LATEST NEWS
For previous news articles see the monthly archive at the foot of this page.
Man of the Match 30th September 2002
Top man on Saturday according to the Internet Fan Club members was Derek Lyle for his two goal performance, second went to Peter Weatherson and third to Joe McAlpine.

The full scores are listed on the 'Latest Report' page and the 'Fixtures & Results' page whilst the Player of the Season League Table has also been updated and can be found via the 'Man of the Match' link.
Welcome 30th September 2002
Tonight we welcome 274 new members of the Internet Fan Club, they didn't all join today but have submitted their applications between the end of last season and tonight, it has just taken us a wee while to get round to putting all the information on the site. Eighty five more and we will hit the magic 2000 so encourage all those that haven't yet joined to fill in the form.
Tickets Available 29th September 2002
There are still some tickets left for the Bell's Cup Final and they will be on sale to the general public from the club office at the ground between 10:00am and 4:00pm each weekday.

They will be available on a first come first served basis with no limit on the number purchased.

Postal applications will also be accepted.
Goal Action 28th September 2002
We have clips of two goals this evening, one courtesy of the Dundee Official Website at www.dundeefc.co.uk, thanks to David Young the Dundee website editor and the second is Derek Lyle's second goal from this afternoon courtesy of David Gow. The best way to view them is to right click and 'Save As' then open when they are downloaded.

Nellie strikes from distance

Lyle notches number two
Reaction 28th September 2002
Speaking after the game John Connolly said, "I certainly can't fault the lads for effort, we played much better than them but again we couldn't put our chances away.

We are not getting the rub of the green just now but if we keep on playing well I'm still confident we'll start climbing the table.

Once more we got off to a good start with an early goal but again we were unable to hold onto the lead long enough. As I said before we had umpteen chances and their 'keeper had three or four great saves, sure I wanted three points today but one is better than none."

On the Arbroath second goal John said, "We were encamped in their half at the time and Andy was standing where a 'keeper should stand when his team is in attack. The boy took a chance with a long shot and just got lucky, it's as simple as that."

Derek Lyle said he was delighted to save two goals but would have been much happier with three points, said the striker, "I thought I was going to get my hat-trick and snatch a win for Queens near the end, but their 'keeper made a magnificent save. It would have been nice if it had gone in for I've never had a hat-trick in my professional career yet."
Man of the Match 27th September 2002
With a superb strike Peter Weatherson ensured the Internet Fan Club Man of the Match award against Dundee in the CIS Insurance Cup match on Wednesday night, close behind with another battling display was Bowser whilst the consistently impressive Paul Shields took third.

The full scores are listed on the 'Latest Report' page and the 'Fixtures & Results' page whilst the Player of the Season League Table has also been updated and can be found via the 'Man of the Match' link.
Team News 26th September 2002
Having had twenty-four hours to digest the match at Dens Park, John Connolly reiterated that he could not have asked for any more effort or commitment from his players against their Premier League opposition and John added, "I would just like to personally thank the two hundred Queens fans at the match, their support was tremendous right from the kick-off to the final whistle, even when we came on at half-time 3-1 down they were cheering us on. That's the type of support we need for the rest of the season, it really is appreciated. What baffles me is how two hundred fans at the away match can make more noise than sixteen hundred at a home game at Palmerston."

On the team selection for Saturday John said, "Peter Weatherson got a knock on the ankle at Dundee but we're hoping he'll be okay, Peter wants to play and that makes all the difference.

We hope Andy Goram will also be fit for Colin Scott won't figure in the equation."
'Well Connected 26th September 2002
Two well known Queens faces from the past were spotted at Dens Park on Wednesday night. Willie Hunter the former Motherwell player who was manager at Palmerston in 1978 and also former Queens favourite Nobby Clark who was a member of the famous team of the late seventies.

Nobby, who went on to be Queens manager was in the company of ex-England captain Terry Butcher, now boss-man at Motherwell. Nobby is helping Terry at Fir Park by coaching the youth teams and admitted it was the first time he'd seen Queens play since he departed the Palmerston scene in 1986.
Reaction 26th September 2002
Manager John Connolly, speaking to Queens Press Officer Bill Goldie immediately after the match commented, "I am very proud of the players, they fought hard, showed great commitment and put in lots of effort. We gave them a two goal start but still managed to give them a run for their money.

Young Stuart Robertson at just seventeen had an excellent game and although he gave away the second goal and could have crumbled he kept his nerve and made two or three excellent saves later in the game."

Stuart Robertson himself, when asked if he'd felt nervous about his debut appearance for the first team commented, "I wasn't too worried as I didn't have enough time to think about it really, however I was delighted to get the chance of a start. I have to hold my hands up for the second goal but I think that I played well for the rest of the match." He was also grateful for the support received from the Queens fans saying, "The Queens supporters were absolutely tremendous."
Commemorative Badge 25th September 2002
The new commemorative Bell's Cup Final badge featuring the crests of both of the finalists is now available from the club shop, it has to be one of the nicest designs of enamel badge from Queens and is a must for all Queens fans.
Team News 24th September 2002
Ahead of the CIS Insurance Cup second round tie tomorrow night at Dens Park, Dundee, Queens boss John Connolly has no fresh injury worries following Saturdays match at Paisley. Still missing will be Donald, O'Connor, Atkinson, Allan, Goram and Gray, however Jim Thomson and Derek Anderson will both be in the squad.

The tie will undoubtedly be a tough task but as underdogs Queens have shocked the Dens men before, most notably in the two legged League Cup match in 1977 when a 0-0 draw at Dens was followed by a 6-0 hammering of Dundee at Palmerston. Then there was the 2-2 draw in the 1990 competition that saw the first ever penalty shoot-out at Palmerston when Queens won 4-1 on penalties. Another memorable night may well be in store.
Extra-Time 24th September 2002
The Office at Palmerston will extend its opening hours on Thursday the 26th to give season ticket holders extra time to get their tickets, closing time will be 7.00pm instead of the usual 4.00pm.

Ticket sales to the general public will take place outside Palmerston only on Saturday, you will find them being sold outside the Office in the Car Park. If you normally go straight onto the terraces from Portland Road or in to the East Stand then please remember to get your tickets first as there will not be any for sale in the ground.
Belated Congratulations 24th September 2002
Annan lad Andy Aitken reached a milestone with the club last weekend as he made his two hundredth appearance when playing against St.Mirren at Love Street, original calculations looked like Andy would hit the two hundred against Dundee tomorrow night but a check back by Queens statistician Andy Penn spotted that the two hundredth was actually against St.Mirren.

Our congratulations go out to Andy who must be one of the very best football exports from Annan and who will hopefully see a few hundred more appearances in the royal blue and white of Queens.
Man of the Match 23rd September 2002
Goal scorer Paul Shields continues to impress and this week takes the Man of the Match award as voted by members of the Internet Fan Club, in second place was Joe McAlpine and third went to Andy Aitken.

The rest of the players scores can be found on the 'Latest Report' page and the Player of the Season league table has been updated and can be found via the 'Man of the Match' link.
Paddy Cap 22nd September 2002
Following a question on the message board posed by Alex Wilson regarding Paddy Atkinson and his international record we have it straight from the horses mouth that he has NOT turned out for the Singapore national side. Paddy was speaking to Queens Press Officer Bill Goldie tonight and told us that despite being born in Singapore he left the country when he was just three and a half years old. Whilst at Newcastle United he did receive an invitation from the football authorities in Singapore to turn out for the side but had to decline as the red tape involved proved insurmountable.
Bell's Cup Info 22nd September 2002
For details of the Bell's Cup Final please click on the cup photo link in the top right of your screen, the club shop has also been updated and features some items for the Bell's Cup and some to commemorate our championship winning season.
Reaction 21st September 2002
Talking to Queens Press Officer Bill Goldie, from the team coach on the journey home John Connolly was naturally very disappointed,"We were the better side, had seventy percent of the possession and should have come away with all three points", he said.

"But it you can't turn possession into goals you're not going to win games and it's as simple as that. They got two, we got one and left pointless. We took an early lead with a well worked goal but they equalised within ten minutes, we then had several chances to go ahead again but couldn't find the net.

Ten minutes from the end substitute Jim Thomson had a header cleared off the line and a few minutes later they went up the field, won a corner and scored what proved to be the winner. The corner was again very badly defended everyone missed it and it hit Peter Weatherson on the leg and went in. It was a terrible way to lose a game.

It's going to be a long hard season for us and the only consolation looking at today's results is that all the other bottom sides lost. The next few weeks are going to be really crucial for us, we play the three other teams at the foot of the table, Arbroath, Alloa and Clyde, so it's not only the Challenge Cup Final we've got coming up, these next three league games are all going to be like Cup Finals for us."
Up our Street 19th September 2002
A story broken in the match day programme last week by Bruce Wright has moved on this week as the naming of two new streets in the Minerva development on the site of the former Wolsey Knitwear Factory in Troqueer has been approved. Local councillor and well known Queen's fan Tom McAughtrie proposed that the names Bradford Gardens and John Connolly Court be adopted in recognition of the Doonhamers winning the Second Division League title and also reaching the Bell's Cup Final this season. A council meeting this week has approved these names.
Injury Crisis 19th September 2002
No fewer than seven players will be missing this weekend as the injury crisis sweeping Palmerston takes hold. As well as long term injured Jim Thomson, Barry Donald and Sean O'Connor there are another four that will miss out, Andy Goram still feeling the effects of a collision with Robbie Henderson, Derek Allan still nursing an ankle knock, Alan Gray who was unable to train this week and finally Paddy Atkinson who is still recovering from a knock taken a few weeks ago.

With Andy Goram out Colin Scott will take the place between the sticks and with Jamie Campbell registered on loan with Montrose it will be Under 18's regular 'keeper Stuart Robertson that sits on the bench.

Finally the good news is that Robbie Neilson is available after his one match suspension, Peter Weatherson has quickly recovered from his knock and Eric Paton is also fully fit again.
Injury Update 18th September 2002
Speaking to Queen's Press Officer Bill Goldie this afternoon manager John Connolly admitted that he is getting concerned at the ever increasing list of injuries.

"At this moment in time we have no fewer than eight players on the injured list!, he said, "And I'd be hard pushed to name a squad without calling upon under 21 players, it's so frustrating - every time we get a player fit again two more seem to get injured.

Of our three long term injuries Sean O'Connor won't be back until November and although both Jim Thomson and Barry Donald are back in training they're well away from being match fit, Paddy Atkinson is taking a long time to shrug off a calf strain whilst Derek Allan is still recovering from his ankle knock. Add to that Andy Goram who suffered a nasty thigh injury on Saturday, it caused internal bleeding and he could be out for at least a couple of weeks.

Neither Eric Paton or Alan Gray trained on Tuesday night and they must be regarded as doubtful so we're left with only fifteen fully fit senior players.

Thankfully Peter Weatherson has recovered from a shin knock so he's okay and Robbie Neilson will be available again following suspension, but it is still a worrying time for us with so many important games coming up in the next few weeks".
Under 21's at Palmerston 17th September 2002
The Scotland Under 21 side will host the Ghanaian Under 21 side at Palmerston Park on Monday the 14th October 2002 with a 7.30pm kick-off. This could be a return to Palmerston for former Queens starlet Chris Doig who is now at Nottingham Forest and a regular Under 21 international. This will be the most senior match ever held at Palmerston and a good turnout of local fans is hoped for.
Man of the Match 16th September 2002
Top of the voting from Saturdays disappointing display versus Inverness Caley Thistle was sole central defender Andy Aitken, second was a player who only managed 45 minutes, Andy Goram and third, for his goal, Peter Weatherson.

The results for the rest of the side can be viewed via the 'Latest Report' link and the player of the season league table can be seen via the 'Man of the Match' link.
Dundee Kick-Off 16th September 2002
The CIS Insurance Cup match versus Dundee at Dens Park has been moved to a 7.45pm kick-off.
Ticket Hiccup 16th September 2002
Due to unforeseen circumstances the tickets for the Bell's Cup final will not now be available to go on sale until 10.00am on Monday 23rd September 2002. We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.
We're Back 15th September 2002
Following a major loss of service due to the failings of our present ISP the website has not been able to be updated since Thursday evening, we apologise for this failure on behalf of gxn.net who failed to make us aware of the problems prior to shutting down our ability to upload new data to the site.

Thanks to both Stuart McLaren of 'The Only Team in the Bible website and to the Duke of Galloway from Queen of the South - Mad website for alerting people to the fact that the site was down.

Hopefully normal service will now be resumed.
Cup Final Ticket Sales 15th September 2002
Season ticket holders are reminded that the tickets for the Bell's Cup FInal versus Brechin City at Broadwood on the 20th October will go on sale on Wednesday 18th September from 10.00am at the Palmerston Office. You will need to show your season ticket booklet to claim your two tickets.
Dundee Details 15th September 2002
The CIS Insurance Cup second round match versus Dundee has been confirmed for the 25th September at Dens Park, at this time the kick-off has been agreed at 7.30pm however check back prior to the match just to ensure that there is no change.
Reaction 14th September 2002
Said John Connolly after the game, "There is no doubt about it Caley Thistle thoroughly deserved to win, our defending was dreadful at all three goals, I was particularly angered at the first goal for Andy Goram had just pulled off a good save.

Every goal came from headers and I just told the players back there in the dressing room that if I'd been out there myself today I could have scored them. I've also told them that they have no chance of staying in this league if we play like that the effort just wasn't there.

I'll defend them all the way if they show the required effort even if they lose, but the only time they upped the pace this afternoon was after the we'd scored the goal and that was far too late.

But we have to remember that in our six league games to date we have met the three favourites for promotion so we couldn't have had a more difficult start."

The manager also was concerned about the injury situation, "We had five out injured today and one suspended and we've got another three on the treatment table at this moment so we've reached crisis point, we are now walking on egg shells and down to the bare boards as far as players are concerned."

On the injury front the latest casualties are as follows:

Andy Goram - took a nasty knock on the thigh and finished up with a 'dead leg'.

Eric Paton - injured ankle.

Peter Weatherson - took a bad knock on the shin late in the game.

The full extent of these injuries and the implications on the players availability has yet to be assessed fully.
New shirts finally here 13th September 2002
At last some replica shirts have been received from Fila and will be on sale from 1.00pm tomorrow at the club shop, there are only a small number of shirts and they are in a selection of sizes so get there early to ensure you get yours. It will be first come first served.
Team News 12th September 2002
Team news ahead of this Saturday's clash with highland side Inverness Caley Thistle is that there is an injury crisis sweeping Palmerston with no fewer than seven first team players on the treatment table.

Rated doubtful for Saturday are John O'Neill, Steve Bowey, Derek Allan, Derek Lyle and Paddy Atkinson whilst both Jim Thomson and Barry Donald are still in the early stages of recuperation and Sean O'Connor has at least eight weeks to go before he will be anywhere near match fitness. Add to that the suspension of Robbie Neilson and it is easy to see why a match against the on-form highlanders is going to be a tough encounter.
CIS Insurance Cup Draw 12th September 2002
In the second round of the competition Queens have been handed an away draw and face SPL opposition in the shape of Dundee, the match is scheduled for either the 24th or 25th September at Dens.
Man of the Match 9th September 2002
Two goal John O'Neill wins the internet fan club man of the match award for the CIS Insurance Cup first round tie versus Forfar on Saturday past, in second place was Colin Scott who made a number of fine saves to keep the goals against column blank whilst Paul Shields takes third for a tireless display up front.

The player of the season league table has been updated an can be found via the 'Man of the Match' link whilst the scores for the other players involved can be found via the 'Latest Report' link.
Reaction 7th September 2002
Speaking after the match to Queens Press Officer Bill Goldie, John Connolly said that he was happy with the result but felt that the overall performance could have been better.

"We played very well at times but we didn't do it consistently enough for my liking. We scored two goals but anyone who was at the match would agree it could have four or five nil. I was glad to see the second goal go in it was a great strike by John O'Neill but I'm worried that we have another two players with knocks. These cup games have really been a jinx for us as far as injuries are concerned."

Forfar manager Neil Cooper felt the penalty decision played a major part in the final result, "The referee gave a free-kick at first but changed his mind and gave the penalty because of his linesman, otherwise we would have gone in at half-time 0-0 with all to play for in the second half. I feel it was a bad decision by the referee and it cost us dearly."

Two goal hero John O'Neill was delighted to be back among the goals again, "I hit the penalty really well", he said, "and I was quuite proud of my second goal it was a great strike. Forfar came down and tried to make it difficult for us, it took us a while to break them down but once that second goal went in I knew we'd win."

On the injury front the news is as follows:

Derek Allan - took a nasty knock on the ankle but it may not be as bad as it looked.

John O'Neill - has a groin strain and it could be worse than it looked.

Joe McAlpine - fortunately only a bout of cramp.

Steve Bowey - has a slight groin strain so wasn't risked today.
CIS Competition Winner 6th September 2002
Winner of the CIS Cup competition to win a pair of tickets for this Saturday's clash with Forfar Athletic is Queens fan Paul Pearson. After being told the good news today Paul commented, "Superb, I have been a Queens fan now for 20 years. I really got hooked the year we won promotion 85-86. That was a season to remember. Nobby Clark with some astute signings really turned the team around. In that season the day we beat Dunfermline 3-1 was something I will never forget. The weather was great, atmosphere red hot and the action even better. The atmosphere was intense as it was before proper segregation was introduced. The fans packed under the Portland Road end produced a real spine tingling noise. With Stuart Cochrane scoring 2 goals and I think the other came from Kevin Hetherington it was great that it was local lads that gave us the points. For excitement, atmosphere and the right result that ranks as my best QOS memory."

Asked about his favourite league cup, now CIS Insurance Cup memory Paul admitted to being a bit vague about the competitions but recollected a match against Dundee United at Palmerston, "It was the year after we won promotion. We were down 1-0 and we were awarded a penalty. George Cloy missed it, but what a night. We really gave them a fright. That team was full of skill with a youthfull Tommy Bryce up front who had so much pace it was frightening. I am quite sure Tommy would have made it at the top easy. Of course the team was broken up and we didn't manage long in the first division."

And as the prize was a pair of tickets who would the second brief go to, "I will give the second ticket to my father who is also a keen QOS fan. Originally from Gretna he constantly reminds me of the "good old days" when all roads used to lead to Palmerston on match day. Would be good to think that the road might lead to Hampden this year!!!!"

Enjoy the game on CIS Paul.
Bell's Cup Final 5th September 2002
The details for the Bell's Cup Final have been released, the price structure is as follows for the all-ticket match at Broadwood on the 20th October 2002:

Main Stand - £11

End Stand - £9

The tickets will go on sale to season ticket holders initially, between the 18th and 27th of September at the Palmerston office upon production of your season ticket and then to the general public inside Palmerston prior to the match versus Arbroath on the 28th September 2002.

Junior Blues will be able to buy one family section ticket at the Palmerston office on the same dates the cost for the family stand will be £13 and this allows a parent and one child access to the stand.

Tickets will be allocated on the basis of two tickets per person and there will be no postal applications.
Team News 5th September 2002
Better news on the availability of players front this week as Robbie Neilson is available for the CIS Cup match versus Forfar Athletic, also in the squad is Robbie Henderson, on loan from Kilmarnock. Eric Paton is fit and available following his thigh strain, the only concern is Paddy Atkinson who is doubtful.

The other injured players are making good progress now, Jim Thomson and Barry Donald have both resumed training whilst the latest update on Sean O'Connor is that he may be in training again in early November.
Win CIS Tickets 4th September 2002
Remember that the closing time for entries to win tickets for this Saturday's CIS Insurance League Cup match versus Forfar is 4.00pm tomorrow evening. Click on the CIS logo in the top right of your screen for details of how to enter.
Man of the Match 3rd September 2002
Winning his second MoM of the season is 'keeper Andy Goram with a display that kept the goals against at just three versus Falkirk, second place went to star midfielder Steve Bowey whilst third was taken by new-bhoy Paul Shields for another bustling performance up-front.

The scoring for everyone else can be found via the 'Report' link and the player of the season league table has been updated and can be found via the 'Man of the Match' link.
Under 18's 1st September 2002
Gordon Hyslop's Under 18's side drew 1-1 with East Stirling yesterday at the Keswick Centre, the yougsters opened strongly and went ahead in only nine minutes when new signing Paul Duffy, son of Dundee boss Jim Duffy, passed out wide to Steven Archibald who crossed low and hard for Sean Ferrie to hammer home from six yards out.

Archibald and Kerr missed good chanes to put Queens further ahead but once again the youngsters were made to pay for not taking their chances at home when 'keeper Stuart Robertson failed to clear his lines and the ball rebouded off the visitors No. 10 who put the ball into the empty net.

Queens had all of the pressure in the second half but the forward line failed to make any impression on a strong East Stirling defence.

The best chance of the second half was when Cunningham headed wide from a Ferrie cross and both subs Learmont and Salkeld went close in the dying minutes.

Remember that Wednesday evening sees the start of the Under 18's attempt on the SFA Youth Cup with a match against Threave Rovers at Castle Douglas with a 7.30pm kick-off.
Loaned 'Keeper 31st August 2002
One of the final day moves as the registration window closes is that of goalkeeper Jamie Campbell to Montrose, the big 'keeper has recently come back from a shoulder injury and played for the Under 18's last week, he has been signed by the Gable Endies until the window re-opens again in January.
Reaction 31st August 2002
Beaten but not disgraced was how John Connolly summed up the match.

"We lost to a good side", he said, "As I expected we suffered from the tough game at Paisley on Tuesday night and some of the lads were noticeably looking a bit tired, but with fifteen minutes to go it was still 1-0 and anything could have happened. Big Derek Allan went for a high ball and sen tit past Andy Goram for their second goal and then we lost Robbie Neilson, however it was for two yellow cards so we think he will be eligible to play against Forfar next week. But as I said we lost to a very good side and not many teams will win at Brockville this season.

Already there's a gap opening up between the top teams and the bottom sides so the games against these bottom clubs are going to prove crucial for us."
Win CIS Tickets 30th August 2002
We've teamed up with CIS to offer one lucky winner a pair of tickets to the first round match next Saturday against Forfar at Palmerston so why not have a go at our competition, it's easy to enter and could ensure you a ticket to what will surely be a great game of football!

Click on the CIS logo in the top right of your screen for details of how to enter.
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