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Match reaction 28th February 2006
The match was played in zero temperatures so it was perhaps appropriate that if finished 0-0. It was the second goaless draw on the trot at Palmerston and the fans must now be wondering when they'll see a goal. However we are fast running out of home games so it's more important than ever now that we take three points from Clyde come Saturday.

Afterwards manager Ian McCall said, "We deserved to win. We got at them right from the start but didn't take our chances. The best opportunity of the game fell to Gary Wood just before the interval but he failed to connect properly. We could well have lost it near the end but Colin Scott pulled off an outstanding save to keep a clean sheet. But all credit to the players who performed well in difficult conditions."

Dundee manager Alan Kernaghan agreed and said, "Both sets of players did well to put on a good show in tricky conditions. The pitch began to freeze during the second half but I thought a draw was a fair reflection of the game."

Sponsors man of the match Jim Thomson felt Queens could have scored three, "I missed one early on, then Gary Wood put one wide just before half time and Stuart Lovell was unlucky to late in the game when his shot came off the underside of the bar."

Bill Goldie
Dundee at Palmerston 27th February 2006
Queens meet Dundee at Palmerston tomorrow night in a re-arranged match after the scheduled fixture was postponed in December. This will be the first time Dundee have visited Palmerston for almost 16 years and that game, a League Cup tie, proved to be quite a memorable one--Queens winning 6-3 following a 'penalty shoot-out'. The match itself actually ended 2-2 (after extra time) with Gary Fraser and 'Budgie' McGhie scoring, but in the 'shoot-out' Ian Thomson, Jimmy Robertson, Gary Fraser and Tommy Sloan all found the net to see Queens through. In the after-match interview keeper Alan Davidson was quoted as saying, "I'm glad I saved the first two spot-kicks for I was next in line to take one and would have hated to have missed it". Attendance that night was 1346.

With Stranraer drawing at Ross County at the weekend, a win would take us to within three points of the Stair Park side with another home game, against Clyde, coming up on Saturday. Ironically, scorer of the Stranraer equaliser was none other than Stephen Payne, who we released during the January 'window. However, Ian McCall is remaining positive and stated this afternoon, "Sure, Stranraer picked up a useful point on Saturday, but if we win tomorrow we can still close the gap. I watched Dundee play Hamilton in the cup on Saturday and I still think they're a very good team. In fact, I'd go as far as to say they could be 'dark horses' to win the league next season.

"We all know it's not going to be an easy one but it's at home and we'll be going all out to win all our games at Palmerston from now until the end of the season. Our record's been good of late and we fear no-one on our own ground so I'd love to get another three points in the bag".

Gary Wood is congratulated on his wonder winner earlier this month at Dens - Copyright David Young www.dundeefc.co.uk
On his on-going contract talks the manager said, "I'm not even thinking about that at the moment--we're all fully focussed on tomorrow night's match. But there is no big hurry for there's no way I'm going to walk out on Queens or anything like that. We've only a couple of loose ends to tie up and we'll probably be discussing those on Wednesday. Queen of the South are my home town team, I'm loving it here and I'm up for the challenge".

Please note--Tomorrow night's match will kick-off at 7.45 p.m. and all season ticket holders are reminded that brief 9 (the one for the postponed Dundee game) is the ticket required for admittance.

Bill Goldie
Team News 27th February 2006
Shaun Dillon, who has missed the last two matches with hamstring trouble, is set to return to the squad for the Dundee match so, with the exception of Sean O'Connor, we have a full squad available. If John O'Neill starts, it will be his 100th appearance for the club. Now in his second spell at Palmerston, John has netted 52 goals to date.

Bill Goldie
Queens 0-3 Dumbarton 25th February 2006
In a training match held at Palmerston this afternoon Queens went down 3-0 to Dumbarton. The Sons from the Rock led 1-0 at the interval, courtesy of a penalty but added two more goals in the second half to run out comfortable winners. A six foot six inch trialist Polish goalkeeper took over from Richie Barnard for the second half.

Bill Goldie
A good turnout 21st February 2006
The Queens' 'faithful' certainly answered last week's call by the manager to 'come out and support the team'. For on Saturday a crowd of 1844 turned up (apart from St Mirren the biggest gate in our division) and with Brechin having only 30 or so stalwarts in the East Stand it meant over 1800 home fans. It was the highest turnout against the Glebe Park side for many years. Considering the attendance was only 1480 for the corresponding match with Brechin back in August it shows a health increase which is most gratifying.

Ian McCall himself was obviously delighted with the larger than expected turnout and said, "Games against Brechin always seem to be notoriously poorly supported but we had over 300 more than what I consider our hard-core support. Like myself, I know many of you would go home 'gutted' at the result for I felt we dominated for 85 minutes and on another day we could well have scored three or four goals.

"We are now focusing on the Dundee match and with Stranraer playing Ross County on Saturday we'll have a clearer picture of how we stand. However, the only good result for us is if they lose. But, having said that, we can't allow ourselves to worry too much how Stranraer's results are going--it's what we do between now and the end of the season that matters. To ensure we'll be fit and ready for Tuesday night's game we have a 'closed doors' training match arranged against Dumbarton on Saturday which should give the lads a good work-out".

Bill Goldie
BITS AND PIECES 21st February 2006
Sean O'Connor

Sean is progressing extremely well following his operation and is targeting the Clyde match at Palmerston on the 4th of March for his come-back.

Chris Carr

Defender Chris Carr has been informed that he is free to look around for another club. Although under contract to the end of the season, the manager felt it was only fair to allow Chris ample time to 'ask around' rather than leave it to April when there is always an almighty rush to find a new club.

Contract talks

Manager, Ian McCall, has now had meetings with the Chairman and Board of Directors. Said Ian, "We already met twice and we're still talking. Everything is going along nicely and I'd like to think we could reach an agreement later this week or, failing that, next week".

Bill Goldie
Face in the crowd 20th February 2006
Every week the match day programme runs a competition where a member of the crowd is picked at random from a photograph taken at the previous home game. The programme for the match against Brechin City focused on a group of fans in the Portland Drive end at the recent match versus Airdrie and the fan circled, Richard Little, immediately donated his winnings to the Youth Development funds. A superb gesture we're sure you will all agree.
Man of the match 20th February 2006
The man of the match placings from the draw with Brechin City at Palmerston on Saturday saw Ryan McStay win the award with Colin Scott and Stuart Lovell second and third respectively.

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.
Chairman's Message 19th February 2006
After 16 games without a win no-one at Palmerston was happier than I was when Paul Burns slotted home that second goal against Airdrie to ensure us of a victory. Paul must really enjoy playing against Airdrie for that's the second crucial goal he's scored against them this season. The win at Dundee last Saturday was another great result and now cuts the deficit between Stranraer and ourselves to six points. When Gary Wood's suberb strike hit the back of the net the decorum of the Director's Box was forgotten and we were all on our feet cheering like schoolboys. When I went up to Lochmaben for my Sunday papers the following morning I was asked, when did we last win at Dens Park?. I couldn't remember, but it turned out to be on February 15th, 1977 when we won 2-0. However, prior to that it was away back in January 1937 before I was even born.

During the January 'window' we brought in seven new players, however three of them, Andy Thomson, Andy Aitken and Sean O'Connor are well-known to us all. The other four, Graham Weir, Ryan McStay, Shaun Dillon and Michael Mullen have all impressed me and, from what I hear, also the fans. So it has to be said that the manager has done what he promised to do--strengthen the defence and bring in more striking power. Unfortunately, when new faces come in others have to go so David McNiven, Stephen Payne and Brian McColligan have moved on to 'pastures new'. But I'm glad they've all found new clubs so I wish them well.

I was a guest at the Fan Club's Burns' Supper at the end of January and what an enjoyable evening it turned out to be. It was a 'full-house', we had an excellent meal and the speakers were all entertaining. What more could you ask for!.

At the A.G.M. back in November there was concern voiced regarding our communications with the local schools. It was felt by some that Gretna were doing much more than we were but I doubt if that's true. Since the start of this season our young professionals along with Development Manager, Kenny Crichton and our commercial team of Margaret and Ian Heuchan have visited 17 local schools, both primary and secondary. Many of those have been attended more than once, and to date there have been no fewer than 35 visitations. There are more scheduled over the next few weeks, so I think you must all agree that Queen of the South as a club are working very hard to forge links with local schoolchildren.

Today we welcome Brechin City back to Palmerston. Like ourselves the Glebe Park men have not had the best of seasons and lie one place below us at the bottom of the table. I'm not going to be a hypocrite and wish them good luck today, for as their chairman David Birse knows full well we're both fighting to avoid the dreaded drop. Welcome also to all sponsors in attendance this afternoon and to our young match-day mascots who always do a good job.

David Rae

P.S. At the time of writing the Board are preparing to have talks with our manager, Ian McCall, regarding a new contract. I can't really say any more at present but you'll all be kept up-to-date on the Official Website and in the local press.

From Official Programme 18-2-06


Bill Goldie
Match reaction 18th February 2006
Queens had to content themselves with a goal less draw this afternoon against a dour Brechin side which came intent on frustrating and not conceding a goal. There was little good football played in the first half but after the interval Queens dictated the game and the fans must be wondering just why the ball didn't go into the net especially in the closing ten minutes. But looking on the bright side the gap between ourselves and Stranraer is now only five points and we have two home games coming up.

After the match manager Ian McCall conceded, "Yes, it was very tense out there today. After seeing the Stranraer result I can't make up my mind whether it's a point gained or two lost. But it's still one we should have won. We were a bit slack in the first half but the mood of the game was set early on when their 'keeper cleared Andy Thomson's effort off the line. After that I counted four or five other chances that were blocked on the goal line as well. It just wasn't our day, in the second half it was 'one way traffic' but we couldn't get the break. We had a lot of possession but credit to Brechin, they defended well and their 'keeper had some tremendous saves. When the ball did fall for us there always seemed to be a defender there to clear it. It was all very frustrating. But I'm still confident we can overtake Stranraer and stay up. We're playing with a lot more confidence now and that's seven points in the last three games. There was a good turnout of over 1,800 today and I can only ask the fans to stay with us."

Brechin City manager Ian Campbell had a completely different opinion of the match. "It was an exciting match for any neutral with lots of goal mouth action. Queens had chances but we had chances as well and at the end of the day a draw was a fair result. It was a draw away from home and a clean sheet and I'm happy at that. I still think we can get ourselves off the bottom of the table and avoid relegation. We've most of our injured players back now and will give it our best shot".

Sponsors 'Man of the Match' Ryan McStay admitted, "It was by far my best performance for Queens but I'm disappointed we didn't win for we had the bulk of the pressure. However when I came here a month ago we were twelve points behind Stranraer and now we're only five. So that's good! I'm loving it at Queen of the South, the players are great, there are no prima donnas and we all have the same aim - to keep the club in the first division."

Some well kent faces spotted at Palmerston today - ex-manager Iain Scott who was working for STV, Hugh Dallas the referee supervisor and also Ian McCall's brother Gordon.

Bill Goldie
Degsy up for local derbies 17th February 2006
Our near neighbours, Gretna, are certainly hitting the headlines at present after their great cup run. On top of that, they are now almost certain to move up to Division One next season and only yesterday they were installed as third favourites to win the Scottish Cup behind Hearts and Hibs. But one of their top players, Derek Townsley, is hoping Queens remain in the First Division for he'd like nothing better to play at Palmerston again, even though it would be in a Gretna shirt.

Said 'Degsy', "I look for the Queens' score every Saturday and I'm pleased to see their results improving over the past few weeks. I'd love to play at Palmerston again for some of my happiest memories were at Queen of the South. I still remember the Challenge Cup final and, although we lost, it was an unforgettable day for players and fans alike, and I still have the video of it at home. Another night I won't forget was being voted 'Player of the Year' by the fans in 1999 and I have that trophy as well. But it was all a bit sad as I was leaving that day to play in the Premier League.

Derek from the 1998/99 Team Group - Copyright Angus McDougal
'I still know a few of the lads at Dumfries. Jim Thomson, who was there when I was; Stuart Lovell who I knew from my time at Hibs and there's also my Gretna team-mate, Andy Aitken. He joined Queens again last month and I was sorry to see him go as we were good pals. I occasionally see Norman Blout down at Raydale when Queen are away from home. He was a good chairman and I have always held him in high regard.

'It's still not 100% that we'll gain promotion, for you can never be sure of anything in football, but we're all confident we will--and we're nearly there. So if Queens can stay up I'm looking forward to four 'Dumfriesshire Derbies' next season. Personally I think that would be great--for the players, the fans and the whole area itself. Gretna is only 23 miles down the road so it be more of a real 'derby' match rather than the ones we play against Stranraer, Ayr United or Berwick Rangers.

'The Queens fans were always most supportive towards me but I know it would be a bit different now that I'm with Gretna. I've never played at Palmerston since I left seven years ago, so it would be nice to run out onto the turf again. I was never entirely happy at either Motherwell or Hibs and the move to Oxford was a bad one and we couldn't wait to get back up north again. It was Rowan Alexander who signed me for Queens and it was Rowan who signed me for Gretna, so I owe him a lot. Gretna and Queen of the South will always be the two clubs closest to my heart and that's the real reason I want them both playing First Division football come next season'.

Bill Goldie
Team News 16th February 2006
Queens' only doubt for Saturday's match at home to Brechin City is full-back Shaun Dillon who is still doubtful with a hamstring injury. Back in the squad, following suspension, will be Steve Bowey and John O'Neill and, despite his 'yellow card' on Saturday, Willie Gibson is eligible to play. Eric Paton, who left the field with a knee injury at Dundee, has recovered and actually scored twice in a Reserve fixture on Monday night.

More good news!. Sean O'Connor has almost completed his first week of 're-hab' and is progressing extremely well. So well in fact that manager, Ian McCall, hopes he could be available for the game against Dundee on the 28th of February or, failing that, for the match against Clyde on Saturday the 4th of March.

All fans please note--the re-arranged match with Dundee will take place at Palmerston on Tuesday the 28th of February, not Wednesday the 1st of March as published in some daily newspapers. Kick-off is at 7.45 pm.

Bill Goldie
Wins at Dens Park 15th February 2006
For many years now the trip home from Dens Park has been a long dismal one for Queens' fans owing to lack of success. However, it was all so different on Saturday and the Road from Dundee was a much happier one following a spirited comeback, a great win and three valuable points. Only twice in the club's history have we recorded a win at Dens Park--on Tuesday, February 15th, 1977, almost 29 years to the day, a side managed by Mike Jackson triumphed 2-0, but 40 years before that the very first win was way back in January 1937 when we beat Dundee 3-1 and the proud manager then was George McLachlan. The official Dundee programme had stated that Queens hadn't won at Dens since the Second World War but after research we found that wasn't the case.

Bill Goldie
The Manager's Thoughts 14th February 2006
Just prior to the recent Airdrie game Ian McCall stated that he was looking for 10 to 12 points from the next five matches. But Saturday's win at Dundee makes it 6 points from 2 games and the manager is naturally delighted at that. Talking to the 'Website' this morning he stated, "After those two victories we have set a new target now--a minimum 8 or 9 points from our next four home fixtures. If we achieve that it should take us very close to eighth place in the table".

Ian put it all down to greatly improved performances, a lot of hard work, the influx of new players and those players beginning to gel. They've learned to win again" he stressed. "But our recent results will mean nothing if we go out and lose to Brechin on Saturday. Although they're bottom of the table we can't afford to be complacent for they now have most of their top players back again and it's not going to be easy".

Looking back at the Dundee game the manager added, "We scored three great goals and that really pleased me. Andy Thomson, like the predator he is, was right on the spot to knock in the first and the second from Michael Mullen came from a powerful run and he displayed great body strength to go past the big home defence. That was his first for the club and I was so happy to see him score as he's been so close in previous matches. As for Gary Wood's winner--it must be in the running for 'Goal of the Month' or even 'Goal of the Year'. It was a wonderful strike and he also scored a 'cracker' at St Johnstone a few weeks ago. I'm hoping now that he'll do it more often".

Fan Power

Still on the subject of the Dundee game the manager also praised the Queens' fans for their part. Said Ian, "I just had to applaud them at the end. They were again brilliant, like a 12th man for us. Although outnumbered 12 to 1 they out sung and out shouted the home crowd of over 3000 for practically the entire match. In fact our fantastic support was one of the main reasons I want to stay on at Queen of the South. The moment it 'clicked' was coming out the tunnel at Hamilton in the cup replay and witnessing the sea of faces decked in blue and white. Over 700 in midweek on a cold night in the middle of winter--that's when I realised that Palmerston was the place I had to be.

"I'm a 'Doonhamer', born and bred, and as a youngster I used to stand on the Terregles Street terracing, scarf in the air, proudly chanting 'Michael Jackson's Blue Army'. So when I heard the Queens' fans chant 'Ian McCall's Blue Army' at Dundee it brought a lump to my throat. I watched Queens beat Rangers in a League Cup tie at Palmerston back in 1975 and I saw them knock Ayr United out of the Scottish Cup later that same season, 5-4 in a cup replay. A couple of years later I watched them knock Hibs out of the League Cup and in a later round thrash Dundee 6-0. That was one night I'll never forget with big 'Chopper' Dickson outstanding and it was good to read all about him in the Queens' programme a few weeks ago.

"That's the glory days I'd like to bring back to Queen of the South. I'd love to see regular crowds of around 3000 and if we play attractive football and win games I think that's possible. Early in my career I once played a trial for Queens when Drew Busby was manager but it never went any further than that. I'd loved to have turned out for my home town team but being manager is the next best thing.

"I'm now looking for a new two year contract to carry on after my existing contract expires at the end of the season and I'll be sitting down soon with the Chairman and Board of Directors to reach an agreement. Now I'm here I couldn't walk away from the club, and I want to be able to walk down the High Street with my head held high. On top of that my mum would never forgive me if I did".

Bill Goldie
No suspension for Willie 14th February 2006
Willie Gibson's 'yellow card' at Dundee was first thought to take him over the penalty point mark and a suspension against Brechin City on Saturday. But that's not the case!. Two of his previous 'bookings' were in the cup-ties against Hamilton which don't count for the league, but Willie will miss the first game in the Scottish Cup next season.

Bill Goldie
Half-time shoot-out 14th February 2006
This Saturday will see a half-time shoot out between Collin Primary and Calside Primary at Palmerston.
Rovers hit for six 13th February 2006
A strong Queens eleven ran out convincing 6-1 winners against Albion Rovers in the reserve match at Palmerston tonight. Queens led 2-1 at the interval but piled on the pressure in the second half.

Highlight of the night was 'keeper Richie Barnard scoring direct from a kick out and two goals from Eric Paton who came on as a substitute.

Other marksmen were Weir - 2 and Mullen.

Bill Goldie
Junior interest 13th February 2006
Plenty of interest for Queens fans in the quarter finals of the OVD Scottish Junior Cup as George O'Boyle is playing with Bo'ness while 'Budgie' McGhie manages Clydebank and Tommy Sloan is boss man at Auchinleck Talbot.

BLW
Man of the match 13th February 2006
The man of the match placings from the victory over Dundee at Dens on Saturday saw Andy Thomson win the award with fellow goalscorers Michael Mullen and Gary Wood second and third respectively.

The match report page has also been updatyed with video clips of the last two goals thanks to David Gow.

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.
Reserve Match Tonight 13th February 2006
Queens reserves take on Albion Rovers tonight at Palmerston with a 7.30pm kick-off.

Bill Goldie
Match reaction 11th February 2006
Queens notched up their first league win at Dens Park since the second world war this afternoon and what a brilliant victory it was, climaxed by a tremendous strike from substitute Gary Wood nine minutes from time. And what a welcome the 250 vociferous fans gave the players as they left the field at the end of the game. It was our first away win of the season and the gap between ourselves and Stranraer has now shrunk to six points. To score in the first minute, go behind 2-1 then hit back to win 3-2 shows the fighting spirit Ian McCall has instilled in the side. Every player out there today deserves a pat on the back.

Said a delighted Ian McCall after the final whistle, "We got off to a good start but for the next hour they put us under a lot of pressure. However their equaliser should never have stood for it was a blatant foul on Paul Burns. After going 2-1 down I can't praise the boys enough for their fight back, it was a tremendous effort. I was proud of them and also our fans who gave us magnificent support throughout. Young Michael Mullen and Gary Wood were superb when they came on as substitutes and Gary 's winning goal was 'out of this world'. Considering Michael was playing in the Ayrshire Amateur League a month ago he's been a revelation". Asked if he was more confident now of catching Stranraer Ian replied, "The gap's only six points so it won't be for the lack of trying".

On the winning goal Gary Wood confessed, "It was one of my better goals. I just caught it perfectly and it went in the net like a rocket".

Michael Mullen was also a happy chappie and said, "The manager told me to go on and get stuck in and do my best and that's what I did. Our fans were just great and when I heard them chanting my name it was brilliant. It's good to get them behind you. I'd love to get on from the start but I'll have to work hard for there's some great players in this side".

Bill Goldie
Team News 9th February 2006
Steve Bowey and John O'Neill are both suspended for one game and will be missing for Queens trip to Dundee on Saturday. Sean Dillon has hamstring problems and is listed as 50/50.

Gary Wood returns to the squad after a three match ban and the experienced Brian Reid and Brian McLaughlin are also added to the team pool.

o Sean O'Connor underwent surgery on his knee injury today and all went well. The big man commences rehab. on Monday and we wish him a speedy return to action.

Bill Goldie
The Road to Dundee 7th February 2006
With the sweet scent of victory against Airdrie still fresh in their nostrils, Queens take the Road to Dundee on Saturday hoping for their first away win of the season. With only two league defeats at home to date the Dens Park men have one of the best home records in the First Division, so it's going to be a difficult one. However, that win should act as a confidence booster and if they could pull it off it would be their first away points since Ian McCall arrived at Palmerston back in November.

Dundee are currently sitting comfortably in mid-table with little chance of promotion and no fear of going down, and with a cup replay looming only three days after the game some would argue it's an ideal time to meet them. But the manager took in their cup-tie with Airdrie on Saturday and stressed, "I was very impressed with Dundee, they played extremely well so it's not going to be easy, however we're going up to Dens Park in a very positive frame of mind. A point away from home is never a bad result in this league, but a win would come as a real bonus. After Saturday we have four out of five at Palmerston and we've only lost one game at home in the last six matches. That was against Ross County and it was one we should have certainly won. In those fixtures we face both Brechin City and Stranraer who we're battling against at the foot of the table, so I'm looking for 10 points minimum from those four home matches. That's the kind of form we'll need to catch Stranraer and I still think we can do it".

Although Gary Wood returns to the squad at the weekend after his three match suspension, Steve Bowey and John O'Neill will miss out. Both have a one game suspension to serve after penalty points took then over the limit. Brian Reid and Brian McLaughlin will also return to the pool.

Bill Goldie
A Day at the Races 7th February 2006
With no game at the weekend the Queens' players headed south for a day at York Races. A good time was had by everyone--well almost everyone!. And here's how our 'man on the spot' described it:

Happiest punters. The two fathers-to -be, Eric Paton and physio Kenny Crichton who won a sizeable sum on the last race, and they were caught 'whopping it up big time' on the giant screen as their horse crossed the finishing line. Bet their wives will have their winnings laid aside already for nappies and baby food.

Unhappiest punter. Big Brian Reid who never had a winner and moaned about his bad luck all day. To make matters worse he also lost out on a bet with Kenny Crichton on the Rangers v Hibs cup-tie. That's life, big man!.

Biggest surprise. John O'Neill actually turning up at a race meeting. It's common knowledge that, despite the nickname 'Jonjo', he hates horse racing. He's often stated on his 'Player Profile' that 'He'd rather stick needles in his eyes than watch it'.

Star of the Day. One of our new recruits, Graham Weir who turned out to be a great singer. 'Weiry' was a star turn at the karaoke and proved a big hit. 'Eat your heart out Des McKeown!.

It was a great 'bonding session' and enjoyed by all.

Bill Goldie
Play Offs 4th February 2006
There appears to be a fair bit of confusion regarding the situation with the end of season play-offs between the first and second divisions. If Queens end up in the play offs then they will play the fourth placed team from the second division over two legs provisionally the 3rd and 6th May. The winners of this play off will play the winners of the second placed and third placed second division side in the play off final. The final is again held over two legs with the games being provisionally scheduled for the 10th and the 14th May.

The dates are provisional at the present moment and hopefully the details will be of academic interest to all Queens fans as we pull away from the second bottom place.

BLW
Scott McKenzie 1st February 2006
Scott McKenzie has not been signed by Queens. It was nothing more than an error in the S.P.L. press release. In fact, the player is no longer with Falkirk having moved to Hamilton 'on loan' earlier this season. Queens did make an approach for the player early in the 'windows', but Hamlton then signed him on an extended contract. So, end of story!.

Bill Goldie
Sean's back 31st January 2006
Sean O'Connor signed his contract this morning which makes him a Queens' player once again through to the end of the season. Speaking to the 'Website' this afternoon Sean said, "I'm very happy to be returning to Palmerston. I spent almost two years with Queens before signing for Morecambe and, apart from my time out injured, I enjoyed every minute of it. They're a good club and the Queens' fans were always most supportive. I also know most of the lads--Jim Thomson, Eric Paton, Colin Scott, Derek Lyle, Steve Bowey and John O'Neill, to name but a few, and now Andy Aitken's back as well. So it's not like I'm joining a new club.

"After my operation next week I'm hoping to be back for the last couple of months of the season but it's not always easy to put a timescale on things like that. But one thing I know, it going to be difficult getting back into the squad itself far less getting a starting place. Three new strikers have come in during the 'window' and there's also Del Lyle and Gary Wood. So with six strikers battling for two places up front competition's going to be 'hot', but it's healthy and can only be good for the club.

"I watched the game when I was up on Saturday and Graham Weir and Andy Thomson looked good together. I was also impressed by Michael Mullen when he came on as sub. So all I can do is work hard and prove to the manager I can justify a place".

Sean has never hidden the fact that he and his girlfriend, Sarah, would like to return north of the border. However, he insisted, "That's the long-term plan. I'm only here to the end of the season, so we'll see how it goes. But we won't be rushing into any rash decisions".

During his previous spell with Queens, Sean netted 26 goals in 48 outings--a fantastic scoring ratio. If he could match that on his return every Queen of the South fan would be highly delighted.

Bill Goldie
No more new signings 31st January 2006
After bringing in seven new faces over the past three weeks manager, Ian McCall, admitted this evening that it's highly unlikely any more will be signed before the 'window' closes at midnight tonight. Two proposed deals, a defender from St Johnstone and a winger from Kilmarnock fell through this afternoon, so we'll have to be happy with what we've got.

Meanwhile, defender Stuart Hill has had a 'change of mind' about leaving. He now intends staying on and fighting to get his place back in the first team squad.

Bill Goldie
Sean agrees to sign 30th January 2006
Queens and Sean O'Connor tonight agreed a contract to the end of the season. Sean will be signing tomorrow.

Bill Goldie
Man of the match 23rd January 2006
The man of the match placings from the victory over Airdrie on Saturday saw Graham Weir win the award with Paul Burns second and Andy 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.
All the latest from Palmy 30th January 2006
Ian McCall confirmed this evening that Sean O'Connor was back through at Palmerston today and stated that, "He'd been made an offer". Added the manager, "We realise Sean won't be able to play until late February or early March owing to some minor surgery coming up, but he's mulling over the 'offer' and we're hoping to get an answer back tonight after training".

Ian also said that there may be another defender coming in before the 'window' closes tomorrow night but wasn't prepared to name names at the moment. He did admit that Brian McLaughlin had been in talks with a couple of clubs and could be leaving shortly and Brian Reid is another big name who may also be departing.

Young defender, Stuart Hill, has still to sign release forms which would make him a 'free agent' but the manager completely 'scoffed' at a report in a Sunday newspaper that Ian Harty was set to be joining Queens.

With no game on Saturday it was hoped to arrange a 'closed doors' training match on either Thursday or Friday, but if the 'big freeze' continues it's highly unlikely it will take place. The reserves were due to meet Stenhousemuir (away) tomorrow night, but again this game is doubtful owing to the weather.

Regarding the Ian Harty speculation chairman David Rae stressed this afternoon, "We haven't spoken to Ian Harty; we haven't spoken to his agent; we're not interested in Ian Harty and he won't be signing for Queen of the South. I can't be any clearer than that.

Bill Goldie
Chairman's Message 29th January 2006
Our league position hasn't altered since my last programme notes, but we now have several new players signed and once they gel I'm looking for a big improvement. One thing we do have in our favour--four of our next five matches are at home, so the ball's firmly in our own court. One of those newcomers is Andy Thomson who is well known to all of us. He first joined Queens in 1989 and in a five year spell netted an incredible 109 goals in 185 games. The only others to have bettered that were two of my own boyhood idols, big Jim Patterson and Bobby Black. Andy was transferred to Southend United in May 1994 for a club record fee of £250,000--so we owe him a lot. He scored on his debut at Dingwall on Saturday, and I hope it's the first of many.

I was very disappointed to lose the cup replay at Hamilton for, had we won, it would have given us a great chance of progressing to the quarter finals and getting some much needed cash into the bargain. I couldn't in any way fault the effort of our players who 'ran themselves into the ground', but it still wasn't quite enough. Once again a big 'thank-you' to our tremendous travelling support of nearly 700 who cheered us on from start to finish.

After the game I was chatting to my Hamilton counterpart, chairman Ronnie McDonald in the Boardroom and he told me something that was absolutely true. He said, "Davy, it's all to do with full-time and part-time football. Earlier in the day your lads were probably working then had to drive up to the game. Our boys on the other hand were relaxing, resting and some of them would possibly have a 'long-lie' in bed in preparation for the match. It makes all the difference and it showed up in extra-time". You know, he was 'spot-on' and I had to agree with him 100%.

There have been rumours circulating that the planning permission granted recently for our ground improvements has been 'shelved'. Well I can tell you all right now--that's simply not true!. That planning permission was passed and is valid for five years. I did say that work wouldn't commence as long as we were in the Scottish Cup. I know we're out of it now but at the same time I also stated that we wouldn't be starting until all the necessary funding was in place, and that hasn't happened y

Today we welcome Airdrie United back to Palmerston and though I hate to admit it, they're the only team we've managed to beat in the league this season. So, needless to say, I'm hoping for a repeat performance this afternoon. A warm welcome also to all our sponsors and to our young match day mascots on duty today.

David Rae

From Official Programme 28-1-06


Bill Goldie
Cheque received 28th January 2006
Two Youth Trust members, Joanna and Connor Gibson presented a cheque for three thousand two hundred pounds to Ian McCall prior to the match today. The total is made up of share purchases for the Queens Trust, Sponsorshipo by the Trust of Andy Thomson and Michael Mullen and the proceeds of the bucket collection recently at Palmerston.

Joanna Gibson, Ian McCall and Connor Gibson
Andy and Andy 28th January 2006
Both 'new' signings were on show at Palmerston today.

Andy Thomson and Andy Aitken
Match reaction 28th January 2006
After 16 hours and 1,470 minutes of football Queens eventually got the long awaited victory all the fans had been praying for. And both Stranraer and Brechin losing came as an added bonus. For a change it was Queens who got off to a good start in the tenth minute, John O'Neill making no mistake from the penalty spot after Graham Weir had been brought down in the box. But it was real 'backs to the wall' stuff in the second half as Airdrie threw everything forward in a 'sea of red shirts' . However Queens weathered the storm and following a breakaway in the 75th minute Paul Burns slotted home from close range to finish off a good move. It was also Ian McCalls first win since taking over the reins in November and he was absolutely delighted.

Said the manager, "That's my 'first win under the belt' and I trust it will be the first of many. But it's not about me personally it's all about Queen of the South. We started really well and should really have been three up in the first fifteen minutes and could well have been punished for the chances we missed. In the second half we lost the place a bit and got hemmed back in our own half for a long spell. The players and the fans got a bit edgy but when Paul Burns netted the second I was confident we' win. I was pleased for the players who all worked very hard and I'm hoping now we can build on this win. Both Brechin City and Stranraer lost which is a big help but their's still a lot of work to do".

Sponsors Man of the Match Andy Thomson was also happy to collect the three points. Said Andy, "We started really well but fell away in the second half. But we still won 2-0 and in football the result is the main thing. For a spell in the second half we were 'hanging on' but then we broke up field, Burnsy scored and that settled it. I feel Graham Weir and I are building a decent partnership up front - he's an intelligent player and fights for every ball.

"It's good to be 'home' again, there's loads to play for and I only hope I can do my bit and help Queens move up the league".

Note
An interested spectator at the match was Sean O'Connor and after talks Ian McCall says he's hopeful of signing him at the beginning of next week.

Bill Goldie
Ackers signs up 27th January 2006
Andy Aitken signed on the dotted line to become a Queen of the South player once again at 4.00pm this afternoon after getting a release from Gretna this morning.

Andy said, "I'm ecstatic to be coming back to Palmerston and hope I can help Queens avoid relegation. I spent many happy years with Queens and I still know Kenny Crichton and most of the players. I think there's the nucleus of a good squad there and I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

Bill Goldie
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