LATEST NEWS 2007/08
For previous news articles see the monthly archive at the foot of this page.

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Team news 30th August 2007
Neil McGowan is still nursing a thigh strain and is the only player definitely unavailable for Saturday's visit to Morton. Eric Paton and Jamie Adams both trained this morning and if there's no adverse reaction they'll return to the squad. But manager, Gordon Chisholm insists, "If there's any doubt whatsoever we won't risk them. I'm not going to rush it since we've got most of the lads back now and we've a two week break coming up for the International matches. Andy Aitken pulled out of training today with a groin strain so we'll be keeping an eye on him as well.

"For the first time this season I'll have the luxury of pratically a full squad to choose from and I'll take that any day. We played well last week with Jim Thomson and Jim Lauchlan solid in defence, so there won't be many changes".

Bill Goldie
Travel Club updates 30th August 2007
The three Doonhamers travel club buses to Morton this Saturday are full a stand by list is now in operation to put your name down please phone 07834687830 a.s.a.p.The buses are leaving from the old Tesco building Lochfield Road Dumfries picking up at the Lochar Inn and Moffat.The committee have decided to further subsidise the buses for this match prices for members are adults £5 juniors £3.

This Sunday 2nd September the Queen of the South supporters action group are holding a car boot sale 9:00am until 1:00pm in the main car park at Palmerston all vehicles must be booked by phoning or texting 07709053987.The action group still need more volunteers to run the car boot sale everyone is welcome for more information please phone Ross on 07809490650.

Ross Corbett
All set for Cappielow 29th August 2007
Queens set off for Cappielow on Saturday and it will be the first time in over five years that we've played Morton up there. Apart from a couple of Reserve fixtures, the last time we faced each other was a day of great celebation for Queens but an afternoon of pure misery for the Morton support.

It was April 27th, 2002, and we'd just clinched promotion to Division One at Forfar a week earlier. A huge crowd of 6158 packed into Palmerston to cheer on a 4-0 victory, but poor Morton were already relegated.

Earlier that year we beat them 6-5 at home in another game which will long be remembered as it was a night of high winds and torrential rain, and that very same season we also knocked then out of the Scottish Cup, so they'd be glad to see the back of us .

6158 watch the Champions

The Greenock side won promotion last season after two successive years of 'coming so close', and have started their league campaign very well. They were unbeaten until last Saturday when they went down 2-0 at home to league leaders, Hamilton, but prior to that had netted 16 goals in their previous four league matches at Cappielow.

If we could take maximum points up there it would be a major achievement and could effectively see us move up to fourth place. But, let's not kid ourselves, it won't be easy!

Bill Goldie
Manager upbeat 28th August 2007
After racking up victory number one against Livingston at the weekend, it was a more upbeat Gordon Chisholm who spoke to the 'Website' this afternoon.Said the manager, "It was great to get that first win and we must now try and build on it. I was always confident we could compete with any side in our division once we got players back, but it took a while in coming".
We're now up to fifth in the table, so would you settle for that at the end of the season we asked. "This league is going to be so tight" he stressed. "My first priority is to get away from the bottom end of the league and into the top half. The last thing I want is to be struggling at the foot as we have done those past two seasons.

"I'm not getting carried away after only one win for we really should have had six points by now. But we've more depth in the squad than before and still more bodies to come back, and I'm happy at that. Every single player is competing for a place and there can be no complacency in the squad. If they get a jersey they'll have to hold on to it, as they'll always be a team-mate waiting in the wings to grab it off them. I'll have some difficult decisions to make but it's a predicament I'll gladly accept after the problems we've had over those past few weeks".

Difficult decisions
Looking back to Saturday Gordon insisted, "I was really pleased with both the attitude and effort which was first class and the result was everything. We also kept a 'clean sheet', created loads of chances and I couldn't have counted them all on one hand. Their big keeper was 'Man of the Match' by a mile. I never rated him too much--but I do now! Over the piece we thoroughly deserved the win, but it should have been by a much bigger margin.

"On Saturday we head for Cappilow which is never an easy place to pick up points. Normally a draw away from home in this league is acceptable, but if we are to challenge in the top half we'll have to collect a win or two along the way. To do so at Morton would be something special. A real bonus!

"They lost at home to Hamilton on Saturday, their first defeat of the season, and no doubt they'll be all out to redeem themselves. When you look at the league table and see the two form teams, Hamilton and Dundee both still unbeaten and 'flying' at the top, it doesn't make our odd goal defeats at Dens and Douglas Park look quite as bad".

The manager doesn't envisage bringing in any new faces prior to the tranfer 'Window' closing on Friday. He adds, "It would only happen if it was someone a bit different to what we have, someone a bit special".

On Andy Aitken he reiterated, "He's been told he can move on if he finds a suitable club. But he's very professional and still working away hard on the training ground. He really 'clattered' me during this morning's session--I think he's trying to tell me something! If nothing happens Andy will be 'available for selection', the same as everyone else, for Saturday's match".

Bill Goldie
Youth Update 27th August 2007
All four QOS Youth teams played on Sunday winning three and drawing one.

QOS 13s were at home to Dumbarton at the Kingholm and had an easy afternoon winning comfortably with goals from McColm (4), Davidson (3), Chan, Park, McInally and MacDonald., with the visitors hitting the net three times. A good start to the season for the 13s, and setting a high standard for the rest of the season.

QOS 14s travelled to Stirling and started well, playing some excellent football with Dougan giving QOS the lead at the end of the first period. In the second period Stirling came back strongly, scoring the only goal in this period to level the scores. QOS quickly regained control of the game in the third period and with goals from Dougan and Danson, and having the luxury of a missed penalty as well, ran out comfortable winners in the end.

QOS 15s faced Queensı Park, one of the strongest team in the league in their opening fixture of the season at the Academy Playing Fields on Sunday. Middlemiss for QOS scored twice in the first period. Thomson for QOS increased their lead before QP reduced the deficit but Thomson with a strong header reinstated QOSıs advantage before the end of the second period. In the third period QOSıs new boy Johnston scored twice with fine headers courtesy of two good corners taken by Murphy. Then the pacy Abdul was upended in the box and Thomson stepped up to smash home the spot-kick and notch his hatrick which completed the scoring for the day. A special mention of new keeper Rajovic and Murray who were particularly impressive.

QOS 16s travelled to Bishopbriggs on Sunday to play Queensı Park 16s, the game being played in excellent conditions. A first period goal from QOS player Reilly gave them a first interval lead. QP equalised early in the second period and despite both teams playing some excellent football both in this period and the final one, there were no more goals. But the coaches were pleased with the performance particularly as they had travelled with a depleted squad. A special mention of Liam Pattie who was called up as a trialist at the last minute and did very well down the left-hand side of the park.

John Paterson
Man of the match 27th August 2007
Winner of the internet fan club man of the match award for the win over Livvie at Palmerston was Paul Burns with Sean O'Connor second and Neil Scally third.

All of the scores have been added to the Latest Report' page and to the IFC Player of the Season table. Thanks for voting.
Match reaction 25th August 2007
Queens chalked up their first victory of the season with a workmanlike performance against Livingston today. The final score was 1-0 but if it hadn't been for the visitors giant keeper Marius Liberda, who saved goals with almost every part of his anatomy the scoreline would have been greater. Although the vital counter was credited by the Press as an own goal by Pat Noubissie, Neil Scally vehemently protested that he'd got the final touch. Queens now move up to fifth spot in the table on four points but Livingston are stuck down at the bottom with zero. Manager Gordon Chisholm was very pleased to get that first crucial win and said.

"It's a most welcome victory and here's hoping it will kick start our league challenge. We had a lot of opportunities to score in the first half but I said to the lads at half-time that if we keep working hard we'll get our reward. It wasn't the best of goals - a bit scrappy - but they all count. Infact their keeper made at least half a dozen fine saves to keep them in the game. We created loads of chances and as a team I felt we played really well and could have won it more comfortably. With big Jim and Lauchie back it helped strengthen the defence and although it was a bit nervy in the closing minutes we held out. If we could have scored a second goal earlier it would have been much easier for us all."

However Livingston boss Mark Proctor bemoaned.

"That's four league games we've played and apart from a decent show against Dunfermline our performances have been poor. We made a decent start but had it not been for our keeper Queens' winning margin would have been much greater."

Sponsors man of the match Paul Burns who celebrated his 100th start last Saturday was also delighted to get that vital first win, added Burnsy.

"The three points today were most welcome especially as we did it in front of our own fans. We could have scored more in the first half but we all felt that if we kept playing the way we were the break would come and it eventually did."

Although the winner was adjudged to have come from an own goal Neil Scally insisted, "I'm claiming it! I've got a £10 bet on that I'd get five goals this season and I'm adamant that's my first. Tosher played the ball in for me, I shimmied past a couple of defenders and poked it home. It may have hit a Livingston player on its way to the net but it was my goal."

Attendance 1830, travelling support 272.

Bill Goldie
Injuries still a problem 23rd August 2007
Queens' injury problems show little sign of easing as they prepare for their first home game for three weeks. Livingston are our visitors on Saturday and the home support will be looking for a victory following four straight defeats. Last season we had a good record against the Almondvale side--winning two, drawing one and our only loss was up there in the opening fixture of the season.

However, manager, Gordon Chisholm acknowledged, "There's very seldom an easy game in this league and this weekend will be no different. We've been playing 'pretty' football but that means very little if we're not getting results. It's just not happening up front and we've scored only once in our last four games. And we're conceding silly goals owing to errors at the back, and I'm not happy at that either.

"We've got three bodies back for Saturday! Jim Lauchlan returns from suspension and Jim Thomson from injury. These two will add a bit of presence to the team for last season we had six 'clean sheets' with that pairing in central defence. Sean O'Connor also returns which is another massive boost.

"But, as soon as we get players back we appear to lose others and that's been the 'story of our lives' for the past month. Eric Paton has an injured shoulder after a collision at Hamilton and will miss out, Neil McGowan is still sidelined with his thigh, while Stevie Tosh is 'doubtful' with hamstring problems. Jamie McQuilken and Neil Scally have ankle knocks and haven't really trained this week. They're both 50/50 and will undergo fitness tests before kick-off.

"Jamie Adams, of course, will miss out as well, but we're looking for him to be fit for a week on Saturday at Morton. Andy Aitken will be included in the squad and will be, as long as he's a Queen of the South player. We want as many fit as possible, and it will happen eventually, but until then I'm left with a limited choice".

Bill Goldie
Tune into Border TV 23rd August 2007
Look out for an interview with Gordon Chisholm, straight from our new training facilities in Glasgow. It will be on tomorrow night's 'Lookaround' programme between 6.00 and 6.30 pm.

Bill Goldie
'Clean-sheet' for Jamie 22nd August 2007
Our keeper, Jamie MacDonald, was one of the stars last night in Scotland Under-21's 1-0 defeat of the Czech Republic. He made several great saves while Killie's Steven Naismith netted the all-important winner.

Bill Goldie
Skipper returns 22nd August 2007
Jim Thomson returns to the Queens' squad for Saturday's game against Livingston and it's fully expected he'll be in the starting line-up. Says J.T., "I've never played a competitive match since we met Airdrie in the last game of the season. That's 17 weeks ago, so I'm itching to get back into the thick of the action.
"I'm fully recovered from my hernia operation and have been back in full training for a couple of weeks now. I could have played at Hamilton on Saturday but the 'gaffer' didn't want to risk it on the astroturf, and I fully understand his reasoning.

"We haven't had the best of starts, but it's been difficult with so many away games. With so many injuries and suspensions the manager's had a limited choice for team selection but it's improving now. We should have beaten St Johnstone in the first game--we played well, but fell away in the last 10 minutes.

A welcome sight - JT back
"However, we're all looking forward to getting back to Palmerston and I'm confident we can go out and get a result against Livingston at the weekend. Away from home our fans are great but on our own ground there's more of them and you can't beat the noise when they're in full-cry. To us out there on the field it makes all the difference!

"The name 'Livingston' brings back happy memories for me. Last December we went up there and beat then 1-0. Not only was it our first away win of the season but I scored the goal which was voted 'Goal of the Season' by the fans. Jim Thomson winning 'Goal of the Season', who would ever have believed that!

"I honestly believe we have a stronger squad this season although it hasn't yet reflected on our results. I feel that if we could really 'get our act together', and play to our full capability, we could finish in the top four. We've done it before in 2002 and finished up with 51 points--and we can do it again".

Jim first joined Queens on New Year's Day, 1997, having previously been with Clyde and Stenhousemuir. He left in 1999 for a breif spell at Arbroath but returned to 'the team he loved' and has been with us ever since. He helped Queens to the Second Division Championship in 2002 and picked up a Challenge Cup winner's medal the following season and reckons those were the highlights of his career.

But the skipper insists, "I still like to keep myself fit and reckon I've got a couple of good seasons left in me yet. I'm only a few games away from my 300th appearance for Queen of the South and next season will be my testimonial year if all goes well. I thoroughly enjoy my work on the commercial side at Palmerston. The 'Active Schools Programme' has kept me really busy and and like going round all the schools and get a good laugh at some of the question I'm asked.

"I can't wait for Saturday to come and get back playing serious football again. And three points would make it a memorable return for me".

Bill Goldie
Two to leave 22nd August 2007
The manager has announced that he has informed Andy Aitken to look for another club. Said Gordon Chisholm, "I told Andy that he was free to move on. It gives him to the end of the month to look around before the August transfer window closes.

"Mark Whorlow was also told a week or two ago that he was free to leave. We couldn't guarantee Mark a first team place and it was only fair to the lad to let him know the position."

Bill Goldie
'Burnsy' hits the 'ton' 20th August 2007
Last week was a memorable one for Paul Burns. Up at Hamilton he made his 100th first team start and just a few days earlier had moved into a new house in his native Cumnock with his fiancee, Cheryl.
"It's been a busy, busy time" said the 23-year-old, "So I wasn't exactly sure if I'd hit the hundred mark or not. I knew I was close, but my only regret is--we lost".

'Burnsy' signed for Queens as a youngster back in June 2002 and gradually worked his way through the ranks. He made his debut coming on as a substitute against Arbroath at Palmerston in March, 2003 with Queens winning 3-0, and a couple of months later got his first start. He recalls, "It was the final match of the season and we beat St Johnstone 1-0 at Perth to finish up fifth in the table".

His most memorable game came the following season against Caley Thistle. Adds Paul, "We beat them 1-0 at Palmerston to go top of the league and our manager, John Connolly was 'over the moon'. The crowd was over three and a half thousand, we came back after being a goal down and received a tremendous reception at the final whistle. Big Sean scored two and Davie Bagan the other".

A young Burnsy at the start of the 2003/04 season

Never one to shirk a tackle
And his most memorable goal? "It was at home to Airdrie a couple of years ago. It came in 'injury time' and gave us our first league win of the season and three precious points as we were really struggling at the time".

He admits he's enjoying the new training schedule at Glasgow Green but says he's more or less been a 'full-time' player for the past few years. 'Burnsy' has always be willing to give up his time to visit schools and Supporters Clubs to talk about Queen of the South and has been a good ambassador for the club.

Paul is to receive a trophy to mark his 100 games before kick-off on Saturday.

Bill Goldie
Travel Club Updates 20th August 2007
The man of the match on the two doonhamers travel club buses at Hamilton on Saturday were 1st J MacDonald 2nd P Burns 3rd J Mole.

The first two buses to Morton are full names are now being taken for the third bus please book early so the Doonhamers travel club committee can organise extra transport by phoning 07834687830.

This weeks Doonhamers travel club fixed odds prize is £600 as there were no winners last week. Anyone who would like to volunteer to become an agent please see Eck Patterson or Ross Corbett.

The next Queens supporters action group car boot sale is on Sunday 2nd September from 9:00am until 1:00pm to book a space phone or text 07709053987.
Ross Corbett
Man of the match 20th August 2007
Winner of the internet fan club man of the match award for the defeat at Hamilton on Saturday was Jamie MacDonald with ton up Paul Burns second and makeshit centre back Neil Scally third.

All of the scores have been added to the Latest Report' page and to the IFC Player of the Season table. Thanks for voting.
Shop news 19th August 2007
We have unearthed a few items from our stock cupboards at Palmerston this past week. An item that we thought we had sold out of was the 75 Year book, however we now have a small supply of brand new copies and will sell them for a mere £2.00 plus standard p&p. Also discovered were a couple of XXL away shirts from last season and a small selection of various home and away childrens sized tops. Again these are available at a bargain price of just £10 plus p&p. If you would like any of these then please email shop@qosfc.com or call into the Club Shop.

We are also pleased to announce our partnership with Barbours department store in Buccleuch Street, they have kindly agreed to stock the home Queen of the South replica top which they have in stock and available now.

John Paterson
Match reaction 18th August 2007
Queens slumped to their fourth defeat in a row at Hamilton this afternoon and what makes it even more frustrating is the fact that all four were by the odd goal. They will now be looking forward to getting back to Palmerston next week and hopefully trigger off a change in fortunes.

Queens kicked off with an unfamiliar 4-5-1 formation with David Bingham the lone striker but it will be a match the normally reliable Andy Aitken will want to forget. His defensive error in the 17th minute let in Accies dangerman Richard Offiong to net with a mis-hit shot and that goal proved to be the winner.

Queens were dealt another blow when an injury to Steve Tosh saw him replaced by Jamie Mole with Bingham dropping back and later Jamie McQuilken had to leave the field injured as well.

Our best chance of the game came four minutes from time when a Brian Gilmour cross found Stephen Dobbie but his effort slipped agonisingly past the upright.

It must also have been a disappointing day for Paul Burns who made his 100th start for Queens today.

Once again manager Gordon Chisholm cursed his luck and said, "Injuries forced me to change my game plan but we can't afford to give away stupid goals like the one we conceded this afternoon. I'm very disappointed."

Attendance - 1,764, Queens fans 452.

Bill Goldie
Man of the match 16th August 2007
Winner of the internet fan club man of the match award for the defeat at Broadwood in the Challenge Cup on Tuesday evening was Sean O'Connor with Eric Paton second and Stephen Grindlay third.

All of the scores have been added to the Latest Report' page and to the IFC Player of the Season table. Thanks for voting.
Three on loan 16th August 2007
Queens have farmed out three of their young players on loan to Threave Rovers--James Baty, Mark McGinley and Ian Cairney. James was out on loan to the Castle Douglas club for a spell last season and actually works with Kevin McCormick as assistant groundsman at Palmerston.

Bill Goldie
Queens hoping for first win 16th August 2007
Queens head for Hamilton on Saturday for their fourth away fixture in a row and still seeking that elusive first win of the season. It's never easy on the artificial surface up there and it was no big surprise that Accies boasted the best home record in Division One last season. But, nevertheless, we were one of the few sides who had the bragging rights to claim 'we were unbeaten at New Douglas Park' with both games ending in draws.

Said manager, Gordon Chisholm, "Hamilton have added to their squad in the close season and Billy Reid has a decent side up there. I rate them as 'dark horses' this season and I don't think they'll be all that far away come April. The astro turf at Douglas Park gives them a decided advantage and they don't lose many at home. So, we'll be training on an astro-turf surface tomorrow in preparation for the game. We know it's going to be another hard one but we did draw both matches up there last season.

"Following our cup defeat against Clyde on Tuesday night I pulled all the players in for training yesterday morning. Afterwards we all sat down and had a frank discussion about 'what's going wrong'. Everyone had a chance to have their say and I wanted to 'clear the air' and start afresh come Saturday.

"We always knew we had a difficult start to the league with the opposition being the three sides who finished second, third and fourth behind Gretna last season. However, there's no doubt we should have beaten St Johnstone and we merited a share of the points at Dens Park. Penalties have cost us dearly with three awarded against us in our first two league games. All the players have been warned about body contact in the box as referees have obviously been told to clamp down on it. So, we'll have to be more disciplined!

"I also feel at times that we're giving our opponents a 'goal of a start', and we can't afford that. Our situation has been by severely interrupted by suspensions and injuries as well and, in the circumstances, it's been very difficult to field a settled team. And that hasn't helped our cause! We must tighten up at the back and stop giving away chances. Up front we're not scoring enough goals and even 'Dobbs' isn't firing on all cylinders at present.

"It's OK to say that luck's going against us but, in football, you have to make your own luck. It's such a fine line and so marginal! We must work harder and grind out results at times like this".

Bill Goldie
Team News 16th August 2007
Jim Lauchlan is now the only player suspended for Saturday's encounter, but Jamie Adams is still recovering from his hernia operation and will also miss out. Neil McGowan aggravated his thigh in the latter stages of the cup-tie at Clyde and Sean O'Connor is 'carrying a knock', so both are listed as 50-50. It was hoped that skipper, Jim Thomson, would make a welcome return to the squad but it's doubtful that he'll be risked on the astro turf on his first game back.

It has been decided not to offer a contract to Liam Atkin, the young central defender who has been with us those past few weeks.

Bill Goldie
Congratulations Jamie 15th August 2007
Well done to our young keeper, Jamie MacDonald, who's been included in the Scotland Under-21 squad for the forthcoming friendly international match against the Czech Republic. Jamie was at his brilliant best against Dundee last Saturday but still couldn't prevent a couple of goals going in. If selected, he's hoping for a 'clean sheet' at Hamilton this coming Saturday. And so are we Jamie!

Bill Goldie
A big blow for Neil 15th August 2007
There can hardy be a more unlucky player at Palmerston just now than Neil McGowan. After limping off after only three minutes in the Gretna friendly he was looking forward to getting a full 90 minutes 'under his belt' when selected to play against Clyde last night. But, it was not to be!

He did get 80 minutes but following a tackle in the box, late in the game, he felt that knee going again. Said an exasperated Neil, "I might just have come back that wee bit early and aggravated it, but I was desperate to get a game. I only hope it's not knocked me back too much! I was in getting treatment this morning while the other lads were training but the funny thing is, I've never been bothered by muscle injuries ever before".

Asked if he's now 'kissed and made up' with Stevie Tosh after the unsavoury incident up at Airdrie last season Neil laughed and quipped, "I wouldn't go as far as kissing him but there's no hard feelings between Stevie and myself. However, when I first arrived at Palmerston he was picking his side for a training match and it just happened that I was his 'first choice'. I wonder why? I guess he thought it was safer to be on my side.

"Seriously though, I'd never go out to intentionally injure a fellow professional. The tackle wasn't as bad as it looked. It was my trailing leg that caught 'Tosher' and video evidence later proved that and my 'red card' was then rescinded".

Bill Goldie
Travel Club Updates 15th August 2007
The man of the match over the two buses at Clyde was 1st E Paton 2nd S Oconnor 3rd S Tosh.
Ross Corbett
Special Shop Opening 15th August 2007
Given the success of sales to date and with fresh supplies back in and added to the run of away games we currently have the club shop will be open this Friday night (17th August) from 7.00 until 8.30.

We regret that on this occasion credit card facilities are unavailable.
Travel Club Updates 15th August 2007
The Doonhamers travel club buses to Hamilton this Saturday leave old Tesco Lochfield Road at 11:00am picking up at the Lochar Inn and Moffat to book a seat please phone the travel club hotline on 07834687830.

This weeks travel club fixed odds prize is £550 as there were no winners last week they will be on sale on both buses on Saturday and from the usual agents. Anyone who would like to volunteer to become an agent please see any travel club committee member.

The Doonhamers travel club man of the match on the buses was East Fife 1st E Paton 2nd A Aitken 3rd S Tosh and Dundee 1st J Macdonald 2nd E Paton 3rd S Oconnor.

Ross Corbett
Match reaction 14th August 2007
Another cup defeat for Queens at Broadwood tonight means we will now have to wait until January next year before we see any more cup action in the 'big one', the Scottish Cup. One consolation--we can now focus 100% on the league now!

The 13th minute was to prove unlucky for Queens when Steven Masterton scored direct from a free-kick to give the home side a 1-0 victory. We did 'come alive' in the final ten minutes when Stevie Tosh hit the bar, but it will be another long, miserable journey home for the faithful 320 Doonhamers in the crowd of only 621.

Afterwards manager, Gordon Chisholm, admitted, "I'm bitterly disappointed! It hasn't been a good season for us in cup competitions. The urgency in the first half just wasn't there and Imrie and Bradley caused us problems out wide. We improved after half time but didn't make the most of the chances we had".

Three shock results in tonight's other ties were Montrose defeating Stirling Albion 5-1, East Stirling beating Dumbarton 4-2 and Ross County winning 2-1 at Dundee. That man, Andy Barrowman, netted from the penalty spot for County's opener--his fifth goal of the season.

Bill Goldie
Broadwood bound 13th August 2007
Queens head for the wilds of Broadwood for tomorrow night's Challenge Cup tie against Clyde. Like ourselves, the 'Bully Wee' haven't had the best of starts to the season but Broadwood is never an easy place to go. However we did manage a 1-0 win against them on our last visit there in the league back in March.

Said a more confident Gordon Chisholm this afternoon, "We'll have a lot of bodies back for this one with all our suspended players available for action. So they'll be some changes in the side! The only two missing will be Jim Thomson and Jamie Adams, still recovering from surgery, but I'm hoping Big Jim might make it for the match at Hamilton on Saturday.

"They'll be a lot of competition for places and those who don't play won't be happy, but after the past couple of weeks it's a problem that's nice to have. It's much better than having six or seven unavailable and I feel more positive now with more or less a full squad to choose from.

"We've had a very difficult start to the season, and penalty decisions going against us haven't helped. That's three in our last two league games and I felt only one of those was really justified.

"Clyde tomorrow night is another tough one but I'd love to get a win and get a home tie at Palmerston in the next round. Four away matches on the trot is never easy! Broadwood is a big pitch and fitness will tell, but I'd like to think that we're as fit as any side in our division and we're all enjoying training at our new facilities at Glasgow Green".

Kick-off is at 7.45 pm and should Paul Burns feature in the starting line-up at Broadwood it will be his 100th start for Queens. Well done young man!

Bill Goldie
40 years on and still going strong 13th August 2007
It has been brought to our attention that this month marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Palmerston Social Club. Initially it was in small premises, the present day lounge bar accommodation on two levels was opened in August 1967. Thanks to BLW for this information.

Bill Goldie
Man of the match 13th August 2007
Winner of the internet fan club man of the match award for the defeat at Dens on Saturday goalscorer Sean O'Connor, second place went to Jamie MacDonald with Eric Paton third.

All of the scores have been added to the Latest Report' page and to the IFC Player of the Season table. Thanks for voting.
Match reaction 11th August 2007
Queens again 'paid the penalty' so to speak by giving away yet another spot kick at Dundee this afternoon on the way to a 2-1 defeat. After conceding two penalties against St Johnstone last week it was little wonder Gordon Chisholm was an angry man at the referee's dubious decision.

Zemlik and Davidson were the Dundee dangermen, the latter netting both his sides goals, while Sean O'Connor headed home Queens' solitary counter. But although it has to be said that the homesters had the 'lions share' of the pressure it could have been all so different if Stephen Dobbie had scored with an easy chance with the score tied at 1-1. Afterwards Gordon Chisholm raged;

"That was never a penalty! I thought we coped well with Zemlik, he proved quite a handful but went down awful easily for a big man of 6ft 7. I'm disappointed at the final result but no too despondent at the way we played. There were plenty of positives out there for me. I can't believe how Dobbs missed probably the best chance of the game. Ten times out of ten I'd have put money on him scoring from there but he never even hit the target."

Official attendance 4,023, travelling fans 201.

Bill Goldie
Man of the match 10th August 2007
Topping the voting for the internet fan club man of the match award for the CIS defeat at East Fife was Eric Paton, second place went to Stephen Grindlay with Andy Aitken third.

All of the scores have been added to the Latest Report' page and to the IFC Player of the Season table. Thanks for voting.
Queens now 'full-time' 10th August 2007
David Rae spoke out today and insisted that Queen of the South are now a 'full-time' football club. Said the Chairman, "I want to get rid of this 'part-time' image and lose this fallacy which has plagued us for so long. We're now commencing our sixth season in the First Division--the toughest test in Scottish football--and we've proved we can compete with any club in our league.

"We have only three players in our present squad with jobs outside football and they all work flexible hours which doesn't present too much of a problem. And our manager, Gordon Chisholn is also full-time.

Davie Rae
"In normal weeks, when there is no mid-week match, we'll be training four times a week during the day and, of course, playing on the Saturday. The players have only Wednesday and Sunday off, so that will be a five day week like any other working man.

"Ever since we were denied the use of the Crichton for training it has been increasing difficult to find suitable facilities locally. We've tried quite a few over the past couple of years such as Maxwelltown High School, the Kingholm and even the artificial pitch at King George V. But none of them were ideal! Obviously we can't train regularly on Palmerston as it would ruin the playing surface and during the winter we were even forced to use the Drill Hall, or the Loreburn Hall as it's now called.

"However, there's some good news. We have acquired excellent facilities at the Glasgow Green Training Centre which I saw for the first time when I travelled up with the local players this morning. I was really impressed! It has a super grass pitch and an artificial surface is in the process of being laid--so it will give the training staff options. To me it's 'spot-on'--just what we've been looking for.

"It will mean only one car load of Dumfries players travelling up to Glasgow as opposed to five or six car loads travelling down to Dumfries every Thursday night and quite a few of them 'stopping over' for the Friday morning session. That was a pretty costly exercise so this new arrangement will be better and more professional all round".

Added manager, Gordon Chisholm, "I agree 100% with the Chairman, the facilities are super and I'm well pleased. We were quite fortunate to acquire them as they were much sought after by several other football clubs. But we managed to get them which is great, and I rate them second to none in our division.
"They're easily accessible from all areas and will be a much more central point for practically all the players--those from Glasgow and the Central Belt, the three lads from the Edinburgh area and even a better road for Jamie Adams who travels up from Stranraer. We now have only four players based in Dumfries-- Jim Thomson, Neil MacFarlane, Stevie Tosh and Sean O'Connor and, of course, Andy Aitken in Annan. So it makes sense that they share transport and, as the Chairman says, save the club a lot of money.

Gordon Chisholm
"The new facilities will help us attract a better quality of player to Queen of the South and enable us to compete more with clubs in the Central belt".

Bill Goldie
Bayview Blues 9th August 2007
Gordon Chisholm blamed slopy defending at a corner and a 'sending off' for last night's cup defeat at Bayview but insisted, "Obviously we're not happy at going out of the cup! We could have done much better and I still think we had more than enough chances to have won the game. But we can't sit back and feel sorry for ourselves! We must be big enough and professional enough to move on and go up to Dundee on Saturday and get a result.

"We'll have to be much more positive at Dens Park and work a bit harder as they are a top team and will be difficult to beat. We've had two disappointments already--losing those late goals against St Johnstone and going out of the CIS Cup at the first hurdle. But we've got to put all that behind us! It's still early season, but right from when the fixtures first came out we all knew we were in for a tough start".

Bill Goldie
Team News 9th August 2007
Queens' suspension woes show little sign of easing. Bob Harris' straight red card at Methil last night for 'violent conduct' means he is now added to the four others already out--Jim Lauchlan, Stevie Tosh, John O'Neill and Jim Thomson. Jamie Adams remains on the injured list with Neil McGowan rated as only 50-50 to turn out. It now leaves us with a squad of just 16, including 'trialist', Liam Atkin.

Bill Goldie
Match reaction 8th August 2007
Queens hope of a lucrative cup run in the CIS Cup went up in smoke at New Bayview tonight when they went down 1-0 to the third division East Fife. After the battling performance against St Johnstone on Saturday the Queens travelling support was expecting a lot more but alas it didn't happen. Queens made it hard for themselves when Bob Harris was ordered off on the hour mark and just seven minutes later East Fife blasted home what proved to be the winner following a corner kick, their marksman being Greig McDonald.

Said a despondent Gordon Chisholm, "Early on we had a lot of possession but maybe we were just a bit too comfortable. We have to go out and hurt teams but that did not happen tonight. The turning point was the sending off of Bob Harris for a two footed tackle. But I thought the red card was a bit harsh - it only merited a yellow. Near the end David Bingham missed a great chance which would have kept us in the tie but it wasn't to be. We're now out of the CIS Cup and I'm very disappointed at that."

East Fife manager David Baikie was a happy man and enthused, "A great result! We set out a system to frustrate them and it worked. I agree the sending off was a bit harsh but everyone else in our technical area thought it was justified."

Attendance 656.

Bill Goldie
Thanks 7th August 2007
Grateful thanks to the committee of the Travel Club for their kind gift of a personalised bottle of malt whisky on my retirement.

BLW
Sanquhar Supporters 7th August 2007
The Queen of the South Sanquhar Supporters Club are holding a Prize Bingo Night in Sanquhar Town Hall on Monday 17th September.

G Taylor
The manager's warning 7th August 2007
Gordon Chisholm sat his players down this morning and warned them not to underestimate East Fife tomorrow night. "It would be fatal" emphasised the manager. "They may be in the Third Division but just missed out on promotion last season. They have a lot of good experienced professionals in their squad and it won't be at all easy.

"It's important for Queen of the South that we progress further in the CIS Cup but Bayview is never an easy place to go. We must approach the match with the right attitude and stay focussed on the task in hand if we want to achieve our goal.

"I'll be freshening the side up a bit after our hard battle with St Johnstone on Saturday and making full use of the squad available. Sean O'Connor took a knock in that game so we'll probably 'rest' him. All five players suspended at the weekend are eligible as it's a cup-tie so Stevie Tosh, John O'Neill and Jim Lauchan will be added to the squad. Jamie Adams and Jim Thomson are of course also available but both are still recovering from operations. However, JT is now back in training and I'm hoping he'll be fit for action again in a couple of week's time".

For all those travelling, the match kicks off at 7.30 pm.

Bill Goldie
Going Home! 7th August 2007
When the team bus sets off for Methil at 3 o'clock tomorrow it will be like 'Going Home' for Stevie Tosh as he is a proud Fifer, born and bred. He recalls, "I was born in Kirkcaldy in the 'Kingdom of Fife' and have never forgotten my 'grass roots'. I played a lot of football there as a schoolboy and was actually signed on an S form by East Fife when I was 16.

"I'm really looking forward to going back to my 'old stomping ground' as it holds a lot of happy memories. One of my first clubs was Savoy Thistle who were based in Methil and one of my team-mates at that time was none other than Colin Cameron who went on to play for Scotland.

"I've played against East Fife many times throughout my football career at both the old stadium and the present one. Naturally, being a Kirkcaldy boy my alliance was with Raith Rovers but I always regarded East Fife as my 'second club'. The last time I played at Methil was three years ago when I was with Gretna! We beat them both times that season and I hope we can go out and win again tomorrow night.

"But, although we're two divisions above them, it won't be easy. East Fife are one of the hot tips to win their league this season, so there's no room for complacency".

Bill Goldie
Man of the match 6th August 2007
Topping the voting for the internet fan club man of the match award for the season opener against St Johnstone on Saturday was Stephen Dobbie with strike partner Sean O'Connor second and stopper Jamie MacDonald third.

All of the scores have been added to the Latest Report' page and to the IFC Player of the Season table. Thanks for voting.
Wonder goal 6th August 2007
After the disappointment of only drawing with St Johnstone on Saturday and the disputed penalty awards, the big talking point among the fans was undoubtedly Neil MacFarlane's 'wonder goal'.

"I don't score all that many" the 'big man' admitted, "But I'd have to say that was one of my best. However, having said that, I did did score eight during my spell at Airdrie". Added Neil, "It was great to find the target in my first league game for Queens as it always gives you confidence. I looked up and decided to have a crack at goal, hit it sweetly, and the next thing I knew the ball was in the net. It was a good goal, but no better than the two that Stephen Dobbie scored.

"I'm only sorry that we didn't manage to hold out for the win, but we'll learn from that and move on. St Johnstone are one of the highest rated sides in our league and are never an easy team to beat. I'm loving it here at Palmerston and everyone has been so supportive".

Bill Goldie
The road to Methil 6th August 2007
On Wednesday Queens take the road to Methil to meet East Fife in the first round of the CIS Cup. Our last visit there was on January 2004 when a headed goal by Sean O'Connor gave us a 1-0 victory in the Scottish Cup and earned us a fourth round tie against Motherwell at Fir Park.

Chairman, David Rae is very much hoping for a win at New Bayview, a park he admits he's never yet visited, and stressed, "There's a lot of money to be made by reaching the latter stages of the CIS Cup, and in recent years we haven't really made the most of the opportunity. Last year we were a bit unlucky to lose to Kilmarnock after extra-time, but before that we went out to Stirling Albion and Albion Rovers--two teams we should have beaten.

"The last time we made any decent money in this competition was in 2003 when we knocked out Stenhousemuir then Ross County to land a third round tie with Hibs at Easter Road. I remember that night well! It was just before I took over as Chairman and 1800 Queens' fans turned up and caught Hibs totally unaware and long queues formed at the gate. However,they all got in eventually, the official gate was 7613 and we received a most welcome cheque even though we lost 2-1".

Reflecting back to Saturday's match the Chairman remarked, "With only three minutes to go and 3-1 up I thought we 'had it in the bag', but it was not to be. Even their Chairman, Geoff Brown, gave a wry smile when he shook my hand in the boardroom at full-time as he knew full well they'd 'got out of jail'. Nevertheless, I'm convinced we have a much stronger squad that we did this time last year and almost beat one of the top promotion contenders with seven players missing. We also had the honour of scoring the quickest goal of the season in Division One with Stephen Dobbie's third minute opener".

Bill Goldie
Match reaction 4th August 2007
Leading 3-1 with three minutes to go, Queens fans were looking forward to a win to kick off our league campaign in style, but alas it wasn't to be! Defeat wasn't in St Johnstone's script and they fought to the final whistle to go back up the road with a 3-3 draw. Two of their goals came from the penalty spot which was a sickener as we missed one ourselves.

However Gordon Chisholm summed it up sensibly by saying, "With all the injuries and suspensions I would have taken a draw before the but to throw away three points like that was a huge disappointment. I was happy at the way we played for the first eighty minutes but not with our performance in the last ten. We have a lot of experience and quality in the team but we were a bit naive in the dying stages, however we had a lot of positives out there and with two or three more players to come back it augers well. All our goals were clinical finishes but when they got back to 3-2 the pressure was on and by the full time whistle I was almost happy to settle for the draw."

Added Stephen Dobbie, "They always say that there's no better compliment in football than to get 'pelters' from the fans of your old club. And that's what happened this afternoon." Asked about the penalty miss Dobbs stressed, "You can't score from the spot all of the time, the 'keeper made a good stop and I felt I made amends by scoring a few minutes later."

Said Owen Coyle, "Queens were a good side and equipped themselves well but Chis will be gutted at the final score at 3-1 down and three minutes left it looked a long way back but we did it. When we got to 3-2 I felt we still had a chance as we have an abundance of character in our dressing room and that was proven today. It was rather a bizarre game all round with three penalties awarded. We scored from both our spot kicks and that made the difference. But it was a hard game with two good sides on the park."

Attendance - 2,255, away support - 724.

Bill Goldie
New striker signed 4th August 2007
Queens yesterday added a new striker to their squad, 19-year-old Jamie Mole. Newcastle born, he joins us from Hearts on loan to the end of the year. Jamie has been three years at Tynecastle, signing from Newburn B.C. and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's game.

Said Gordon Chisholm this afternoon, "I'm delighted to get young Jamie signed up. He'll add a different dimension to the side as he's a different type of player to big Sean and Stephen Dobbie. He's still young but he'll learn from our more experienced campaigners and, hopefully, give us more options up front. He's very quick, has a lot of pace and that's what I've been after! With so many missing tomorrow his signing comes just at the right time".

Bill Goldie
In the hands of the physio 2nd August 2007
With five players suspended and two injured, Gordon Chisholm is hoping and praying that Queens' physio, John Kerr, can get three key players, Neil MacFarlane, Stephen Dobbie and Sean O'Connor fit for Saturday's opener against St Johnstone.

Said the manager, "Our physio will have all three on the treatment table this evening and every effort will be made to get them playing. However, I can only say they're 50-50 at the moment and we won't know for sure until the actual morning of the game".

Bill Goldie
A stern start to the season 2nd August 2007
With the 'big kick-off' now only two days away Queens face a stern start to the season with a squad decimated by suspensions and injuries. Five players are suspended for the opener against St Johnstone although Jim Thomson and Jamie Adams couldn't have played anyway as both are recovering from hernia operations. Also out are Stevie Tosh, Jim Lauchlan and John O'Neill.

After St Johnstone we're away to Dundee in the league and both those sides were hotly tipped by manager, Gordon Chisholm, to 'do well this season'. Following Saturday's game we have four consecutive matches 'on the road' including two cup ties at East Fife and Clyde. So, we face a tough baptism with injuries very much coming into the equation as well. Out are new signings Bob Harris and Neil McGowan with doubts hanging over three others.

Said a disillusioned Gordon Chisholm, "It's only the first week of the season and we're down to the 'bare bones' already. We could have as many as ten players unavailable for Saturday and with a squad of around 20 it's unreal. Gone are the days when clubs had 25 to 27 on their pay roll, it's just not practical in the current climate.

"I'm particularly annoyed at having five players suspended! I think it's a ridiculous situation and one that needs to be looked at. I fully agree that 'red cards' for serious offences should be carried over from the previous season, but not penalty points for 'bookings' for minor infringements.

"On the injury front we've got Bob Harris who 'pulled up' in the pre-match warm-up prior to the Gretna match and Neil McGowan who limped off after a couple of minutes. Neither of them will play! Then there's Neil Macfarlane, Stevie Tosh and Stephen Dobbie--none of them have even trained this week. Just how do you prepare for a game with a situation like this. Even most Premier League sides would be sorely pushed! So, needless to say our physio, John Kerr, will be a very busy man between now and the weekend.

"I'm happy with the squad we've already got but I'd still like to get two more players on board. I've invited the young trialist centre-half, Liam Atkin up to join us for a fortnight's training. His performances have been OK, but his fitness level's still not up to standard. I'm also happy at our pre-season performances--but certainly not at all the injuries we've picked up".

Bill Goldie
Juniors shine 31st July 2007
Once again our junior side is doing us proud in the annual Northern Ireland Milk Cup competition. To keep up with the results for the lads, who remain unbeaten after drawing 0-0 with FC Puebla from Mexico and 1-1 with Irish side Dundalk SBL, follow this link http://www.nimilkcup.org/.
Nice one Robbie! 31st July 2007
Good to see that Hearts are to grant Robbie Neilson a testimonial match at the end of the season. The rugged defender, now Hearts' longest serving player, has been over ten years at Tynecastle and had a memorable four months spell on loan at Palmerston during season 2002-03. During that time Robbie made 17 appearances for Queens, collected a Challenge Cup winner's medal into the bargain and never ever forgot his time with us in Dumfries.

Bill Goldie
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