My congratulations also to this year's winners, Dumfries Body Repair Centre. It's always nice to see a local firm win the sponsorship. On the subject of 'Body Repairs', I just might just pop in to see them for my own body's been through a lot those past couple of months.
Friday, 27th May. Left home early and collected my papers at Lockerbie, then headed up the M74 to Hampden for the A.G.M. of the S.F.L. Sitting alongside Jim Ballantyne of Airdrie and Jim Bark from Stranraer. Like myself, Jim Ballantyne is a relative newcomer to the chairman's role but Jim Bark is a seasoned campaigner having held the post on numerous occasions during his long service at Stair Park. The Airdrie chairman is quite a character but a most likeable person and I was glad to see him voted onto one of the committees.
The main topic on the agenda was a proposal to alter the relegation and promotion issue. It was a close vote but it was passed that play-offs would be held at the end of the season to decide who goes up and down, but it still wouldn't affect the respective top team being promoted nor the bottom side being relegated. I'm not going into it in any more detail as you've probably read all about it in the national newspapers.
Following the business part of the meeting the draw was made for the Bell's Challenge Cup which we ourselves won two years ago. And who did we get--Albion Rovers at home again-- the team who knocked us out in the first round of the C.I.S. Cup last season. That defeat cost us dearly, so we'll be all out to make amends come the 30th of July.
Saturday, 28th May. Had a restful day apart from my mobile phone 'playing up'. I've just changed it for a newer model and haven't quite got to grips with it yet. In the afternoon I settled down to watch the Scottish Cup final on T.V. I usually root for the 'underdogs', but on this occasion I was quite glad to see Celtic win for the sake of Martin O'Neill.
Sunday, 29th May. Had a day of rest to 'chill out' as the kids call it now. Read the Sunday papers but it's not quite the same when Queens aren't playing.
Monday, 30th May. Attended to some official club business and made a few important phone calls. Heard the news that the Crichton had agreed to allow us training facilities from late June to September. Not the main park this time but the field adjacent to it and the smaller pitch alongside the church. But it's better than nothing and we'll also have the new pitch at King George V, which we've subscribed to, whenever it's ready.
Was also informed later in the day that our Under-13 team had won the prestigious Ayr International Tournament for the first time ever. It's a massive achievement and one which we are proud of. I'm told that the youngsters were all so excited that they slowed down and displayed the trophy from the minibus at every small town and village on the way home.
Tuesday, 31st May. Off to Gleneagles with 'Scotty' and fellow director, Billy Hewitson, for the Bell's Annual Awards. It's a beautiful hotel and we were all looking forward to it. Unfortunately we didn't win anything this year but our two South of Scotland neighbours, Gretna and Stranraer, both did well. Gretna boss, Rowan Alexander, won the Third Division 'Manager of the Year', their leading scorer, Kenny Deuchar, won the 'Player of the Year' trophy and the club itself lifted the 'Fair Play Award', which we won last season. Stranraer manager, Neil Watt, won the Second Division 'Manager of the Year, and I was surprised when he mentioned in his speech that from the 30 S.F.L. clubs only six managers are still in their jobs since he took over at Stair Park. A frightening statistic! Had a long talk with Rowan Alexander after the awards. We didn't agree on everything but it was all very friendly and interesting.
Wednesday, 1st June. Back on the road once more and headed for Hampden again for an Extraordinary General Meeting of the S.F.A.. Sat down beside an extremely nice gentleman who turned out to be the representative of Glasgow Rangers before Geoff Brown of St Johnstone and David McGregor from Forfar sat down the other side of me. There was a huge turnout of over 80 and the main item under discussion was a proposal to allow extra teams to enter the qualifying rounds of the Scottish Cup. However, it was rejected for it was felt that more dialogue should take place before any decision was made.
P.S. Last night, Friday, I was invited along to Lochar Boys' Club prizegiving night to deputise for Jim Thomson who had to 'pull out' at short notice. And what an excellent evening it turned out to be! It was at Locharbriggs Social Club and Provost Kenny Cameron was there complete with his gold chain of office. I was absolutely amazed at what a professional club they are with teams from about eight-years-old and onwards. I met many Queens' fans and had a good old 'chinwag' with them. I was asked to present the prizes which was an honour and I thank everyone concerned with Lochar Boys' Club for their hospitality.
David Rae
Bill Goldie
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