LATEST NEWS 2008/09
For previous news articles see the monthly archive at the foot of this page.

We have also noted that a number of visitors to the site are happy to lift stories and reproduce them elsewhere - we do not mind this happening however if you do so then please have the decency to credit the source. We do not allow the copying of photographs - please do not do this as copyright exists on all images used on the site. If you wish to use an image please contact us first.
Looking for Uefa Cup news then click on the link on the left hand side for our latest updates.
Apologies 8th August 2008
Hi guys,

On attempting to set the website live on www.qosfc.com last night, we found permission errors causing access problems to the site.

We attempted to fix these but had to refer the issue to the hosting company, Fasthosts. We await Fasthosts engineers resolving the issue.

The resolution may be as late as Monday, but we hope that they will progress this earlier so we can launch the new site.

Grahame Jackson
Digitl Director
Last Update 7th August 2008
Ten years ago Norman Blount rang me up and asked me if I'd like to turn my unofficial Queen's website into the official site. Being a fan since the age of 10 I naturally jumped at the chance. Since that date I have produced the official Queen of the South website with the help of some superb contributors. Bill Goldie as press officer and main man for news items made the site what it became - the first port of call for Queens fans looking for facts and not gossip. Ewan Lithgow for producing away day match reports that appear on the site more quickly than even top SPL sides could hope for, Ian Black for his superb knowledge and Queen of the South information database, Ian Raffel for the scores grid and Margaret Heuchan for all commercial items.

I set up the site and ran it for ten years in exactly the way that appealed to me as a supporter - hopefully it was also the way that most of you wanted to see it. A welcome addition to that some eight years ago was the introduction of the 'from the terraces' videos from David Gow, a feature that included footage of goals as well as fan reaction and actually put you on the terraces with the rest of the fans - something that I felt would really be appreciated with those who were watching from home or abroad as many 'doonhamers' do. Unfortunately with the need to comply with SFL guidance the ability to include such coverage is severely restricted and as a result David's video footage will not be featured on the new site. From my personal point of view it is something that will be sorely missed but I'm sure that David's video's will be able to be found elsewhere on the world wide web. So David deserves a special mention for producing an archive of video material that will live for ever on the website or an archive site.

It's also worth remembering that all of the guys and girls mentioned are first and foremost Queen's fans and all are volunteers. Let's hope that the new site can take the site forward whilst retaining the interaction and best features of the old site. I will continue as webmaster, home match reporter and photographer unless some Queens fan fancies themselves as a home match reporter.

Thanks for visiting over the past ten years, the new site will impress you all I am sure.

Colin Johnstone
CLUB SHOP OPEN NEXT WEDNESDAY 7th August 2008
The Club Shop will be open next Wednesday, 13th August, from 2 to 4pm and 6.30 to 8.30 pm. We will have for sale, UEFA t-shirts, scarves and flags as well as our normal range of Queen of the South souvenirs. We also expect to have our limited edition Commemorative Medal available.

John Paterson
'Chis' on spy mission 7th August 2008
Gordon Chisholm returned from his 'spy trip' to Denmark this morning after taking in Nordsjaelland's away match at Odense. Said the manager, "Although they lost 3-1 they're a good side and it was great to have the chance to see them at first hand. They were just as I had expected--big, strong and good on the ball. At least we know what we're up against now! It will be hard but I'm convinced the tie is winable".

On Sunday it's Kenny Brannigan's turn to don the James Bond mantle as he jets out to watch our UEFA Cup opponents face league leaders, Randers. Added the manager. "Kenny will be able to see them at home. They're up against the top team which should be a real test. We'll get our heads together when Kenny gets home and plan our stratagy for Thursday".

However, for the time being, the management duo are concentrating on East End Park and the visit to Dunfermline on Saturday. On our last visit there we lost 4-0, our heaviest defeat last season, but to be fair our players' minds must have been more on the Hampden Cup Final than league points.

"They'll be changes" promised the manager. "Jim Thomson is suspended but we're hoping Bobby Harris and Jamie Adams will be back. It's a big park but both have young legs and are full of running. However we won't know for sure the line-up until Saturday".

Queens have been notoriously slow starters in recent seasons and it's six years since we won our opening league fixture. It was actually the year we were promoted and we beat Clyde 2-1 at Palmerston with Andy Goram making his debut.

Although we only managed a draw against Airdrie the Broomfield men could well be a force to reckon with this season after beating Ross County at Dingwall in the Alba Challenge Cup on Tuesday night.

Jim Thomson is suspended for the Dunfermline match after that late 'red card' against Airdrie but it could be argued that JT 'sacrificed' himself for the club as his 'professional foul' saved an almost certain goal.

Bill Goldie
Any moment now 7th August 2008
With ticket sales going well for both legs of our UEFA Cup tie, things have never been more exciting for us Queens fans. They're about to get more exciting though, as tomorrow sees the launch of the revamped official site!

The site will continue to grow over the season, and we will be on the lookout for contributions from our supporters for the Queen's Speech section of the site. Funny stories, important information or even photos of Doonhamers in weird and wonderful places - send it in and we'll be happy to help you share it with the world.

Till tomorrow...

Jamie Rutherford
Less than 2 days to go 6th August 2008
I've taken the time out of working on the UEFA Cup today to visit Digitl towers in Dumfries, where I am pleased to announce the freshly designed official site is looking great.

I'm especially pleased that we have managed to secure the assistance of BBC Scotland's best sports reporter, Sandra Brown, in being able to deliver weekly podcasts with all the latest from Chis and the team. Thanks Sandra!

I'm putting together a special section on our UEFA Cup opponents FC Nordsjaelland as well, as we prepare to go head to head with the wild tigers!

Jamie Rutherford
Revised fixtures for August 6th August 2008
Saturday, 9th August
Dunfermline (a)
League
Thursday, 14th August
Nordsjaelland (h)
UEFA Cup 1st leg (at Airdrie)
Sunday, 17th August
Partick Thistle (h)
League
Wednesday, 20th August
Dunfermline (a)
Alba Challenge Cup 2nd round
Saturday, 23rd August
Ross County (a)
This match has been postponed and will be played at a later date still to be confirmed
Tuesday, 26th August
Nordsjaelland (a)
UEFA Cup 2nd leg
Saturday, 30th August
Dundee (h)
League
Bill Goldie
Fully focussed on the League 5th August 2008
Gordon Chisholm is intent on putting the UEFA Cup on the 'back burner' and focussing solely on Saturday's league encounter at Dunfermline. The 'Pars' were the only side we failed to beat in last season's campaign so the manager feels 'we owe them one'.

He adds, 'Jim McIntyre has let a few of his boys go but, by the same token, has introduced a lot of new faces. We'll need to be on top form to win as we made 'heavy weather' of our two visits to East End Park last season. They'll be full of determination and must be among the favourites for promotion even though they lost at Firhill on Saturday. It will certainly be one of our harder games and, as it's their first home league match of he new season, they'll be going all out to impress their fans.

"Obviously I was disappointed we didn't beat Airdrie at the week-end but they came intent on a draw and, all credit to them, they got what they wanted. I felt only two of our players earned pass marks and they'll be some changes this Saturday. Jim Thomson is suspended but both Bobby Harris and Jamie Adams could be back. Every game is a new game so we must learn from our mistakes and concentrate on each match as it comes. It's going to be a busy, busy August so we want every member of our squad fit and fully focussed on the task in hand".

Bill Goldie
Ticket details 5th August 2008
UEFA CUP TICKETS
QUEEN OF THE SOUTH v NORDSJAELLAND
Thursday 14 August 2008
Tickets for the home leg of this tie will go on sale tomorrow Wednesday 6th August from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to Season Ticket holders only (Adult and Junior Blues). Voucher No 2 should be produced.

Each Season Ticket holder will be allowed a maximum of 5 tickets.

Tickets will then go on sale to non Season Ticket holders on Thursday 7th at 10 a.m. A decision will need to be made on numbers per applicant after the sale to Season Ticket holders

The Ticket Office will be open as follows:
Wednesday 6th
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday 7th
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday 8th
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday 9th
CLOSED
Sunday 10th
CLOSED
Then 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday to Wednesday.

If tickets remain unsold then they will be offered for sale at the Excelsior Stadium Airdrie (subject to approval of the local police.)

Eric Moffat
Club Secretary
Queen of the South FC
Bus details 4th August 2008
Queen of the South will be running coaches from Palmerston to the home match against FC Nordsjaelland at the Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie. The tickets for these coaches will be available from the club office from 10am Wednesday 6th August and can be purchased alongside match tickets.

Tickets will cost £10 per person and the coaches will be leaving Palmerston Park at 17:45.

Jamie Rutherford
Watch the game in style 4th August 2008
A limited number of executive tickets will be available for the match against FC Nordsjaelland at the Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie.

These tickets will cost £40 and will include a prime seat in the main stand, a complimentary match programme as well as pre-match and half-time refreshments in an executive area. The dress code for this area is smart casual, with no jeans or trainers.

Jamie Rutherford
Kick-off time in Denmark 4th August 2008
UEFA confirmed this afternoon that the KO time for Queens' away leg versus FC Nordsjaelland at Farum Park will be 19:00 CET.

Many thanks to the officials at FC Nordsjaelland and UEFA for helping with this matter.

Jamie Rutherford
Kick-off time in Denmark 4th August 2008
UEFA have confirmed today that the kick-off time for the match versus Nordsjaelland in Farum on the 26th August will be no later than 6.00pm local time.
50/50 Winner 2nd August 2008
Today's Half-Time 50/50 prize draw winner was Stuart Callander from Dumfries who collected £235 for his 50p stake (winning number 40921), after the game.

John Paterson
Ticket sales 2nd August 2008
Tickets for the away leg at Nordsjaelland will go on sale TO SEASON TICKET HOLDERS from 10am until 4pm tomorrow from the office at Palmerston.

The prices for the game in Denmark, the time of which has yet to be decided by UEFA, are as follows:

£15 for adults
£6 for 14s and under
Disabled supporters may purchase an adult ticket at full price, and will be allowed a ticket for a carer gratis.

Non-season ticket holders may purchase tickets from Monday at 10am.
Match Reaction 2nd August 2008
In front of a big crowd of almost 3,000 Queens had a golden opportunity to impress but a goalless draw sent the punters home deflated. Sean O'Connor came close in the fifteenth minute but his effort went wide and that was to be the only clear cut chance of the first half. Ten minutes into the second half O'Connor again broke through but the ball bounced badly for him.

Airdrie United came to Palmerston intent on keeping a clean sheet but they almost broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, however Bryn Halliwell came to the rescue with a good save. As the game wore on the Queens players were becoming more frustrated and minutes before the final whistle Jim Thomson was sent off for a 'professional foul'. It wasn't the start we wanted and we must improve before our visit to Dunfermline Athletic next week.

Gordon Chisholm was disappointed and admitted, "The boys are gutted back there in the dressing room for they all know they could have done better. With our results last season we realise that teams are going to come to Palmerston and sit tight, but we've got to expect that. I'm sure Kenny Black will be happy with the result. We were well off the pace today and we must be sharper. I'd only give pass marks to two players - Craig Reid and Bryn Halliwell.

Steve Tosh agreed with his manager and added, "We didn't play well and we all know we can do a lot better. We were in the ascendency for most of the game but didn't take our chances. We must win games at home and we didn't do that this afternoon so we must do better next week."

Asked if he was happy with the result Airdrie United manager Kenny Black wise cracked, "We are just a wee team from the second division and are lucky to be playing in division 1, we held the Scottish Cup finalists to a draw on their own patch so I'm happy with that. Steve Tosh and Stephen Dobbbie are influential players but we kept them quiet. I thought a draw was a fair result and we deserved the point with the effort we put in."

Attendance - 2,914

Sponsors man of the match - Craig Reid

Bill Goldie
Hospitality 1st August 2008
QUEEN OF THE SOUTH IN THE UEFA CUP

MATCH HOSPITALITY AUGUST 14, 2008
We are able to offer supporters the wonderful and unique opportunity to enjoy Hospitality at the Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie, when Queen of the South FC play an historic match in the prestigious UEFA Cup against FC Nordsjaelland. This very special match will be recorded in the Club's history books for ever and this is a great chance to be involved in the Club's special celebration.

Match Hospitality offers a number of exclusive benefits:
  • This high profile match offers you the opportunity to treat clients, business partners or friends to Hospitality in the Inverhouse Suite or the Alistair Young Suite at the Excelsior Stadium.
  • Pre-match 3 course meal followed by tea/coffee and mints.
  • A copy of the special edition UEFA Match Programme for each of your guests.
  • Seating for your guests in the comfort of a box*
  • Half Time Finger Buffet with tea/coffee.
  • Complimentary bar available for 2 hours before/1 hour after the match.
  • It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to entertain guests with
    Match Hospitality before Queen of the South play in the UEFA Cup!
    Price: £135 per head (plus Vat) for a table of 6,8 or 12
    *Depending on size of party the box may be shared. We are limited to 10 tables and at time of writing 4 are already booked. Call Margaret now on 01556 504569!


    Margaret Heuchan
    Heading Home 1st August 2008
    Sitting in Gatwick Airport with flights on my mind after today's draw, for which we would like to thank David Taylor and his colleagues at UEFA for their hospitality and efficiency.

    I have spoken with TMG, our official travel partner, and we are aiming to have a club package available for early next week. We will have a meeting tomorrow to finalise a few details with the club party and aim to get the prices out to fans as soon as possible. As it stands, the official plane will be flying out with the team aboard on Monday morning and returning after the game on Tuesday. Everything is yet to be finalised though, so watch this space.

    We're looking forward to working with FC Nordsjaelland, whom we met today and whom were extremely prompt at arranging away ticket allocations and pricing - which makes life easier for the club and the supporters.

    Jamie
    Denmark bound 1st August 2008
    For our opening sojurn in the UEFA Cup Queens will travel to Denmark to take on FC Nordsjalland, but before that we will meet the Danish side at home. We'll be competing in the Northern Section and our first game will be played at Airdrie on Thursday, 14th August and the return on the 26th August and not the 28th as was first muted as two other sides from Copenhagen are playing on the 28th.

    It will be a journey into the unknown but Gordon Chisholm said, "We knew earlier what pot we'd be in, so it didn't come as too much of a surprise. We were aware we'd be up against a side from Denmark, Sweden or Finland.

    "Just after the draw was made it was pandemonium--my phone never stopped ringing. I would have preferred the first leg away but it wasn't to be. It's will be an adventure for us all--it will be difficult but not unwinnable. We'll prepare professionally and do our research. I notice Nordsjalland are playing on Sunday, Wednesday and Sunday, so I'll be doing my utmost to get out there to Denmark and see them for myself. As I say, it won't be easy but we're confident and we'll be give it our best shot".

    Bill Goldie
    UEFA Cup Draw 1st August 2008
    Queen of the South versus FC Nordsjalland of Denmark.
    UEFA CUP TICKETS 31st July 2008
    UEFA CUP 2008/2009

    Second Qualifying Round

    Matches to be played on Thursday 14th and Thursday 28th August 2008
    The draw for this round of the UEFA Cup will take place on Friday 1st August 2008 when Queen of the South FC will learn their opponents and whether the first leg is at home or away.

    At this time the Club do not know how many tickets will be allocated for our fans. This information will only be available after discussions with our opponents.

    To enable fans to make their travel arrangements as soon as possible after the draw has been made
    ORDERS FOR TICKETS FOR THE AWAY LEG ONLY

    For either date
    Will be taken at the Club Office at Palmerston Park, Dumfries from 10 a.m. on Sunday 3rd August 2008. They will be restricted to one ticket per Season Ticket Holder using Voucher 1 from the Season Ticket book. This limit may change once the number of tickets available are known.

    One person may purchase tickets on behalf of other Season Ticket Holders on the production of one Voucher No 1 for each ticket requested.

    Tickets will be available to non Season Ticket holders from Monday 4th August subject to there being tickets available.

    Orders may be placed in person or by telephone and they may be paid with cash, cheque or credit/debit card

    Tickets will only be available from the Club Office and will not be part of any travel package on offer from any source including official Club travel arrangements.

    THE CLUB RECOMMEND THAT NO FAN TRAVELS TO THE AWAY LEG OF THIS TIE WITHOUT FIRST PURCHASING A TICKET FOR THE GAME.
    TICKETS FOR HOME LEG
    Tickets for the home leg of the tie at The Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie will be offered for sale to Season Ticket holders on Wednesday 6th August 2008 from 10 a.m. from the Club Office at Palmerston Park, Dumfries. Tickets will go on general sale on Thursday 7th August.

    Tickets will be priced at £20 for adults and £10 for concessions (OAP's and under 17 years).

    Purchasing arrangements will be as above with Voucher 2 being used.

    Eric Moffat
    Club Secretary
    Team News 31st July 2008
    Steve Tosh returns to the Queens' squad for their opening league match against Airdrie United at Palmerston on Saturday. Jamie Adams however has a knock and is listed as 50-50.

    But the good news is that Bob Harris has had a good report from the specialist on his knee scan which had Gordon Chisholm breathing a sigh of relief. "I feared another cruciate but thank goodness everything is OK" said the manager. "We lost Jamie Adams with cruciate damage last season and he was out for a year. Bobby will resume training on Monday and so too will Neil Scally".

    After hearing the Challenge Cup draw which saw us land an away tie against Dunfermline 'Chis' sighed, "It's probably the hardest game we could have got, but there's nothing we can do about it. I was really hoping for a home tie at Palmerston where we fear no one. But I don't know when exactly we'll get it played as our fixture list is already so congested. However, I am glad we now have a sponsor for the Challenge Cup--it's long overdue".

    Bill Goldie
    Commemorative Medal 31st July 2008


    Queen of the South Football in conjunction with John McQueen, Engravers, Galloway Street, Dumfries, have produced a Commemorative Medal to mark the achievement of the Club in what has been their best ever season in Scottish Football. The medal (pictured above) is produced in an antique gold finish and comes in a presentation box. The First Edition is a limited edition with each medal having itıs own authenticated certificate and number. These can be ordered from the Club Shop at Palmerston Park or by e-mail or through Barbours, Buccleuch Street, Dumfries, Tourist Information Office, Whitesands Dumfries, McQueen, Engravers, Dumfries Lowıs Newsagents Castle Douglas, Johnstones Sports Kirkcudbright or Sport and Trophy Centre, Lockerbie.

    Priced at only £25 they are an ideal gift for all Queen of the South fans to have as a souvenir of a fabulous season. The medals can be posted out, please add £5 for p&p as due to their special value they will be sent by 'special delivery'.

    John Paterson
    First steps into Europe 31st July 2008
    Queen of the South took their first steps into Europe today, when Davie Rae, Craig Paterson, Billy Hewitson and myself made our way to Geneva.

    We arrived safely into the scorching heat of Geneva this afternoon, and are in keen preparation for tomorrow's draw in Nyon.

    I've been working hard on the logistics for the campaign, and myself and the Chairman will be concentrating on securing the best allocation for our travelling fans, as well as making sure we offer the hospitality expected of Scottish clubs to our opponents.

    The draw tomorrow is at 1'o'clock Swiss time, and you should be able to watch the draw on satellite tv or on the internet.

    We'll be heading straight back after the draw, and the Chairman has already been telling us that he had flying lessons shortly after he retired from farming - so should there be a problem with our flights, there's no way we'll be missing the Airdrie game!

    Jamie Rutherford
    New website 30th July 2008
    Our new look website is ready to be launched, having been completely revamped by Digitl over the summer. However, because of the upcoming UEFA Cup draw and the importance of the subsequent information that will have to be released for news, ticketing and travel - we have made the executive decision that we will prolong the site for another week until all the information has been released into the public domain.

    This way people will be able to find all the information they need for planning their trip without the added need to navigate a new website into the bargain.

    Keep watching this space.

    Jamie
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