction with the S.F.A. and it gets underway on Monday. It's a big step for the club but we feel that the focus on youth is the way forward and linking football with education benefits everyone. Our new training facilities at the Crichton are excellent and the manager, the coaching staff and all the players are suitably impressed.
I sincerely hope that the fiasco in the S.P.L. concerning Partick Thistle and Inverness Caley Thistle has now been resolved and we can get back to playing football. Personally I'm happy at the outcome, for Queens could be around £20,000 better off. We'll make a saving on two overnight stays en-route to Inverness plus added income from the two visits of Partick Thistle to Palmerston for I'm sure they'll bring a much bigger following than I.C.T.

However I firmly believe that Division One will be even tougher this coming season with all of the clubs in the league having stronger squads than ever. Ourselves and Hamilton will be the only 'part-time' sides but with practically all of the clubs now qualifying for Premier League status it's going to be a real battle.

We kick-off with three of our opening league fixtures at home so it's important we get points on the board early on. The manager has been extremely busy trying to get new players at Palmerston, but it's difficult competing against clubs who can offer 'full-time' football. Our first signing was Brian McLaughin who you all know and on Tuesday he recruited two young players from the North East of England, Chris Scott and Tommy English. Yesterday he signed a striker, David McNiven, who is a noted goal-getter and this was in spite of stiff opposition from four other clubs. I was really pleased at that for strikers are always hard to come by since all clubs are desperate for players who can stick the ball in the back of the net.

In recent months we have been working hard to cement relationships with the local amateur football associations in our area. We allowed the use of Palmerston for three cup-finals and this was really appreciated. In fact I had letters from both bodies involved--also from some of the clubs that competed in these games--to thank us. This was most gratifying.

I'm still being asked the big question 'What's happening with Tescos'? Well, we've still only had that one meeting with them but I read in the local press that they were behind schedule with their new 'Superstore' so I can only assume that once they get caught up they'll be back in touch with us. However, I'll keep you up-to-date with proceedings when I know myself.

I'm delighted to report that last season our home attendances showed a 10% increase and our average gate at Palmerston was 2360. In fact, over the past three seasons our home league attendances have gone up 45% which is a credit to you, the supporters.

Well, that's all for now and like all the fans I'm really looking forward to the new season which commences in a month's time. I trust you'll give us the same superb support as last season--I assure you it's really appreciated.

David Rae

Bill Goldie
Queens sign a new striker 1st July 2004
Queens made a big signing at 6p.m. this evening when they persuaded David McNiven to join the club following several weeks of negotiations. It was a major coup for Queens for Carlisle United, Stevenage, Shrewsbury Town and latterly Blackpool had all been chasing the 26-year-old striker so manager, Iain Scott was naturally delighted to sign him.

Said Scotty "He's a very experienced player and scored 26 goals for his former club, Leigh R.M.I. in the Conference League last season. He holds the ball up well and creates openings for other players. He can also score goals from both in and out of the penalty box. David turned down a better financial deal to join us" he added. "He'd heard a lot of good things about Queens and when he was up in Dumfries was very impressed with the ground, the new training facilities and also the atmosphere in the dressing room. He's signed a one-year contract, he's a free agent so no fee was involved".

Born in Leeds, David commenced his career as a trainee at Oldham and following a loan spell at Scarborough moved on to Southport, York City and Chester before coming north to Hamilton Accies in October 2001 for a brief term. He then returned south of the border again and turned out for Northwich Victoria and Leigh R.M.I. and, as the manager emphasised, netted 26 goals for the latter who were still unbelievably relegated. Last month he was a member of the Conference League Select on a tour of Europe and the USA.

How David will look turning out for Queens
The manager also stated that he hoped to get the new goalkeeper fixed up tomorrow and revealed that Colin Scott would be player/coach this coming season. He also hopes to sign another striker in the not-too-distant future and, if successful, this would take his tally of new faces up to six. "A much stronger position than we were in this time last year" he concluded.

Queens had their first full training match on Wednesday night at the Crichton and the majority of the players looked quite fit and raring to go.

Bill Goldie
Scotty Urges You to Buy Early 30th June 2004
The season tickets for the new season are currently on sale and Iain Scott is asking you all to get yours early, click on the season ticket picture on the right to see what Scotty is saying.
Fixture Cards Out Now 30th June 2004
This season's fixture cards, with a colourful new look, are available from Friday at the usual outlets, they are - Palmerston, Rankins Newsagents - across from the PO, the Tourist Information Centre, Low's Newsagents in Castle Douglas and the Sports and Trophy Centre in Lockerbie.
Two New Signings 29th June 2004
Queens have made two new signings today. Chris Scott, a 20-year-old defender has been signed from Sunderland where he captained both the Under 17 and Under 19 sides, Chris can also play in a midfield role. Tommy English is the second player, he too is a 20-year-old and has been training with Queens for the past ten days. An ex-Newcastle United midfielder he had loan spells with both Stoke City and Livingston and was on the books of Partick Thistle for the latter part of last season.

Manager, Iain Scott, is hoping to add another player to his squad tomorrow.
Queens on Tour 28th June 2004
Remember this holiday season that wherever you end up on holiday be it Sandyhills or the Seychelles we want your photo for the matchday programme - Only one condition is applied and that is that you must be wearing something that will clearly show that you are a Queens fan, a strip, a scarf, a hat, a T-shirt, you get the idea.

Send the photo's to the website and keep a lookout in the matchday programme to see if you get featured.
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