LATEST NEWS
For previous news articles see the monthly archive at the foot of this page.

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Archie Who? 30th September 2005
We have been asked on numerous occasions how Stuart Lovell got the nickname 'Archie!. So Stuart himself explained, "As a young player with Reading my coach was Bobby Williams. When I said my name was Lovell he went on at great lengths and joked about a player he knew at Bristol who was called Archie Lovell. Bobby was a real character and described this player as 'the worst footballer he'd ever seen'. He happened to be a winger, the same as I was at that time, so he christened me 'Archie', and it stuck all the years I was at Reading.

"When I moved north to Hibs I though I'd 'lose' the nickname, but on my first day at Easter Road, Alex McLeish took me out on the park and introduced me to my new team-mates as 'Archie', and the name's been with me ever since".

Bill Goldie
Charity Run 30th September 2005
It has been requested by the club that we give a special charity event, the 5K Run, a mention on the Official Website. This is to take place at the Dock Park, Dumfries, on Sunday, 30th October and will include a 2K Run for Children. Organised by the Anthony Nolan Trust which has the slogan 'Taking back lives from leukemia, it is a very worthwhile cause and entry forms can be collected from the Palmerston Office or phone direct to 01560 600870.

Bill Goldie
Team News 29th September 2005
Derek Lyle is still out for Saturday's match at Ross County. However, Del has now resumed training and did a bit of running last night, the start of a two week re-hab period. Chris Carr will also miss the game after injury to a knee ligament against Ayr United Reserves on Tuesday night. Stuart Lovell is carrying a calf injury and a decision as to whether he plays or not will be made prior to the game. The Nigerian striker will travel with the official party to Dingwall and the manager will have the option to field him as a 'trialist' if so desired.

Bill Goldie
Trialists 29th September 2005
The two 'trialists' who have been with Queens since the weekend were again at training last night and manager, Iain Scott 'liked what he saw'. Said 'Scotty', "The Nigerian lad, the striker, is very fast with 'pace to burn'. We had a quick match at training last night on a shortened pitch and he was very impressive, but to be fair he was a bit restricted and I'm certain he would have shown up much better on a full-length park.

"The Ukrainian lad was also an excellent footballer with a good appreciation of the game. He's more a midfielder, he's only 20 and extreme fit. He's very dedicated and disciplined and did everything we asked him to do.

"I liked them both, but a striker is our main priority at the moment. Had it been pre-season, with a full budget available, I would have snapped up the two of them. We have a Reserve match at Gretna on Tuesday night (Kick-off 7.30 pm) and with next Saturday being 'free' we've arranged a 'friendly' away to Annan Athletic (Kick-off 1.00 pm). I intend playing both players in both matches.

Bill Goldie
Kenny heads for the Ukraine 29th September 2005
We hear Kenny Crichton was spotted looking out his 'thermals' and fur coat this morning. The reason--he's off to the Ukraine to support his beloved Hibs against Dnipro in the UEFA Cup tonight. Kenny will return just in time to catch the team coach on Friday as it heads north for Dingwall, so he may well need his 'thermals' again. A busy man indeed!

Bill Goldie
Queens hope for a Highland Fling 28th September 2005
Queens face the long trek north on Saturday to face Ross County at Dingwall. Still smarting from the home defeat by Hamilton, Queens will have to be at their best to get a result since Victoria Park hasn't particularly been a 'happy hunting ground' for us in recent years. But let's be optimistic and remember Eric Paton's tremendous strike from the half-way line which earned us a 1-1 draw back in April or the dazzling display which saw us triumph 3-0 up there in the C.I.S. Cup two years ago and set us up for a match against Hibs at Easter Road. Alex Burke netted two of our goals at Dingwall that night but, unfortunately, 'Burky' will be in the opposition camp this Saturday.

Manager, Iain Scott, knows full well it's going to be a tough task but stated, "They're all tough in this league!. Up until last weekend Ross County were league leaders and are the only unbeaten side in our division to date. However, we're not going up there as 'lambs to the slaughter' and our preparation will be spot-on. We're leaving early afternoon on Friday and staying overnight up north. It will give us the opportunity to treat it as a 'bonding session'--for a couple of days we'll be like a 'full-time' side--all together".

Added 'Scotty', "We've lost seven games this season, including cup-ties, and five of those have been by the odd goal. I'll 'hold my hands up' and admit we played very poorly in the first-half up at Clyde,but apart from that we've competed well and it's all been down to bad breaks and individual errors. And it was the same against Hamilton on Saturday!. When you're down, nothing seems to go for you!. After studying the video recording of the match it proved that Brian Reid's headed clearance actually spun off a player and spun up in the air perfectly for Tunbridge to head home the winner. We're well overdue a bit of luck and I hope it comes our way this Saturday".

Bill Goldie
First win for reserves 27th September 2005
Queens reserves chalked up their first win of the season with a well deserved 2-1 victory over Ayr United at Palmerston tonight. Queens opened the scoring in twenty minutes when Scott Robertson bulleted home a perfect header from a Paul Burns cross. Right on the stroke of half time Jerome Varielle equalised for Ayr. The visitors were awarded a penalty early in the second half but Richie Barnard blocked the spot kick brilliantly and Stuart Hill cleared any danger off the line. Queens winner came in the seventieth minute when James Baty scored with a back post header following a Stephen Payne cross.

The line up was Barnard, Campbell, McGrady, Hill, Carr, Burns, Payne, O'Neil, Robertson, Blackwell, Baty, Subs Thomson and Whorlow.

Bill Goldie
Reserves play tonight 27th September 2005
Queens meet Ayr United tonight in the West Reserve League. They intend to field a strong side which will include: Barnard, Lovell, Carr, Hill, Payne, Burns and O'Neill. Kick-off is at 7.30 pm. Next week the Reserves meet Gretna at Raydale Park. Kick-off is again 7.30 pm.

Bill Goldie
Trialists 27th September 2005
Two new trialists joined Queens for training last night, but owing to 'International Clearance' not coming through in time they will not be able to take part in tonight's Reserve fixture against Ayr United as was first planned. Both are strikers and in their early 20's. Said the manager today, "One is from Nigeria and he was the quickest man on the park at training last night. He's got pace and that's what we're looking for. The other is a Ukranian internationalist, Dimitri Pronovych--Paul Simpson, the Carlisle United manager tipped me off about his availability. They both impressed me but, again, it's all down to money and what we can afford to pay".

Bill Goldie
Man of the match 26th September 2005
The placings in this weekends man of the match voting saw Willie Gibson win the award with Gary Wood second and Jim Thomson third.

All of the scores have been updated on the latest report page and the player of the season league table has also been updated. Thanks for voting.
Super Ted woe 25th September 2005
Sad news of former Queens star Ted McMinn who has decided to have more of his leg amputated following the partial amputation of his foot earlier this year. The BBC Derby website has more details on this page.

Thanks to Queens fan John Johnstone for keeping us updated on the progress of Ted.
From the Chairman 25th September 2005
It's now over four years since I became a director of Queen of the South. I remember it well for it was just prior to the Twin Towers disaster in New York. But so much has happened since then! The excitement of winning the Second Division Championship; the joy of lifting the Bell's Challenge Cup at Broadwood; the glory days when we topped Division One for five memorable weeks in 2003 and even last season when we finished fourth in the table.

During that time your support was phenomenal and appreciated by all at Palmerston--the Board, the management team and the players themselves. However, we now sit bottom of the table and need the support of you, our fans, more than ever. At our last home game against St Mirren the crowd was 1682 including over 600 down from Paisley but in the corresponding match, about the same time last season, the attendance was 2734 with a similar travelling support. I know we haven't had the best of starts but to 'lose' 1000 fans in the space of a year is a 'worrying' factor.

Last week at Stranraer we battled well to earn a deserved point, but still couldn't find the net. Nevertheless, on the positive side we kept a 'clean sheet' against one of the biggest and strongest sides in our division. I believe we had 420 fans at Stair Park--almost half the crowd. Thanks a million to you all for the great support. I read in the local press that Jim Patterson had been named 'Citizen of the Year' for the Heathhall Community. As a teenager 'Big Jim' was one of my boyhood heroes and 'boy, could he score goals'. In his 12 years at Palmerston he netted over 250--how we could do with someone like that today!.

Our meeting with Tesco, which I mentioned in the last programme, took place on Wednesday, 7th of September. We're making steady progress but there's another meeting to be scheduled soon to discuss matters further.

A couple of weeks ago we forged a link with local youth club, Lochar Thistle Boys' Club. I feel it's the way forward in modern day football and has met with the approval of the vast majority of our fans. This link-up should be advantageous to both Lochar and ourselves and I'm certain it will be a very successful partnership.

Today we welcome Hamilton Accies back to Palmerston. They've strengthened their squad considerably during the close season and are currently sitting comfortably in the top half of the table. Hamilton were the only side we failed to beat in the league last season so I think it's our turn to lift the three points this afternoon. A warm welcome also to all our sponsors who contribute so much to our club, and also to our young match-day mascots.

David Rae

Bill Goldie
Goal action 24th September 2005
Thanks to David Gow we can bring you the Queens goal from the match versus Hamilton today. Click on the link below but remember that the clip is large and will take some time to download unless you are on broadband. The best way is to right click on the link and select 'Save Target As', once downloaded you can then select 'Open' from the dialogue box that appears and the whole clip will play uninterrupted.

Jonjo penalty - GOAL ACTION
Match reaction 24th September 2005
Queens crashed to another defeat against a strong Hamilton side who are still unbeaten away from home in the league this season. Two bad defensive errors cost us dearly for just when we were getting back into the game, after John O'Neill converted a penalty, we conceded an avoidable goal to lose out again.

Said a raging Iain Scott afterwards, "I'm very, very disappointed and I've let the players know that in no uncertain terms, that's two times in the last few weeks, against St Mirren in the cup and again today, that we fought hard for an equaliser then go and throw it right back at them. At the first goal Paul Burns still doesn't know how the ball got between his legs and at the second, Tommy English had all the time in the world to clear his lines. We've got to stop[ making these silly mistakes. We've got to learn from them and learn quickly. We started with three at the back which worked well last week but it wasn't working so well today so we changed to 4-4-2 at half-time and played a lot better after that but if you give away goals like we did today you're not going to win games. I've told the players that they should 'stand up and be counted' for Wassa and I are fighters and we'll fight to the bitter end."

Billy Reid was obviously delighted to collect another three points away from home and the win now takes them up to third place in the table. Said Billy, "Never easy at Palmerston and it wasn't easy this afternoon but over the ninety minutes I thought we were the better side and deserved full points. When you're a goal ahead for a long period as we were today there's always the danger the opposition might score and that's what happened. But we hit back well and I'll gladly settle for 2-1."

Bill Goldie
Club Shop Update 23rd September 2005
A new ''Proud to be a Doonhamer'' badge will be on sale from the club shop this Saturday priced £3.00. As with the previous new kit badge, of which only the last few remain, this is a strictly limited edition.

After contacting all clubs in our division the following clubs have agrees to supply programmes for our away fixtures. These will be available in the club shop following games against,

Airdrie United, Brechin City, Ross County & St. Johnstone

For your information we are advised by Hamilton that programmes for their games will be issued free to all fans.

GC
New button badges available 22nd September 2005
A brand new series of button badges will be available from the Club Shop at Palmerston this Saturday - featuring your favourite players.

You can buy one for £1 or all eighteen for £15.
Scotty's still sane and raring to go! 22nd September 2005
After hearing rumours that 'he'd lost the plot' following the reports that Sports Psychologist, Matt Hudson, was helping out in the Palmerston dressing room, Iain Scott insists, "I'm as sane as any football manager can claim to be!. It's now a perfectly common practice in modern day times, and has been used for years in America and the continent in all kind of sports, including football. Matt was with us again at training last night and will be here next Wednesday as well".

On the match itself he said, "The players are all in a positive frame of mind and looking forward to it. It will be tough for Hamilton have the best away record in our division. Our big problem has been scoring goals, but although Derek Lyle is missing I know we have players in the side that can score--John O'Neill, Steve Bowey, Brian McLaughlin and, of course, David McNiven who netted 14 last season. If we had scored just one goal a game we'd be sitting with eight points by this time, and half-way up the table. That's how thin the dividing line is!.

"I realise we've conceded nine goals in the league, but seven of those came in the early games at St Johnstone and Dundee when we finished both times with only ten men. Since then we've only lost two. So, if we can keep it tight at the back I think we have a good chance come Saturday".

Bill Goldie
Team News 22nd September 2005
More disappointment for Queens' fans ahead of the crucial match against Hamilton Accies. Keeper, Colin Scott, pulled a hamstring in training last night and could miss the game. Said 'Scotty' this morning, "It may not be too bad and we've got Kenny Crichton working on him. But you never know with hamstrings, so we can't be sure of anything until Saturday. One thing though, we've got a good replacement in Richie Barnard standing by. Brian Reid trained on Monday and had a full session last night so he's available for selection, but Derek Lyle will require another two or three weeks yet before he's fit to play. I don't envisage any additions to the squad but we've got a lot of young lads like Scott Robertson and a few others 'knocking on the door, and could come into the pool very soon".

Bill Goldie
Open Doors 21st September 2005
There is a rare opportunity on Sunday 25th September to explore Palmerston Park. As part of the "Doors Open Days" initiative the gates at Palmerston will be open to all comers. You will be shown the dressing rooms, the laundry, the physio area, walk up the tunnel, and see the board room and its trophy cabinets. The official Museum is spread throughout the main stand, and includes programmes, strips, ticket stubs, yearbooks and all kinds of memorabilia related to the ‘Super South’.

We will be open between 9.00am and 12 noon on Sunday.
Matt Hudson 21st September 2005
Many fans seem confused about what or who Matt Hudson and his organisation The Matt Hudson Consultancy can provide for Queens. Well to clarify this following last nights news article the company provides Human Development for many of the largest companies in the world, for instance pharmaceutical giants Wyeth who employ over 50,000 worldwide and turnover in excess of US$17,300,000,000. Physio Kenny Crichton recommended Matt and his motivational methods to Iain Scott after meeting the North East based Neuro Linguistic Programmer(NLP) whilst working across the A69 a few years back.

The techniques used in NLP have been used 'quite' successfully in sports and specifically in football before with the French World Cup winning side of 1998 being a prime example. It's amazing what a focused and believing mind can achieve - just ask Zinedine as he lifted the World Cup above his head - or even fellow world cup winner Stéphane Guivarc'h.
Reserves draw at Coatbridge 20th September 2005
Queens reserves drew 1-1 away at Albion Rovers tonight. There were no goals in the first half but Tommy English netted to give Queens the lead after the interval. The home side equalised in the final minute to gain a share of the points.

Bill Goldie
Mind games at Palmerston 20th September 2005
Queens have enlisted the services of a hypnotist to help put the players in a better frame of mind for the crucial matches that lie ahead of them in the coming weeks. Said manager, Iain Scott, talking to the 'website' this morning, "We've brought in a top hypnotist, Matt Hudson, to assist with the mental approaches to the game. He had a session with us all on Wednesday night at training and we've more planned for the future. If 'Yogi' Hughes can do it at Falkirk and get a draw with Rangers, then so can we".

On Saturday's vital match at home to Hamilton 'Scotty' confessed, "I've always had a lot of respect for Billy Reid. Of course he's a former Queens' player himself and did a tremendous job at Clyde last season with limited resources. On joining Hamilton he's managed to sign top quality players and has had a good 'budget' to work with. They've now got Carrigan, Tunbridge, McKenzie and Neil on board--all dangerous players, and they also have a lot of experience in their squad as well. One thing though, Ian Harty won't be playing--he's still injured.

"Hamilton are unbeaten away from home in the league to date, having won two and drawn one of their three fixtures-- so we know full well we've a tough fight on our hands. We 'stopped the rot' on Saturday with a draw at Stair Park. It was our first away point of the season and also our first 'clean sheet' away as well. So that's two positives to come out of the game. If Stuart Lovell's shot had gone in I'm convinced we'd have come back up the road with three points but their keeper made the 'save of the game' to keep it out. However, having said that, Colin Scott made two magnificent saves himself. One he tipped over the bar, although the ref didn't spot it and gave a goal-kick, the other in the last minute. 'Scooter' is a class keeper and has been waiting patiently on the sidelines this season for his chance to come in. But it came on Saturday and he 'grabbed it with both hands' so to speak. His handling was flawless and he had an excellent game. We're so fortunate at Palmerston to have two quality keepers to call on.

"Others have come into the team in recent weeks and made their mark so I'm now getting those on the bench banging on my office door for a game. It's what you call competition, and that's good!. It means no one can 'rest on their laurels'.

"The players had a meeting among themselves just prior to training last Monday, to hammer out a few home truths. I wasn't there, but whatever was said appeared to have helped as they had a lot more fight and determination about them at Stranraer.

"We've got two new 'trialists' joining us this week. A striker from Wales will feature in the Reserve match at Coatbridge tonight and a Nigerian striker should join us tomorrow night. He was supposed to be with us today, but his flight was delayed. As far as the big defender from Senegal's concerned, we've sent him back home to recover from injury but he's been told we'll keep him in mind for pre-season training in July. Armand One is coming down to Palmerston and we'll help him get his shin problem cleared up and then take it from there".

Bill Goldie
Reserve match 20th September 2005
Queens will have a strong team out for tonight's West Reserve match away to Albion Rovers. They line up as follows: Barnard, Paton, Maxwell, Carr, English, Payne, O'Neill, McNiven, Whorlow, Robertson and 'Trialist'. Kick-off is 7.30 pm.

Bill Goldie
Aiming for the top 19th September 2005
One player who can't wait for Saturday to arrive is Stuart Hill. The 19-year-old, who stands 6' 5", came on as a sub in last season's Scottish cup-tie up at Montrose, but it was against St Mirren ten days ago that he made his first 'start' in the big team.

Said Stuart, "I feel I've now been accepted as one of the first team squad. I got my chance against St Mirren and I felt I played quite well. I must have, for I was then selected for the match at Stranraer on Saturday. I really enjoyed the atmosphere at Stair Park and the Queens' fans were great. All the senior players have been super and have gone out of ther way to help me. In particular Jim Thomson, and it gives me a lot more confidence having a player like Jim by your side.
"With every game I play I feel I'm improving, and I only hope the manager thinks the same. When Brian Reid is fit again I know he'll be out to regain his place, but I'm in the team at the moment and I really hope I'm here to stay".

Added the Carlisle born lad, "During the close season I had a slight hitch with my contract, but it's all sorted out now and I couldn't be happier".

Bill Goldie
New captain 19th September 2005
Speaking at training tonight Steve Bowey insisted he had no hard feelings about the captaincy being handed to Jim Thomson on Saturday. Said 'Bowser', "A couple of years ago, when big Jim was skipper, I was handed the captain's armband. Jim had no grievance then, and I have no greavance now. Football's a team game, it's not to do with individual pride. I don't have a problem with the change at all".

Bill Goldie
Man of the match 19 September 2005
The placings in this weekends man of the match voting saw Brian McLaughlin win the award with Colin Scott second and Gary Wood third.

All of the scores have been updated on the latest report page and the player of the season league table has also been updated. Thanks for voting.
Match reaction 17th September 2005
420 fervent and fanatical Queens fans helped cheer their side to a goaless draw at Stair Park this afternoon. But it was a battling performance by the players who thoroughly deserved a share of the spoils.

Said manager Iain Scott after the game, "I'm never too disappointed at a point away from home and over the ninety minutes I think a draw was probably a fair result. We dominated in the first quarter hour but they came back at us strongly in the second half when both 'keepers pulled off great saves. However we've 'stopped the rot' - it's a clean sheet and as I said a point away which keeps it tight at the bottom.

"Our back three were excellent, Brian McLaughlin had a superb game against a big defence but we still lack quality in the penalty box - we changed things about a bit this afternoon, we had a new goalie in Colin Scott who did a great job and we also changed the captaincy with Jim Thomson taking over from Bowser. But it was all to do with mentality and to freshen things up a bit.

"My thanks to the supporters. They got behind us right from the kick-off and we all appreciated that."

Bill Goldie
Citizen Jim 17th September 2005
Congratulations to big Jim Patterson, a legend of the 1950s, for being named 'Citizen of the Year' by Heathhall Community Council. The award was for 'commitment and community'. Jim joined Queens in 1949 and spent 12 years with us before 'hanging up his boots' in 1961. He still stays in the same house he occupied as a player and is a keen golfer and a member of the Dumfries and County club.

He hailed from Luncarty in Perthshire, made 462 first team appearances and scored an all-time record of 251 goals which included 11 'hat-tricks'. Two years ago he came fourth in a 'Standard' poll to find the 'Greatest ever post-war Doonhamer', behind Roy Henderson, Tommy Bryce and Allan Ball.

Bill Goldie
Quick reminder 16th September 2005
Sanquhar bus will pick up Globe Inn and New Bazaar Doonhamers at 11am outside Palmerston Cafe, Glasgow Street - a few seats left

BLW
Team News 15th September 2005
Queens' visit to Stranraer on Saturday could well be one of the most important games of the season for us. If we win, we go equal on points with them, but if we lose then a six point gap will open up. Manager, Iain Scott, is well aware of this fact and stated, "I alway reckon a draw away from home in this league is never a bad result, but in our position we'll be going all out for a win. We had an excellent training session at Palmerston last night, everyone worked extremely hard and spirits were high. We also had a training game down at Carlisle yesterday afternoon and most of the 'fringe' players played the whole 90 minutes which is another good thing.

"Of course, we'll be without Derek Lyle who has ligament damage in both his ankle and knee and he'll be missing for a good few weeks. Brian Reid is still having a bit of bother with his thigh strain so he's doubtful, but Eric Paton had a favourable report from the specialist earlier this week and played the entire 90 minutes at Brunton Park--so he'll feature.

"Neil Watt has done exceptionally well since he took over at Stair Park and has built up a very strong side. So we all know we're in for a really tough match".

Bill Goldie
The Stranraer Viewpoint 15th September 2005
Stuart Millar, assistant manager of Stranraer, is also under no illusion that it's a massive match for both clubs. Said Stuart, speaking to the 'Website' this afternoon, "Although we're saying 'it's just another game', we fully realise that our fans and the townsfolk of Stranraer know it's a 'local derby' and there's always been a healthy rivalry between the two clubs. There's one thing I do know, they always like us to beat Queen of the South!

"However, I've nothing but admiration for what Queens have achieved over the past few seasons--firstly under John Connolly and now under Iain Scott. To win promotion and remain in Division One for four seasons is a yardstick to ourselves and all other 'part-time' clubs. Already we're finding it a very tough league. There's quite a gap from Division Two in that all teams are well organised and you get punished for the slightest error.

"Queens have a lot of very talented players, but I feel they possibly over-achieved last season to finish fourth, and that's perhaps put more pressure on them this season. Our own home form hasn't been all that great lately, but up to Christmas we went almost a whole year at Stair Park unbeaten. We know how important it is to win home games and with Queens this week and Brechin City next week it's imperative we pick up points from those two matches.

"When Neil Watt and I took over at Stair Park just over two years ago our first game was against Queen of the South at home in the Challenge Cup. Queens were actually holders of the trophy but we beat them. The score was 2-1 that day and we'd both settle for the same result this Saturday".

Bill Goldie
Trialists 15th September 2005
Four 'trialists' took part in the game at Carlisle which the homesters won, 2-1, thanks to a late goal. Two of them, the Brazilian and Tanzanian strikers, didn't come up to the required standard and won't be back. But 'Scotty' added, "The big defender from Senegal looked promising but suffered a calf strain and had to come off. It's hard to judge him on only 45 minutes so we've told him to go away, get fully fit and then get back to us. Armand One was also lacking a lot in fitness but is just recovering from injury. He showed potential, has the height and now stays in Glasgow. He'll be coming down to join us for training next week and we'll help cure his injury problem, then take it from there. We've another lad coming next week as well. He's a striker, he's British and has been playing down south. So I hope to give him a trial in the Reserve match away to Albion Rovers on Tuesday night".

Bill Goldie
Queens go down at Brunton Park 14th September 2005
Despite leading 1-0 at half time, Queens lost 2-1 to Carlisle United this afternoon. It was a 'high-noon' kick-off and Queens took the lead mid-way through the first half when the big Senegalese 'trialist' prodded the ball home after a melee in the goal mouth. Carlisle equalised on the hour mark when they broke from the centre circle and their speedy striker outpaced the Queens' defence to slot home from just inside the penalty box. Ten minutes later we had a lucky 'let-off' when the homesters hit the bar with a header with the goal at their mercy. However, the winner came five minutes from time when a cross from the left was misjudged and keeper, Colin Scott, was beaten with a well-placed header.

The Queens' starting line-up was: Scott, Paton, English, 'Trialist', Carr, Bowey, Payne, 'Trialist', McNiven, Robertson and Whorlow. At half-time the Tanzanian striker and the defender from Senegal were replaced by Maxwell and a Brazilian 'trialist'. Another 'trialist', Armand One the ex-Partick Thistle striker, came on with half-an-hour remaining, then Baty and Campbell were introduced late in the game.

The Carlisle side consisted of first team men, 'fringe' players from the first team squad and also included three 'trialists'.

Bill Goldie
Need transport? 14th September 2005
The Sanquhar Q.O.S. Supporters Club are running a bus to Stranraer and are willing to pick up any Globe Inn Doonhamers and New Bazaar Doonhamers in Dumfries en route. Contact the Globe or Bazaar lads for details if you wish to go.

BLW
The battle of Stair Park 13th September 2005
Glancing through the First Division league table it becomes apparent that Queens will have to beat the two promoted sides, Stranraer and Brechin City, to drag themselves out of the relegation zone, which makes a win on Saturday a 'must'. Home fixtures against Hamilton and Airdrie are still to be played and if we could win these two as well, we would have the 'ten points a quarter' that Iain Scott budgeted for at the start of the campaign.

And we'll have an ideal opportunity to 'kick-start' a revival when we take on Stranraer at Stair Park this Saturday in the first South-West 'local derby' in the league since March, 2002. It was the year we won promotion and we defeated them 2-1 Stair Park, having beat them 3-1 at Palmerston only three days earlier, and we're certain the manager would willingly settle for either of those results this weekend. Although we're still awaiting our first league win at Palmerston this season, Stranraer's home record isn't much better with only one victory in their last five league matches down there. Iain Scott is well aware they are one of the biggest and strongest sides in the division but stressed, "Big is not everything, dynamite comes in little bunches. Just look at Brian McLaughlin--the smallest player on the pitch on Saturday, but in my opinion--the best".

However, 'Scotty' still insists, "Although we're bottom there's no lack of confidence in the dressing room at the moment. Moral is surprisingly good and belief in ourselves is postive. We know we're a much better side than our league position indicates--we're just waiting for our form to ignite, but we all realise it has to come sooner rather than later. We've not had the break of the ball this season but I'm sure it will come.

"It's always great to get off to a good start but it's not the 'be all and end all'. It certainly makes life easier but in our first season up in Division One we had only four points at this stage, five after eight games but still went on to finish fifth and won the Challenge Cup into the bargain. We know there are certain areas that can be improved on and we're working overtime on that.

"I still maintain that St Mirren are the best side in our league, but on Saturday we matched then in every department. However, they got the first goal and that proved so important for we've never yet managed that in the league this season. Talking to Gus McPherson after the game he admitted that Queens had put them under more pressure than any other side they've played this season, so that's a compliment in itself!".

Bill Goldie
Queens' Book 12th September 2005
The new Queen of the South book, 'Memories of the Modern Era' will now be on sale at 16 new outlets. Apart from the Club Shop, the Palmerston Office and other normal points of sale, it can now be purchased at both Palmerston Bars, the Globe Inn (High Street), Hole i' the Wa', Cavens Arms, Ship Inn, the Globe (Market Square), New Bazaar, McQueen's Trophy Shop, Tam o' Shanter, Dickies Bar, Five Aches, Nith Hotel, Star Hotel (Moffat), Crown Inn, Sanquhar and the 'Courier' Office in Annan.

The book, priced at £7.00, is also available online by clicking on the following payment links:
If you are unsure what postage zone you are in then check the Royal Mail site on Airmail rates.

If you are in the UK click on this payment link: - £9.00

If you are in the European postage zone click on this payment link: - £9.88

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League of Nations 12th September 2005
It was like the League of Nations at Palmerston tonight with no fewer than four foreign players joining in the training session. Three of them were strikers, so obviously 'Scotty' is going all out to solve our 'goal drought'. One player is from Tanzania who has been playing his football in Spain, another is from Brazil and the third stands 6' 4", was born in France and played in the S.F.L. last season. Our fourth 'trialist' is another 6' 4" giant, a defender who comes from Senegal. All four will feature in a 'closed door' match against Carlisle United at Brunton Park on Wednesday afternoon.

The lad who came over from Denmark and trained with us last week failed to come up to requirements.

Bill Goldie
More injury problems 12th September 2005
Meanwhile, Derek Lyle arrived at training tonight on crutches, after being carried off on Saturday. Although no bones are broken Del has damaged ligaments in both his ankle and knee and could be missing for a good few weeks. To add to our sorrows, Brian Reid is still suffering from a thigh injury, while Eric Paton is due to visit a specialist tomorrow about his knee problem.

Bill Goldie
Man of the match 12 September 2005
The placings in this weekends man of the match voting saw Paul Burns win the award with Jim Thomson second and Richie Barnard third.

All of the scores have been updated on the latest report page and the player of the season league table has also been updated. Thanks for voting.
Derek Lyle Bulletin 11th September 2005
Some good news for a change! Derek Lyle's injury is not nearly as bad as was first thought. Following an X-Ray at the hospital last night it was discovered that no bones were broken. The injury was actually to his foot, which is badly bruised after being caught by a 'flying stud' from a St Mirren defender.

However, it was nice to see two St Mirren players knocking on the Queens' dressing-room door after the match asking 'how Del was'.

Bill Goldie
From the Chairman 11th September 2005
There's a religious song I once heard that started 'Life can be so wonderful, when things are going right', and over the past few weeks I've thought of these words on numerous occasions. It's always easy when everything is going right, and that goes for football as well!

Over the last fortnight I've been approached on the street and had phone calls from people I've never met before, all concerned at how our results are going. One or two have been a bit vociferous but the majority are right behind us and have been constructive in their remarks. As chairman, I can assure you all that everyone at the club are working hard and pulling together to turn things around and with the help of you, the supporters, we're confident we can do so.

Today we welcome St Mirren back to Palmerston. It's only ten days since they beat us 2-1 in the Bell's Challenge Cup but I was most encouraged by our second-half display and with a bit of luck we could have taken the game to at least extra-time. We showed a lot of fight and that's the spirit I'm looking for from now on. I was pleased to see two of our youngsters performing so well. Willie Gibson won the 'Man of the Match' award, and rightly so, for he had an excellent game. I was also impressed by Paul Burns who, in my opinion, was a close second.

Today's fixture is a league match and will be a totally different type of game but I'd be a happy man if we could reverse the scoreline, gain revenge and collect three valuable points.

Although Queens didn't play last Saturday I had quite an eventful time myself. On Friday I was invited to a big society wedding at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh. There were more millionaires present than I care to mention and one well-known face was Sir Tom Farmer, formerly the boss of Kwik-Fit and a great Hib's man. I was chatting to him for a few minutes and had a quiet chuckle to myself when I heard a friend of mine remark to a colleague, 'That's what you call a Farmer talking to a Farmer'.

On Saturday I arrived home just in time to watch Scotland v Italy on T.V. but I felt sorry when we conceded that late goal, for our lads gave their all.Yet I still feel we lack star men like Law and Dalglish who we had back in the 1960's and 70's. That was when we last beat Italy and sides like Spain, Portugal and even England on a regular basis.

Back on the domestic front we have a meeting with Tesco coming up very shortly. It may even have taken place by the time you read this, but again it might not have. Quite a few people are involved so it's difficult finding a date to suit them all. Nevertheless, whenever I have anything to report I'll let you all know. I'll finish by bidding a warm welcome to all sponsors and also our two young mascots. Hope you all enjoy the game.

David Rae

Bill Goldie
Match reaction 10th September 2005
Queens made several changes to the starting line up but for the second time in ten days went down by the odd goal to St Mirren. This time round the scoreline was 1-0, the goal again coming after an unfortunate break in the penalty box. However once again it was Queens' inability to find the net that led to their downfall and it's a problem that must be solved. One plus factor from the game was the promising performances of sponsors man of the match Paul Burns and young centre back Stuart Hill. The attendance was 1,688 but 662 of them were down from Paisley.

A disillusioned Iain Scott said after the match, "We desperately need one or two breaks going for us instead of going against us all the time. And I sincerely hope these breaks come sooner rather than later. We're working hard and I can't fault the effort but a bit of luck would help. I fully realise we're not getting results and at the moment have got ourselves in a bit of a rut. It's all about putting points on the board and in this league there's a very fine line between success and failure. St Mirren are a good team and I've said before I fancy them to win the league this season. Yet I felt we matched them this afternoon but they got the break of the ball and scored what proved to be the winner".

Commented St Mirren boss Gus McPherson "Every time we come down here to Palmerston we expect a tough game and that's how it turned out again. Queens put us under pressure out there and had a lot of pressure especially in the second half but to be honest our 'keeper never really had a shot to save. Our goal was perhaps a bit lucky. It came from a long throw in and the ball broke to Simon Lappin through a ruck of players and he finished well".


Derek Lyle was taken to hospital for an X-ray following a nasty leg injury but the extent of the damage is not yet known.

Bill Goldie
Queens link up with Lochar Thistle B.C. 10th September 2005
Following a series of meetings between Queen of the South F.C. and Lochar Thistle Boys' Club it was agreed, following the approval of Queens' Board of Directors, that a joint venture to promote and encourage youth development between the two clubs should take place. Just some of the benefits would include: Q.O.S. youth players could transfer to Lochar Thistle B.C., particularly those in the age group 15 plus; Selected Lochar Thistle players to join Queens' youths for training and trial games; When possible, Queen of the South first team players to be available for Lochar Thistle 'Fun Days'; Any potential young footballer contacting Queens but too young for their own youth teams would be passed on to Lochar Thistle B.C. as their preferred choice.

Said Queens' chairman, David Rae, "This link should prove advantageous to both Lochar and ourselves. It's another step forward and I'm certain it will be a very successful partnership".

A bit about Lochar B.C.:

Lochar Thistle Boys' Club was formed in 1987 to give local youngsters in the Locharbriggs and Heathhall area the chance to play football. The first season consisted only of friendly matches with the original squad (under 12's) being made up entirely of pupils from Locharbriggs Primary School. Playing at the local community centre pitch the youngsters fared well and the following season found themselves competing in the Dumfries and District Youth League.

As the club grew and became more competitive, adding an under-14 side, they moved to their base at the Technical College at Heathhall. But it was in season 1995-96 that the club really established themselves, moving again to their present facility of the Enterprise Park at Heathhall, a set-up which is the envy of many and has even been used as an S.F.A. training camp on two occasions.

Their new base attracts young players from all over Dumfriesshire, and Lochar B.C. currently have teams at under 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 age groups--that is in excess of 120 youngsters training and playing for the club every week under the guidance of a team of coaches, all of whom are qualified at various levels with the S.F.A.

Officials at Lochar Thistle Boys' Club say they are looking forward to the partnership forged with the local professional club and hope it will benefit both clubs for many years to come.

Bill Goldie
Late team News 9th September 2005
Both John O'Neill and Jim Thomson passed earlier-than-planned fitness tests today and both will feature against St Mirren at Palmerston tomorrow afternoon. However, it will still be a last-minute decision on Eric Paton who is suffering from a painful cyst behind his knee.

Bill Goldie
Half time fun 9th September 2005
Half Time Entertainment will be provided by children from Dalry and Laurieknowe Primary Schools on Saturday in the league match versus St Mirren.

Both schools are sending 8 children to take part in a 10 second penalty shoot out and many of their friends are coming along to cheer them on. We wish the children good luck and hope they have a good day at Palmerston on Saturday.

MH
Team News 8th September 2005
It will be 'wait and see' for three Queens' stalwarts on Saturday. A decision on the fitness of John O'Neill, Jim Thomson and Eric Paton will be taken prior to kick-off against St Mirren.

John O'Neill has been sidelined since pulling a hamstring muscle in the opening match of the season against Albion Rovers in the C.I.S. Cup and has been missing for six weeks. Jim Thomson has had 'keyhole surgery' on his knee. The club took the opportunity of the operation with last Saturday being 'free' for the World Cup. Jim did train this week and the player himself is keen to play. Eric Paton has a cyst behind his knee and although he can play it sometimes causes him pain.

However, on the bright side, it's hoped that all three may play but nothing will be certain before Saturday.

Bill Goldie
Trialists 8th September 2005
Queens hope to give 'trialists' from around the world the chance of earning a place at Palmerston. Last night, a British player who was plying his trade in Denmark last season, joined the squad for training and Monday will see the arrival of a French born striker and another player from the French colony of Senegal. Said manager, Iain Scott, "Both will be with the club for a week to assess their ability and fitness levels and if either looks promising we'll possibly give them a 'trial' in the Reserves the following week.

Unfortunately the lad from Humberside who trained with us on Saturday past didn't quite measure up to expectations and won't be signing".

Bill Goldie
Getting to Stranraer 8th September 2005
The Sanquhar Queens Supporters Bus will pick up at the Globe Inn and New Bazaar Doonhamers at 11am next Saturday outside the Palmerston Cafe in Glasgow Street, Dumfries - plenty seats for everyone

BLW
Reserves go down 6th September 2005
Queens reserves went down 2-1 to a very strong St Mirren side at Paisley tonight. Queens took the lead in ten minutes with a great goal from Scott Robertson but the homesters replied with two goals before half time. In the St Mirren line up were Sutton, McGinty, Maxwell and one or two more first team regulars with Queens fielding first team men Brian McColligan, Stephen Payne, Eric Paton and Colin Scott. Manager Iain Scott said, "Our lads played exceptionally well against an experienced side and I was proud of them."

The trialist striker who we hoped would feature tonight was unable to as international clearance could not be processed in time, however he will be joining us for training on Monday night.

Bill Goldie
St Mirren again 6th September 2005
Queens face St Mirren on Saturday for the second time in ten days and will, no doubt, be out to avenge the 2-1 defeat they suffered in the Challenge Cup last Wednesday. Despite last month being deemed a 'Misery Month' and 'Awful August' it should be remembered that we played only one of our four league games at Palmerston where our record in recent months has been quite impressive.

Our last home league defeat was away back on the 2nd of March when we lost 1-0 to Clyde and our only other league defeat at home in 2005 was on New Year's Day when Hamilton beat us 2-1. So, two defeats in eight months on home soil can't be considered too bad a record.

Nevertheless, Iain Scott reckons Saturday's encounter will be so different. Said 'Scotty', "It will be a totally different type of game tactically, for I know Gus McPherson will have two or three different players in the line-up that faced us in the cup-tie. One of them will almost certainly be John Sutton! We approached him ourselves recently but he was asking around £1000 a week which is well above our wage limit".

The manager will obviously be looking to 'carry on where he left off' last Wednesday night. He added, "It was a more inspirational second half, but having said that, I studied the video closely and St Mirren only had one real chance in the first half and scored from it. I think the changes we made in the starting line-up certainly helped and those who came in did well. It taught those who were 'cruising in a comfort zone' that they must perform to retain their place. We're looking for players who are willing to give 110% commitment, week in week out, and the effort shown last Wednesday was the best I've seen this season. We were playing really well at the end of last season and we still have the same players, so I see no reason why we can't do the same again".

Bill Goldie
New faces from around the world 6th September 2005
The manager admitted that he could have as many as six 'trialists' coming in 'to have a look at'. Said 'Scotty' today, "One of them actually joined us for training on Saturday. He can play either in defence or midfield--he's from Humberside but his last club was in Spain. We also hope to have a striker playing for us in the Reserve match up at St Mirren tonight. His former club was in Denmark but he's in Glasgow now and he'll play as long as we can get international clearance in time.

"We already have the necessary clearance for two others--one from Spain and one from Wales--and hopefully they'll be coming up for a trial on the 19th of September. And there's still another two, both strikers. One of them is from the States and the other was born in France, but we've still to arrange dates for them".

Bill Goldie
From the Chairman 3rd September 2005
After the rigors of league football, it's back to cup action tonight with St Mirren as our opponents in the Bell's Challenge Cup. None of us will forget the last time we met them in this competition--it was at Love Street in August, 2002. Steve Bowey was 'Man of the Match' but every Queens' man on the park was a hero that night. A new player for us was Robbie Neilson. I'll never forget the power of his 'throw-ins' which took everyone by surprise and I'm glad we helped him get 'back on track' as he's now starring in the Hearts first team. We proceeded to beat St Mirren, 5-3, and went on to lift the trophy that season, so it would be brilliant if we could repeat that feat but somehow I feel the visiting chairman, Stewart Gilmour, will have other ideas in mind.

We're still waiting on our first league win of the season, but to be fair we've had a very difficult start with three of our opening four fixtures away. However, five of our next seven games are now at home so I'm sincerely hoping for some decent results to further our progress in the cup and pick up points to get us off the bottom of the table.

The news that Bell's Whisky were stopping their sponsorship came as a shock and a bitter blow to every chairman in the S.F.L., myself included. Every club, big or small, benefited greatly from the £700,000 injection they ploughed into the S.F.L. and the Challenge Cup every season. Coming right on the heels of losing the 'pools money' last season it could have a catastrophic effect if a new sponsor is not found. Nevertheless, I'd still like to take this opportunity to thank Bell's Whisky for their generous investment of over £5 million pounds over the past seven years.

Willie Wilson's death came too late for my last programme notes. However I recall him as understudy to Roy Henderson back in the late 1940's and then as a top keeper at Clyde for many years after that. He was remembered with the customary one minute's silence before the Brechin game. I was also sad to hear that Ted McMinn has had another operation which required part of his foot being removed. I remember him as a flamboyant youngster at Palmerston and he later went on to star for Rangers, Seville, Derby County, Birmingham and Burnley. During his career he pulled in over £800,000 in transfer fees, probably more than any other Queen of the South player with the exception perhaps of Andy Thomson.

I'll end as usual by bidding a warm welcome to the directors and supporters down from Paisley tonight and also to our sponsors and young mascots.

David Rae

Reproduced from official programme 31st August 2005

Bill Goldie
Man of the match 3rd September 2005
The placings in this mid-weeks man of the match voting saw Willie Gibson win the award with Paul Burns second and third going to 'keeper Richie Barnard.

All of the scores have been updated on the latest report page and the player of the season league table has also been updated. Thanks for voting.
Training session at the Crichton 2nd September 2005
Despite having no game this weekend owing to the Scotland v Italy match at Hampden, Saturday will still be a busy day for all the Queens' players. They will have an intensive training session up at the Crichton, commencing at about 10.00 a.m. and later return to Palmerston to continue their workout. Said 'Scotty', "I'm hoping that one of the four 'trialists' I mentioned earlier in the week might be joining us for the training session. I'll be talking to his agent this evening to try and sort something out".

The manager hit back at the pessimistic comments in the local press today. He stressed, "Despite what it says in one local paper it's not all 'doom and gloom' at Palmerston at the moment and I can assure you there's no cracks or divisions whatsoever at the club. From top to bottom everyone is working hard and pulling together and we're all confident we can overcome the disappointing results of late and climb up the table. It's not a case of 'if' it happens, it's a case of 'when' it happens!" Fighting words indeed.

Bill Goldie
Match reaction 31st August 2005
Despite a gritty second half fightback Queens went down 2-1 to St Mirren in the Bell's Cup at Palmerston tonight. Afterwards manager Iain Scott said, "Obviously I'm disappointed to lose for we could and should have taken the match to extra-time. After equalising to lose a goal so quickly was a blow particularly as it took two deflections on its way into the net but there were two real positives out there tonight - firstly we scored a goal and a good one at that and secondly, there was a lot of effort from everyone. We all know we've a real battle ahead of us but the players plus Warren and I are ready for it.

"I thought Willie Gibson was outstanding and thoroughly deserved his man of the match award and young Paul Burns in my opinion came a close second. But I couldn't fault any player tonight, they fought to the bitter end and that's what I'm looking for."

St Mirren manager Gus McPherson was just happy to be in the next round. Said Gus, "We won the tie and that was our main objective. I thought we played very well in the first half but as expected Queens came out fighting after the interval. All credit to them they scored a good goal but we hit back in a couple of minutes although the ball did take a bit of a deflection. They put us under a lot of pressure in the dying stages but our defence held firm. We meet each other again in the league in ten days time but it will be a totally different game."

Bill Goldie
Cup-tie Special 30th August 2005
Queens take on St Mirren tomorrow night in the second round of the Bell's Challenge Cup and manager, Iain Scott, realises full well it will be a tough game. Speaking to the 'Website' he conceded, "They are a good side and going exceptionally well at the moment and are my personal favourites to gain promotion this season. But this is a cup game--a one-off--and we'll be going all out to win. We've had a reasonable record against St Mirren those past two seasons and honours are about even, but we have home advantage so it's up to us to make it count.

"We had a serious discussion with the players last week and they were given an ultimatum for I know some of them are under performing and I'm not prepared to accept that. I stressed then that changes would be made and they will be in the starting line-up tomorrow night. Obviously I'm not saying what they are but you'll find out yourselves".

Asked about the disipline problem following two red cards in two games and five yellow ones at Broadwood on Saturday the manager explained, "I don't think it's as bad as it looks. When a team's losing matches and decisions go against you, frustration creeps in and then you 'fall foul' of the referee. Some of the cards were merited but others I felt a bit harsh".

Remember, kick-off is 7.45 p.m.

Bill Goldie
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