LATEST NEWS
For previous news articles see the monthly archive at the foot of this page.
'Let's hear it from the fans' says 'Scotty' 29th September 2004
Manager Iain Scott says Saturday's game against St Mirren will be a real tester and Queens will need all the help they can from the fans. "They're league leaders and still unbeaten in the league this season" he said. "They have conceded only four goals in eight matches and are very strong and physical in defence. Gus McPherson has done a great job at Love Street since he took over as manager 10 months ago and has got his players really battling for each other. They're top of the table on merit, for league placings don't lie, and have their sights firmly set on the Premier League. They're a class side with plenty of spirit and Gus has brought in a lot of excellent players. We'll have to watch an ex-Queens' man, John O'Neill, very carefully. We all know he's a deadly finisher and loves to score against his old team.

"But as I've said dozens of times before, 'With a full squad we fear no-one'. We're gradually getting bodies back again, and I'm delighted at that. Jim Thomson has a slight ankle injury but he'll probably play with it strapped, but I doubt if David Craig will make it for Saturday. His hamstring injury is a bit more serious than we first thought an we don't want to take any unnecessary risks. Willie Gibson and Billy McDonald are both back in training and could be available in a couple of weeks time.

"Last week I mentioned we had identified two players, a midfielder and a striker, who we are interested in. I can't name them for obvious reasons but I can tell you they're both from South of the Border. We're meeting one of them a week on Monday and I'd like to think we could reach agreement.

"But back to Saturday's game and I hear that St Mirren could bring around 1000 fans with them. So I hope the Queens' fans will give us all the vocal support they can. Don't let the 'Buddies' outshout you".

Bill Goldie
"It won't be easy" says Gus 28th September 2004
St Mirren manager, Gus McPherson reckons Saturday's match could go either way. "There's a very fine line between winning and losing in our league and I think recent results have more than proved that" he stressed. "The results highlight just what a tough division this is with every club capable of beating each other. In our last two games we've met two of the bottom teams, Raith Rovers and Airdrie. At Kirkcaldy we were a bit lucky to come back with three points for they missed several very good chances and on Saturday at home to Airdrie we were stunned with a late equaliser in the dying seconds. Queen of the South may be a part-time side but in name only. Every club, and I mean EVERY club in the First Division has total respect for them. John Connolly brought together a good squad but, in my opinion, 'Scotty' and Warren have actually strengthened that squad bringing in players like the lad, McNiven, who's been knocking in the goals, and experienced campaigners such as Brian McLaughin and David Craig. Players who they can trust to put in a 100% shift.

"If I can recall honours were even between us last season, both of us winning two apiece. I had my first game in charge as caretaker manager when we last visited Palmerston back in November. We won 2-1 that day but I know from experience it's a difficult place to win. Since Queens were promoted two years ago they have been a revelation and have really excelled themselves. For the past two seasons they've finished in the top half of the league and this season they're right up there in fourth spot having won three of their last four games. Nowadays, however, it can sometimes be an advantage playing away from home for the expectancy is not so great as it is in front of your own fans. But, nevertheless, it's going to be an extremely difficult one for us on Saturday and if we head back up the M74 with three points we'll certainly have earned them".

Gus predicts Saints will bring over 1000 fans for the match. "We had almost 1400 at Kirkcaldy and if the weather remains good I see no reason why we can't bring a similar number to Dumfries" he concluded.

Bill Goldie
Question answered 27th September 2004
Since Queens beat Raith Rovers on Saturday we've been asked this question several times 'When last did we win four in a row in the league away from home?' Well, it was exactly 30 years ago in season 1974-75. From September 25th to November 16th we actually won five in a row beating Meadowbank 2-0, St Mirren 5-0, Falkirk 2-1, Hamilton 2-0 and Cowdenbeath 2-0. Our away form was particularly good in the league that season and we won 11 of the 19 away matches played--losing only 5.

Manager, Willie McLean had left the club in the September to take over the 'hot-seat' at Motherwell and coach, Mike Jackson, was in charge of the squad which included well-known names such as Allan Ball, Iain McChesney, Crawford Boyd, Tommy O'Hara, John Dempster and Billy McLaren. Our leading scorer was Ian Reid who netted 26 goals.

We finished up second in the table but didn't gain promotion owing to league re-construction. Three divisions were formed--Premier, First and Second and we went into the middle league.
Man of the Match 27th September 2004
Tommy English produced another man of the match winning performance at Starks Park on Saturday with his goal scoring exploits. Second went to Paul Burns and third to 'keeper Colin Scott.

All of the player scores can be found on the Latest Report page and the player of the season league table has been updated and can be found on the Man of the Match page.

Thanks for voting.
Scoring action 25th September 2004
See Steve Bowey strike the winner today - download David Gow's video clip by clicking on the link below.

Bowey strikes the winner
Match Reaction 25th September 2004
Queens strengthened their position in the top half of the table with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Raith Rovers at Starks Park today. They've now won four out of four away from home and have maximum points, also the best away record in the first division. It's the second week in a row that we've come back from behind to win and were again cheered on by our faithful fans.

After the match Iain Scott said, "It was a very exciting game to watch and both sides had chances but from our point of view I felt we should have been three of four one up by half time. But I must say the two goals we did score were brilliant. At the free-kick Tommy English told the lads beforehand exactly what he intended to do and he struck it and did just that. It's good now that we have three quality players now expert at 'dead ball' situations - David McNiven, Eric Paton and Tommy himself. As for Bowsers winner the build up was absolutely magnificent and he finished it off superbly, we had a decent penalty claim turned down in the first half when a Raith player punched a Paul Burns shot off the line but to be fair they also had a claim turned down in injury time so I suppose it evens itself out. Colin Scott had another great game and had a save late in the game which was 'out of this world' but Colin does this week in and week out, that's why he's such an outstanding 'keeper.

"Apart from a minor injury to David Bagan we appear to have come through the match unscathed and leaves me once again with a problem which has been alien to me this season 'who to leave out'. But we've spoken about it and the lads have all been very 'professional'. Let's face it, I'd rather have this situation than an injury crisis any day. However another three points away from home and I only hope now that we can improve our performances at Palmerston".

Skipper Steve Bowey was also delighted with the result and said, "I missed the last two games and it was most frustrating. It was really great to be back and even greater to come back and score the winning goal. The lads were all fantastic today, it was and excellent all round team performance and we're happy all round".

Bill Goldie
Paddy moves into management 23rd September 2004
Following the resignation of Blyth Spartans manager Paul Baker, former Queens favourite Paddy Atkinson has stepped up from playing duties to assist Graham Fenton in running the side. Good luck to Paddy with the side that includes former Queens striker Steve Preen and from which Lee George has just joined us.
Brighter news from Palmerston 22nd September 2004
At long last it's nice to report some good news on the injury situation at the club. With Eric Paton and Brian Reid back last week, two other players are set to return for the match against Raith Rovers at Kirkcaldy on Saturday. Said manager Iain Scott tonight "Emilio Jaconelli will be back in the squad and also Steve Bowey. 'Bowser' played in a training match at Darlington last night (a 1-1 draw) and came through unscathed. It's great to get bodies back again but our two young subs, Lee George and Stephen Payne, who did so well at Firhill on Saturday will also be included in the pool. Our only casualties now are David Craig, who tweaked a hamstring, but it's not too serious and he should be back for the St Mirren game. Also Willie Gibson, but he's resumed training and we're hoping he'll be back in action in about three weeks time". So now 'Scotty' has a smile on his face again!

Bill Goldie
'Colly remembers' 22nd September 2004
Scotland 0 Belgium 0 at Palmerston on Monday night brought back schoolboy memories for Queens' midfielder, Brian McColligan. He recalls "It reminds me when I played for Scotland Under-16s against Belgium years ago. The game was also at Palmerston and it too finished in a draw, 2-2. However it also brings back some very sad memories for me, it was the same day the gunman broke into the school at Dunblane and killed all those helpless young children".

Bill Goldie
'Scotty' speaks out 21st September 2004
With the season fast approaching the quarter way mark, manager Iain Scott spoke exclusively today to the 'Website'.

Are you happy with our present league position was our first question? "In fourth spot, of course I am" he replied. "But it's all so close that two bad results could see us back down in the bottom two. We always set ourselves a target of 10 points in every quarter for if we can manage a total of 40 points we're almost certain to consolidate our First Division status. Statistics prove that the highest points total any side has been relegated with from our division is 36 and we've already got 10 points from 7 games so we're up on target. I'm told that Clyde's Ian Harty was saying in a national paper last week that practically every side in Division One has consolidation first and foremost in their mind, and look at the great start Clyde have made.
"Last season we had an amazing 19 points at the quarter way stage yet the season prior to that only 8, but both seasons we finished up fifth. I always say that if you win your home games and draw away you'd win the league no bother. It's a very positive attitude but it's the best way to think. I reckon that a defeat at home is minus 3 points but a win away is plus 2. In our last two games we've come back from a goal down to get a draw and a win. That was our biggest failing last season--once we went behind we found it difficult to get back into the game and I think, that only twice, did we recover to win after losing the first goal.

"Although our away record has been great we've yet to win at home" he added. How come we questioned? "Perhaps at home we tend to push the game too much looking for an early goal and get caught out at the back. But to be fair I think we were a bit unlucky not to get a share of the points against both Ross County and Clyde but at least the draw with Hamilton will hopfully be a turning point and I'm looking for better results at Palmerston in the future. However we have had more than our fair share of injuries and I think that has contributed to some of the poor results.

"Away from home the pressure to win is not so great and I feel we're more relaxed and to win three out of three is brilliant. But it's all credit to the lads that we're up there in fourth place, despite all our injury problems their attitude has been tremendous. We're gradually starting to get bodies back again and both Brian Reid and Eric Paton were in action on Saturday and within a month's time we hope to have another striker and a midfielder on board. We've already identified the striker, he's with another club at the moment, but we're hopeful we can negotiate a deal.

With our impressive away form we must start favourites to beat Raith Rovers at Kirkcaldy on Saturday we then asked. "They're not as bad a team as their league position suggests" said 'Scotty'. "I believe they should have scored at least two against St Mirren at the weekend and while speaking to 'Yogi' Hughes from Falkirk last week he agreed they're better than their solitary point. But following Saturday's win at Firhill we must guard against complacency and I'll just say three words to the players before kick-off, 'Remember Albion Rovers'.

Still on the subject of the Thistle match 'Scotty' stressed. "We had a really 'patched-up' team out, and some of those on the park really should not have been playing. But they all wanted to which again speaks volumns for their attitude. Apart from the opening ten minutes we were every bit as good as them. I know they were a big team with some real giants in the side but I knew we had nothing to fear. I told the players at half-time they were showing them far too much respect and to 'stop acting like frightened rabbits looking into an approaching car's headlamps'. Go out and play football I said. We had the wind in our favour in the second half and we kept the ball on the deck more to eliminate their height advantage and it worked.

"I would gladly have taken a draw but the magnificent last-minute winner by Stephen Payne was a real bonus--but we deserved it. On top of our injuries we had several players suffering from a mystery virus. Four of them were physically sick at the end of the game and so too was our physio, Kenny Crichton. We think the virus was picked up from one of our Under-19 squad at training on Wednesday night, so taking the sickness bug into consideration it makes the result even more pleasing".

Bill Goldie
Man of the Match 20th September 2004
'Wee' Paul Burns was once again a stand-out for Queens on Saturday and scooped the Internet Fan's Man of the Match award. Second place went to regular goalscorer David McNiven whilst Gary Wood in another different position at right-back took third place in the voting.

All of the other player's scores have been updated on the match report and the player of the season league table has also been updated and can be found via the Man of the Match link.

Thanks for voting.
Under-18's at Palmerston 20th September 2004
Although Queens are away from home again on Saturday Palmerston Park will still be a very busy place with Under-18 sides representing Scotland, Northern Ireland and Belgium battling it out in a 'round robin' tournament.

Two of the three games will take place at Palmerston. Tonight Scotland play hosts to Belgium and on Friday night they meet Northern Ireland. Admission will be £5.00 (Adults) and £2.00 (Concessions). The match between Belgium and Northern Ireland will be played on Wednesday night at Gretna's Raydale Park.

All three games will kick-off at 6.30 p.m. so come along and see the stars of tomorrow in action.
Match Reaction 18th September 2004
Manager Iain Scott was delighted with the result, said Scotty, "The lads fought really well and they thoroughly merited the three points. They dominated the second half and could easily have had another couple of goals, David Bagan and David McNiven both missing chances". The manager then added, tongue in cheek', "I must thank David Craig for getting injured or I might not have brought Stephen Payne on. It was tremendous to get a goal of that quality so late but so good. We had a lot of injuries today and neither Brian Reid or Eric Paton were fully fit but that's us up to fourth spot in the table so I'm really pleased at that".

Gary Wood was also over the moon with the result. Said 'Mr Versatile', "I really enjoy playing football. I'll play anywhere the manager wants me to, up front, central defence or full-back it doesn't matter to me. We were under a bit of pressure early on but came back well and I think we deserved the win. I was particularly pleased for Steve Payne, him and I travel a lot together and I was delighted see him come off the bench and grab that late winner. I'd love to see Steve get a regular place in the side, he deserves it".

New signing Lee George said he was thrilled to get a game, "I only came on for the final ten minutes but it was a fast game and it was great to see the winning goal go in so late. I really enjoyed my debut".

Bill Goldie
Chairman's Message 17th September 2004
In last Saturday's programme Chairman David Rae wrote an interesting article that many Queens fans will not have seen, for those of you not aware of th article here it is slightly updated;

"55 years ago when Queens were suffering a goal drought the then chairman was reputed to have stated 'We need someone who can biff the ball into the back of the net'. A few weeks later Queens went and signed Jim Patterson from Luncarty in Perthshire and 'Big Jim' went on to score a record 251 goals for the club. How I wish today we could get someone like him or another prolific Queen of the South marksman, Andy Thomson, who netted 109 times for us. Then our prayers would be answered! I fully realise our big problem this season is scoring goals but as I've said so many times before, getting a good striker is very difficult. To coin an old farming saying 'They're as scarce as hen's teeth'.

But I can assure you all, throughout the close season the manager has been working extremely hard and travelling both north and south of the border to find the right man. We did sign David McNiven and Chris Armstrong but we approached many others, some quite well-known players. We offered terms to Andy Smith, Mixu Paatelainen and Darryl Duffy but they all opted for 'full-time' football; we spoke to Paul Robinson, a striker who moved from Newcastle United to Wimbledon for one and a half million pounds a few years back; we offered Clyde well in excess of our club's record transfer fee for Ian Harty last month but they turned it down and on the very day the 'windows' closed, we made two unsuccessful bids for yet another striker. However we're still looking!

The manager did make an important signing recently when he acquired David Craig from Ayr United. He's big and strong and also very experienced having previously played at clubs like Partick Thistle, Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Hamilton. We needed extra cover in defence so I'd like to welcome David to Palmerston.

As we left Dumfries for our last away game at Airdrie a few Saturday morning's ago light rain was falling and the sky was very cloudy and about 15 miles from Glasgow we had a long delay due to road re-surfacing. By the time we reached our hotel for a light lunch we were running about half an hour late and I began to wonder 'Here we go again, is this going to be another of those days when nothing is going to go our way'. However, I'm glad to say that within two and a half hours it would all change at New Broomfield.

The players were right up for it from the start and we gave a display of excellent football and thoroughly deserved our 1-0 win. Every one played well and although I'm reluctant to single out any individual, on this occasion I feel I must mention young Paul Burns at right back. I'm beginning to wonder just how many positions Paul can play in for he seems to be able to cope admirably in all roles up the right side of the park. I was a bit worried when the two Airdrie players collided with each other and had to come off. Nobody likes to see that happen in football and I trust they're both progressing well".

DAVID RAE
Latest injury bulletin 16th September 2004
As promised, an update on our injury situation. And here's how Iain Scott described it! "Definitely out are Steve Bowey, Willie Gibson and Emilio Jaconelli. On top of his hamstring problems, 'Mambo' had to go to hospital last night with a virus. Brian Reid. Attended an acupuncturist today for treatment on a trapped nerve. We'll have to wait until Saturday to see if this has helped, but very doubtful. David Bagan. Hasn't trained all week owing to a knock on the back of the knee so 50/50. Gary Wood. Has a neck strain but I think he'll make it, hopeful. Eric Paton. Not fully fit yet but we'll probably have to risk him. Did play for the youth team at Falkirk last night and did O.K." But some better news. Both Jim Thomson and Paul Burns who missed training on Monday are O.K.

The manager also stated that Queens are set to sign a young striker tomorrow morning. Said Scotty "He's a young lad from Sunderland called Lee George. He's 19 and has been training with us for the past three or four weeks. He's got a bit of pace about him and he'll be joining us on a short term contract and will probably be on the bench on Saturday. Since Lee is only 19 and a free agent this will not affect our remaining 'joker' signing".

Bill Goldie
Watering Hole 16th September 2004
According to the Daily Record's football "pub spy" two weeks ago, "Munn's Bar" in Maryhill where Queens' fans previously congregated, has re-invented itself as a Partick Thistle fans pub now! If you are looking for an alternative further up Maryhill Road the "Kelvin Dock" is owned by Doonhamer Mrs Gilroy (formerly Dot Stevenson) whose family lived in Queen Street, Dumfries for 40 years.

BLW
Injury list grows 15th September 2004
"It's not looking good for Saturday". That's the sad message from Iain Scott at training tonight. "This is my fifth season at Palmerston and I can never recall an injury list like this so early in the season" he added. "Steve Bowey, Brian Reid, Willie Gibson and Emilio Jaconelli are definitely non-starters and six others either 'pulled up' at training on Monday night or didn't train at all.

"We play Partick Thistle, one of the promotion favourites this weekend. They're big, they're experienced so it's going to be yet another hard one. However, we've won two out of two away from home in the league this season with wins at Perth and Airdrie so it would be great to keep that record intact.

"We'll probably have a trialist striker on the bench at Firhill but as for the rest of the team it's just 'wait and see' again. It's very frustrating!"

Talking about his injury 'Bowser' said "It's my right calf which I injured up at Airdrie. It's still very sore, it's black and blue from my knee to my ankle and I haven't managed to train at all this week. It's improving, slowly but surely, but I'm missing my football and itching to be back playing again".

Log on tomorrow night for up-to-date news of our 'walking-wounded'.

Bill Goldie
Man of the Match 13th September 2004
Goalscorer David McNiven beat off Jim Thomson for this weeks man of the match award in the game versus Hamilton Accies at the weekend, third place going to Gary Wood for his defensive role.

The full scores for all the players are listed on the 'Latest Report' page and the player of the season league table has also been updated and can be found on the 'Man of the Match' page.

Thanks for voting.
Scoring action 11th September 2004
See David McNiven strike the equaliser today - download David Gow's video clip by clicking on the link below.

McNiven strikes the equaliser
Match Reaction 11th September 2004
Queens 'stopped the rot' so to speak with a 1-1 draw against Hamilton today but are still seeking their first home win of the season. However it was a game of two halves and we were a bit unlucky not to snatch all three points with a spirited second half fight back. Unbelievably although we only managed a share of the spoils we still moved up to fifth in the table, it just shows how tight our league is going to be again.

After the match Iain Scott said "It's a 'starting block' and we're now gradually getting injured players back so it's something to build on. We're still lacking a bit of confidence but after the goal came we quickened the pace up a bit. The wind was troublesome, particularly in the first half but we certainly had enough chances to win it after the interval. David McNiven could well have had a hat-trick and their 'keeper pulled off two tremendous saves to deny him the match ball. Unfortunately for us they're just not going in".

Leading scorer David McNiven agreed with his manager, "Yes, with a bit of luck I could have netted three times out there today. I still don't know how their 'keeper managed to stop my two efforts in the second half. I was sure they were both going in. That's three I've scored at Palmerston now, two penalties and a free kick so I'm about due one or two from open play."

New signing David Craig admitted he enjoyed it but still needs a game or two to get back to match fitness. Said the ex-Ayr United stalwart, "We got a draw but a win would have been much nicer but to be fair a draw was probably a fair result, they were on top in the first half, the wind was difficult and our midfield had a job getting into the game. We had the upper hand in the second half and could have won it. However I'm settling in well, they're a great bunch of lads and I'm looking forward to Firhill next week."

Bill Goldie
Player Cards Available 10th September 2004
Available at the Club Shop tomorrow are this season's Player Cards, the full squad are available and all feature an autograph printed on the card.
Supporters Trust - your questions answered 10th September 2004
Look out for a leaflet being distributed at tomorrows match versus Hamilton. The leaflet lays out the principles and aims behind the Queen of the South Supporters Trust.
Globe Inn QoS Supporters 10th September 2004
We hear that the Globe Inn Queens supporters have a new T shirt out this weekend combining the Burns Head with a Queens logo. Available from committee members Ian Black or Bruce Wright.
Golf Spectacular 9th September 2004
This coming Sunday will see the first team and under 19's squads taking part in a golfing day out at the Pines Golf Course, Lockerbie Road, Dumfries. The event is a Texas Scramble and has been organised by Joyce Middlemiss to raise funds for the many youth sides that Queens have in operation. The format of the event, which tee's off at 11.00am is a conventional four ball Texas Scramble with a first team player, a youth team player and two sponsors from the business community making up each side. There are twenty-one sides taking part and eighteen hole sponsors as well as the Queen of the South Fan Club who are sponsoring the nineteenth hole!

A good turnout of first team and Under 19's is assured and you will also get to see the stars of the future as the next Willie Gibson/Paul Burns will come through this group of youngsters.

The winning side in the Texas Scramble will be presented with a magnificent trophy kindly donated by John McQueen.

So support the Queen of the South stars of the future and drop by at any time on Sunday to see how things are going.
Mambo's back 9th September 2004
Emilio Jaconelli will be back in the Queens' squad for Saturday's home match against Hamilton Accies. The striker suffered a hamstring injury in the opening game of the season and has been sidelined for six weeks. Said manager Iain Scott "Emilio will return to the squad but we don't want to rush him so he'll probably start on the bench. Obviously Brian Reid and Willie Gibson will still be missing and although Eric Paton is back in training he won't make it for Saturday.

"Paul Burns, Steve Payne and 'Bowser' are carrying knocks, but I think they'll all be fit. 'Bowser' and Steve Payne will need some heavy strapping and young Paul seems to have shrugged off a nasty knee injury he picked up at Airdrie. He's a real tough one is Paul.

Davy Bagan was suffering from a stomach bug at training last night so it's 'wait and see' time with him.

"As far as our new signings are concerned David Craig looked good in training and will be included in the pool but Billy McDonald still needs a week or two yet to get over his injury problem. Also back will be our keeper, Craig Samson, after his travels with Scotland's Under-21 squad".

'Scotty' admits it will be another tough fixture on Saturday. He added "Hamilton are a big team with about six players over six feet and they're particularly strong in the air. On hindsight I think we may have started the season a bit too well with that 2-0 victory at Airdrie and the 3-1 win at St Johnstone. Perhaps we became a bit over confident and paid the penalty, but we're now more settled although we've still several players playing out of position. We've had a bad run at Palmerston lately but in our last home game against Clyde I felt we deserved at least a point with our second half display. So we'll be all out for a victory on Saturday--we owe it to the fans!"

Bill Goldie
New signing meets his team mates 8th September 2004
New signing, David Craig, joined his new team mates tonight and said he was really looking forward to pulling on a Queen of the South shirt. Said the former Ayr United defender "I think what Queens have achieved since winning promotion two years ago is amazing and I'm delighted to be playing for them. I've been at Palmerston many times before with most of my previous clubs and now I'll be playing there in a Queens' jersey. I watched them play at Airdrie on Saturday and it was a real professional performance. Having been in the game so long I know many of the Queens' players and they all told me how much they enjoyed it down at Palmerston. I saw the set-up first-hand tonight and was very impressed. I trained with the lads for the first time and they all made me welcome, so I'm raring to go".

Scotty welcomes David Craig to Palmerston


Bill Goldie
Photograph courtesy Angus McDougal
Billy MacDonald signs 8th September 2004
Another new recruit is Billy MacDonald who eventually put pen to paper tonight. Although Billy had been training with the club since the close season both player and club were waiting for a niggling injury to clear before finalising the deal. An experienced midfielder, the 27-year-old has turned out for West Brom, Spurs, Partick Thistle, Dunfermline, Livingston and Stranraer. He also had two spells abroad in Finland and Australia.


Bill Goldie
Photograph courtesy Angus McDougal
A date for your diary 6th September 2004
The Daily Record roadshow is coming to Dumfries. The date: Tuesday 15th February. The venue: Upper Lounge Bar at Palmerston. The price: £5 per ticket.

Sponsored by Bell's Whisky, Radio West Sound and the Daily Record the popular roadshow will hit the town in just over five months time. The panel will consist of members of the national media, a representative from international football, (probably Murdo McLeod, ex-Scotland and Celtic) and a guest from Queen of the South.

During the evening there will be an opportunity for some Whisky tasting, courtesy of Bell's. Lookout for further details on the Queen of the South website.

Bill Goldie
Man of the Match 6th September 2004
Converted forward Gary Wood took the plaudits of the Internet Fan Club members as he won the man of the match voting following Saturday's game versus Airdrie United. Following just behind was fellow central defender Jim Thomson whilst goalkeeper Colin Scott was a fraction further back on the averaged votes.

All the players scores can be found on the latest report page and the updated player of the season league table can be found via the man of the match link.

Thanks for voting.
Celebration 4th September 2004
Spot yourself in the celebrating crowd as Queens leave the field at New Broomfield today - download David Gow's video clip by clicking on the link below.

CELEBRATIONS AT BROOMFIELD AGAIN!
Reaction 4th September 2004
A fighting, injury hit, Queens picked up three valuable points at Airdrie this afternoon. Brian McLaughlin was the goal scoring hero but if truth be told the 'wee man' should have had a hat-trick.

The victory moves Queens two places up the table into sixth place and Iain Scott was obviously delighted to end a run of four defeats on the trot, said the manager after the final whistle, "That was a great result for us. The lads gave 100% today, showed a lot of grit and determination and kept their shape well. Colin Scott again had some tremendous saves; Jim Thomson and Gary Wood were solid in defence with Paul Burns putting in another superb performance at right back; Bowser ran the midfield and upfront David McNiven and Brian McLaughlin worked very hard, infact everyone played really well. I was proud of them and I'll go home now and have a restful night for a change".

But Scotty also said, "We signed another player today, ex-Ayr United man David Craig, he's tall, 6ft 3in and experienced. He's a left sided defender or midfielder and although thirty five, when being examined for his medical the Doc said, 'he has the body of a twenty-five year old'. David is a fitness instructor and in an illustrious career has played with East Stirling, Partick thistle, Dundee United, Raith Rovers and had two spells at Hamilton. I'm delighted, for with Brian Reid out and Paul Hilland being released we need cover in that position". The manager also admitted he's still on the look-out for that illusive striker.

Bill Goldie
Team News - Four still missing 2nd September 2004
Queens will still be without four players, Eric Paton, Emilio Jaconelli, Brian Reid and Willie Gibson for their visit to Airdrie on Saturday. Said manager Iain Scott "Emilio and Eric are both coming along nicely and Emilio's actually re-started training. We can't rush things but, with a bit of luck, they might be available for next Saturday. Willie came through his operation fine yesterday. He'll be a bit sore for a few days and it's now purely a 'waiting' game. However, Brian Reid is my biggest worry. He just needs rest but could well be out for about a month so we'll just have to be patient. With his height, experience and influence 'Reidy' will be a massive miss and statistics have proved how important he is to the side.

"We've already played up at Airdrie this season and beat them 2-0 in the Challenge Cup but three of the players who were in the squad that afternoon are now out injured, so no way is it going to be easy. The next two or three weeks are going to be so important for us. We've three out of four away from home against teams like Airdrie, Hamilton and Raith Rovers--all clubs we would prefer to see below us in the table.

"I'm well aware that we need another striker. We had two cash offers for one turned down on Tuesday, just before the 'windows' closed, and in this day and age that's amazing! But we'll continue to keep trying using the legal loopholes still open to us. I'm looking for someone with a bit of pace and can score goals, but it's a big order. Between them last season 'Burky' and big Sean netted 31 goals so they're very difficult to replace and it's also very important to get the right man".

Bill Goldie
Man of the Match 2nd September 2004
Yes there was one and it was Paul Burns, second place went to Jim Thomson and third to Steve Bowey.

All of the individual scores are on the latest report page and the player of the season league table can be found via the man of the match link.

Thanks for voting.
New minibus for Queens 2nd September 2004
Queens took delivery of a new minibus on Saturday which will prove a big benefit for the club. Said Chairman, David Rae "We've now got five youth teams playing a lot of their matches away from home, we've also got the 'Fit for Purpose' lads and the First Team players who require transport back and forth from our new training ground at the Crichton".

The minibus was supplied by Border Cars, Dumfries and purchased by the club at a generously discounted price. Added the Chairman "We have always had friendly dealings with Border Cars who, for the past couple of years have sponsored our manager's car, and they were only too willing to oblige when I approached them". The new minibus is a 17-seater Renault Master and Mike Fusco, proprietor of Borders Cars, handed over the keys to David Rae prior to Saturday's game against Clyde.

Bill Goldie
Brief Bits 1st September 2004
Misleading reports in several daily newspapers today stated that Queen's had signed two new players. Both were actually for the Under 19 squad, Gareth Campbell from Aberdeen and Martin Cunliffe from Kilmarnock. Martin was actually re-admitted having been on Queens' books last season.

GOOD LUCK to Willie Gibson who reports to hospital in Washington (Northumberland) today to undergo surgery for a double hernia.

CONGRATULATIONS to our goalkeeper Craig Samson who is again included in the Scotland Under-21 squad who jet out to Spain today. Also to starlet, Ross Beattie, who made his first team debut last night when he came on as sub against St Johnstone.

ON THE MEND are Eric Paton and Emilio Jaconelli who appeared to be getting back to fitness as they sprinted around McDermid Park prior to last night's cup tie.

Bill Goldie
Match Reaction 31st August 2004
Queens crashed out of the Bell's Challenge Cup tonight as St.Johnstone avenged the 3-1 defeat in the league just over a couple of weeks ago. Two goals in the space of a minute on the half-hour mark ended Queens' hopes and once again they failed to find the net.

Said a disappointed Iain Scott after the game, "That display was not acceptable and we can't blame our injuries for that performance, we were lacking in confidence, the 'generals' were missing from the team and some players were 'hiding' thankfully we have no more injuries which is the only bonus. We thought we might have strengthened our squad today but we had two offers for a player turned down".

However John Connolly was a much happier man and said, "Queens turned us over in the league a week or two ago but we turned the tables on them tonight. That's two wins in a row now for us and two clean sheets so as far as I'm concerned that's brilliant. Considering we have five players missing I'm well satisfied".

Bill Goldie
Man of the Match 30th August 2004
Tommy English now has a first place to add to his second and third places in the internet fan's 'Man of the Match' voting, the left sided defender impressing everyone with his forward runs and efforts on goal. Second place went to 'keeper Colin Scott who again pulled off some excellent saves on Saturday and third to Paul Burns for an outstanding display in an unfamiliar position.

The player of the season league table has been updated and can be found via the Man of the Match link.

Thanks for voting.
Team News 30th August 2004
Iain Scott hopes to have two new players signed before tomorrow night's Challenge Cup tie against St Johnstone at Perth. Said Scotty "I'm after a centre-half and a striker before the 'windows' deadline tomorrow night but it's getting them that's the big problem. We've had major injury problems to major players and it's been 'killing' us. Eric Paton, Emilio Jaconelli and Willie Gibson are all good players who would normally be in the First Team but they're all injured. Brian Reid will also miss the cup game, he shouldn't have played on Saturday and had he been fully fit I don't think Clyde would have scored that goal. But we're down to the 'bare bones' and had to play him.

"We'll have Gary Wood back from suspension and Paul Hilland will hopefully be available. I'm also hoping David McNiven will play although he's still suffering from injuries to both his knees. But again we'll probably have to have Under-19 players on the bench for cover".

Naturally he's looking for a win but stresses that the league is still his main priority. He added "Our away form has been good this season and we've already beaten St Johnstone up there this season. John has had a shaky start at Perth but he got a win on Saturday and once he gets all his new players settled in, I'm sure his team will come good. But we have to remember we're playing St Johnstone football club not John Connolly".

Nevertheless let's hope that the Queens' players will be motivated again playing against their old boss and get a result which will see us through to round 3.

Said Saints' boss, John Connolly "We got our first league win 'under our belts' on Saturday and we're all feeling a bit happier. I'm now looking to build on that and move up the table. What people forget is, although we lost our last three games they were all by a single goal and the breaks weren't going for us so I'm hoping the win will act as a confidence builder.

"We had seven first-team regulars missing on Saturday which made the result even more pleasing and we'll still have four of them out for tomorrow's match against Queens. I'm looking forward to the game and I know Queens will prove stern opposition. You beat us 3-1 in the league a few weeks ago but this is a cup-tie and like ourselves you've had more than your fair share of injuries. I hope it's an enjoyable match and we'll be out for revenge".

Bill Goldie
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