LATEST NEWS
For previous news articles see the monthly archive at the foot of this page.
Big doubt on Bowser 28th February 2005
Skipper, Steve Bowey, is the only major doubt for Wednesday night's match against Clyde at Palmerston. 'Bowser' missed Monday night's training session, confined to bed with a bad bout of flu, and is most unlikely to feature. Keeper, Colin Scott however, was back in training again after a calf injury and will be available for selection. Kick-off is 7.45 p.m.

Bill Goldie
Queens and Saints draw 27th February 2005
Queens' Under-19's fought out a creditable 2-2 draw with league leaders, St Johnstone at the Keswick Centre this afternoon. The visitors went ahead in 15 minutes, shooting home following a corner. Queens equalised on the half hour mark after a defence-splitting pass by Scott Robertson found Gareth Campbell who outpaced his markers only to be unceremoniously brought down in the box. However, the unruffled Campbell dragged himself to his feet and slotted home the resultant spot-kick.

In the second half Queens were well on top and received just reward when man-of-the match Campbell netted his second from 12 yards out. The home side appeared to be in control but Saints were awarded a dubious penalty from which they equalised to earn themselves a share of the points.

But it was an entertaining match with lots of good end-to-end football and the bumpy surface only added to the excitement. Queens back three of Stuart Cluckie, Stuart Hill and Richie Maxwell were outstanding against the St Johnstone forwards, two of which were Scotland Under-19 internationals.

Following the lack of disipline shown in the recent Gretna encounter, the conduct of the young Queens' squad today was exemplary and they have obviously learnt their lesson.


Bill Goldie
Photograph by Margaret Elliot
Q.O.S. v Clyde 27th February 2005
Note the Time: The kick-off for the Queens v Clyde game on Wednesday night will be 7.45 p.m. and not 7.30 p.m. as stated in some Sunday newspapers.

Bill Goldie
Fitness sessions for Queens 23rd February 2005
With no scheduled match this weekend, Queens will endeavour to improve their fitness levels with extra training sessions.

Said manager, Iain Scott, "We'll train as usual tonight, then we'll have the entire squad through to Dumfries on Saturday for a double session. We'll have another normal one on Monday prior to the Clyde match, so by then I'm hoping our fitness level will have improved. We could have arranged a 'friendly' game, but I think this is a more sensible alternative at this time of year.

"Clyde have been a bit of a problem side for us over the past year, so I feel we 'owe them one'. We'll be meeting them right after their cup-tie with Celtic which is interesting, and then we play them again, away from home, only ten days later. Colin Scott will resume training tonight and I'm confident he'll be fit and available for selection on Wednesday.

"We've had an approach by an English club for our striker, David McNiven. David's not been playing much lately, so to build up his own personal fitness level he's been training on a daily basis with Blackpool on top of his normal sessions with Queens".

Bill Goldie
Club Shop special offers 22nd February 2005
BARGAIN DEALS
The existing stock of this season's tops are on offer at the bargain price of £20 (plus postage if mail order) for all sizes in stock.
PROGRAMMES
A selection of programmes from home matches in the following seasons are available in bundles of 5 for £2.50 (including post and package).

Seasons 1985-86, 1990-91, 1996-97, 2000-01, 2002-03. 2003-04 and 2004-05 are all available at present.
Man of the Match 21st February 2005
Man of the match scoring from Saturday versus Falkirk went as follows:

First - Derek Lyle - 8.16
Second - Steve Bowey - 7.21
Third - Brian McColligan - 7.16

All other scores are on the match report link and the league table for 'player of the season' has been updated. Thanks for voting.
Match reaction 19th February 2005
For the second week running Queens manager Iain Scott was happy to settle for a share of the points. Said Scott, "They're the runaway league leaders and the best team in the division so I'm not going to complain at a 1-1 draw. I would gladly have taken that before the match. They had more of the ball and more possession but on the day we had the better clear cut chances. But I'm not happy at the goal we conceded. It was a back post header and was defended badly. Falkirk are a quality side and in the first half we possibly showed them a bit too much respect. At the start of the second half we had two excellent scoring chances but couldn't find the net with them. The goal we did score was brilliant - Del Lyle took it on the volley and from where we were standing it looked in from the second it left his boot".

Derek Lyle himself was a bit more modest on his 'wonder strike', "I just caught it right", he said, "but on another day it could have finished up on the terracing. I Looked up and saw the 'keeper had come off his line and I just let fly. We had two good chances early in the second and had either of them gone in I think we would have won".

Stuart Lovell said he enjoyed his home debut even though the pitch was not at its best, they had a lot of possession but rarely threatened, he stated, "but we created more clear cut scoring chances. Nevertheless a good point against the league leaders">

John Hughes saw the match a bit differently, said the Falkirk boss, "We dominated the game but the luck wasn't with us. All our players gave 100% effort so I can't be too hard on them".

Bill Goldie
Q.O.S. v Falkirk 16th February 2005
Queens face a stern test on Saturday when they take on league leaders and promotion favourites, Falkirk. Our two earlier meetings this season have been high-scoring games, Falkirk winning 3-1 at Palmerston and then 4-2 up at Brockville after Queens surrendered a two goal lead.

Manager, Iain Scott, knows full well how hard it will be and admitted. "Falkirk are by far the best team in our league. They're champion elects and barring a catastrophe will be in the Premier League next season. Although we lost to Dundee United in the cup, we don't fear any side from our own division when we get them at Palmerston. We'll be going for a win as it's our home game, but if I'm totally honest I wouldn't be too disappointed if it finished in a draw.

"I believe Brian Rice, the Falkirk assistant manager, was down 'spying' on us against Dundee United, but I'm sure it was just a routine visit. When you play each other four times in a season you get to know everyone's style and by now Falkirk and Queens know each other 'inside out'.

"All four matches in our division ended in draws on Saturday and again proves how tight it is. It often boils down to 'who gets the breaks on the day', or 'a bit of individual skill'. But when it comes to individual skill Falkirk have Russell Latapy who, in my opinion, is the most gifted player in our league. They've also got quality strikers who tore us apart at Brockville on our recent visit there. So we must keep it tight at the back.

"In recent league matches, however, we have stopped leaking goals, but now we need to score a few to go with it. At this moment in time we've a full squad available, including two keepers both raring to go. It's good that, for both Colin and Richie, for it keeps the two of them 'on their toes' for a first team place. I'm really looking forward to Saturday and pitting my wits against 'Yogi' and Brian again. But come what may we'll still be sharing a beer in my office after the game as we always do.

"We got news from the League on Tuesday that our game with Clyde, postponed on Boxing Day, will now take place at Palmerston on Wednesday, 2nd of March. That means three home fixtures on the trot and playing Clyde and Airdrie within three days of each other, so it's obviously going to be a very crucial time of the season".

Bill Goldie
Star of yesteryear returns 16th February 2005
Former Queens great Willie Morrision was present at the recent game versus St Mirren. Willie said that he had a great day out meeting lots of pals from the past and was very flattered to be remembered by so many fully forty years after leaving the club.

Willie meets up with Allan Ball and Doctor Balfour

Billy Collings and Willie Morrison.


Thanks to Colin Rutherford for the photographs.
Re-arranged match 15th February 2005
The match postponed on Boxing Day against Clyde has been re-arranged for Wednesday evening the 2nd March.

Bill Goldie
Man of the Match 14th February 2005
Man of the match scoring from Saturday versus St Johnstone went as follows:

First - Richie Barnard - 7.66
Second - Gary Wood - 6.69
Third - Eric Paton - 6.31

All other scores are on the match report link and the league table for 'player of the season' has been updated. Thanks for voting.
Match reaction 12th February 2005
Another goal-less draw which makes it three clean sheets in a row in our league matches. Nevertheless a valuable away point but with the other three fixtures ending all square there is no change whatsoever in the table.

After the game manager Iain Scott said, "It's a point away from home and I never complain at that. That's four out of six points we've collected at Perth this season and we're a part-time side and they're a club that's got everything. They had their chances but we also had a couple of real good ones. However I think a draw was probably a fair result.

"When I studied my notes from our last meeting I had jotted down, 'St Johnstone are a physical side, remember and play Gary Wood in our next match', and Gary didn't disappoint for he gave us that extra bit of power up front. Colin Scott had to pull out with a thigh injury but Richie Barnard was excellent. He displayed the quality we knew he had and we're all delighted. Stuart Lovell was brilliant on his debut, he did a good job in the middle of the park and controlled the game. We've two home games coming up so we must try and capitalise on our home advantage and get some more points on the board".

Chairman Davie Rae was also happy with the result and added, "I would have taken a draw prior to the match so I agree with Scotty - no complaints. It wasn't a classic but we battled well in difficult windy conditions on a heavy pitch. Our defence was again very sound, that's three clean sheets in a row in the league and the manager is happy with that. Richie Barnard in goal had two or three excellent saves and it's good that we've got such a reliable back up for Colin Scott. Gary Wood and Stuart Lovell both played well and although with the other three games ending in draws we haven't gained anything but we haven't lost ground either".

Bill Goldie
Q.O.S. v St Johnstone 10th February 2005
It's off to St Johnstone again on Saturday and all Queens' fans will be hoping we can emulate our early season away form which saw us win, 3-1, at McDiarmid Park back in August. Manager, Iain Scott, insists they'll be no 'extra edge' on the game just because it's St Johnstone we're playing. Said 'Scotty', "We've nothing personal against the people up there. All I can say is that it's so tight in our division at the moment, there's an 'extra edge' as you call it on every league game we play. If David Bagan and Craig Samson are playing I'm sure they'll both be treated well by our fans.

"I'm glad to say we should be at full strength on Saturday. Our two latest signings, Stuart Lovell and Alex Williams will definitely be in contention but we've 19 players to choose from and I'll be fielding what we think is our strongest team. When you've a full squad available it's great for a manager but not so good for the players, for obviously some of them will be left out. But that's football! Gary Wood returns to the squad after a few weeks on the sidelines. He's had a good report from the specialist regarding his neck problem and it's only nerve damage, nothing too serious.

"After our cup-tie it's back to league football again and we'll be looking the defence to perform the way they did against Raith Rovers and St Mirren which brought us two 'clean sheets'. It's a big game for us and we'll be looking to take all three points as we have league leaders, Falkirk, at Palmerston next week and I don't have to spell out how difficult that will be".

Bill Goldie
Tighter league than ever says J.C. 9th February 2005
After the disappointment of the cup-tie, Queens head for Perth on Saturday to go head-to-head once again with former boss, John Connolly. Said John, "I'm looking forward to the match and I'm expecting it to be a tough one, of course every game in this league is tough. Queens beat us up here early in the season, but since then we've won twice.

"I watched the highlights of their cup-tie on T.V. and all United's goals came from defensive errors. But that's what happens when you come up against Premier League sides--make a mistake and you're punished. When a team loses 7-1 you never know what to expect in their next game. But on this occasion I think Queens' got the 'backlash' for United 'ran their socks off' in that first half. One good thing though, you certainly had a great crowd, over five and a half thousand--that would put a smile on Davie Rae's face.

"This league we play in isn't getting any easier. When Queens got promotion in 2002, I said at the time 'we would be competing in the hardest league in Scotland'--and it's even harder now. From St Mirren down to Hamilton, we're all in the relegation 'mix'. That's seven clubs, so when we play each other they're now all 'six-pointers'.

"Win a couple of games and you're in third place, lose a couple and you're second bottom. It's as simple as that. But I realise I'm just repeating what every other manager in this division has already said. I've always set a target of 40 points for safety, but the way it's going this season we could well require even more this time around. However, come Saturday we're all set for another interesting encounter and I'm really looking forward to seeing you all at McDiarmid Park. Have a safe journey".

Bill Goldie
New plans 9th February 2005
For those of you who haven't see the plans for the new ground development for Palmerston then here is a preview of what you can expect to see being built.

View from the Summerville Road side of the ground.

View from the Terregles Street end of the ground.

View from the Portland Road side of the ground.
Roadshow 9th February 2005
Tickets for the 'Daily Record' Roadshow at Palmerston Lounge Bar on Tuesday 15th February are now all sold out.
Man of the Match 7th February 2005
Man of the match scoring from Saturday versus Dundee United went as follows:

First - Steve Bowey - 6.31
Second - Eric Paton - 5.96
Third - Brian McColligan - 5.95

All other scores are on the match report link and the league table for 'player of the season' has been updated. Thanks for voting.
Ian Reid at Palmy 5th February 2005
Another Queen of the South favourite of yesteryear was at Palmerston this afternoon to watch Queens take on one of his other former clubs, Dundee United. Ian Reid spent over four years at Queens and was a prolific scorer netting 89 goals in 193 appearances--and that included five 'hat-tricks'. Ian now stays near East Kilbride but confessed that his time at Dumfries was one of the happiest periods of his entire career. He played in the famous team of the mid-70s which performed so well under Mike Jackson.

Also at the match was Graeme Robertson, a local lad who played in the Queens' midfield and defence in the early 1980s. The blond bombshell still lives in Dunfermline after ending his career at East End Park, and is now in charge of Youth Development at Livingston.

Bill Goldie
Match reaction 5th February 2005
Queens were outplayed and outclassed by the rampant 'tangerine terrors', still smarting from their 7-1 humiliation by Rangers on Wednesday night. Three nil up at the interval Dundee United took their 'foot off the pedal' in the second half and although Queens played much better they failed to penetrate a well organised United rear guard. It was a big let down for the crowd of 5,532 but it was again Queens' failing of losing early goals to premier league sides which proved their downfall. Afterwards manager Iain Scott's initial remarks were, "Disappointed, very disappointed. We had a big crowd of over five and a half thousand here today and we let them down. But it wasn't a 'fear factor' but for some unknown reason we just didn't perform. Again we made bad mistakes - we may well get away with them in our own league at times but not against premier league opposition who have superior finishing power. We spoke all week about losing early goals as we've done in the past against premier league sides and then we go 2-0 down in twenty-four minutes. That should have been our 'cup final' out there today but we never raised our game for the big occasion. As I said, very disappointing".

For Dundee United manager Ian McCall, who might well have been in charge of the team for the last time, it was a comfortable victory. Said Ian, "We adopted the right tactics and played well out there today. We took our chances when they came along and never allowed Queens to settle. I always like a win when I visit my home town but there were some tired legs in our side in the last quarter of the game".

Bill Goldie
Allan Ball remembers 5th February 2005
If Queens could beat Dundee United this afternoon it would see them make their first appearance in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup for 28 years. Their last match was against Celtic at Parkhead on March 13th, 1977 and although we lost 5-1, we did put up a brave fight.

One person who remembers the game vividly is our legendary keeper, Allan Ball. Said Allan, "I recall the match was played on a Sunday, there was a crowd of about 27,000 and a large following up from Dumfries. Celtic scored first but then Peter Dickson equalised and Nobby Clark was jumping up and down like an Indian. Before half time Celtic scored again from a penalty, but it could have been avoided. However we went in at the interval, 2-1 down.
"In the second half we held our own up to the 75th minute, but fitness told in the end and they scored three late goals to make it 5-1 with Glavin getting a 'hat-trick'. Chris Balderston was outstanding for us and I still remember Celtic manager Jock Stein approached him after the game saying 'Son, if ye wir 10 years younger I wid sign ye right now".

"That, actually, was the second year in a row that we'd made it to the last eight season 1975-76 was certainly one I won't forget in a hurry. We beat St Johnstone at Palmerston and were drawn against Ayr United at Somerset in the next round. Alex Ingram was their centre-forward and I still rate him one of the hardest players I've come up against. After only 20 minutes I got a bad injury to my leg, but played on never realising that my leg was broken.

"Ayr led 2-0 at the interval but Ian Reid pulled one back then John Dempster equalised from the penalty spot. About eight minutes from the end Ayr were awarded a penalty but even with the broken leg I managed to save Johnny Graham's spot-kick to ensure a replay. That replay at Palmerston will long be remembered by Queens' fans--we won it 5-4 with Peter Dickson netting the winner in the last minute of extra-time.

"Obviously I missed the match, I was stuck on the track beside the dug-out with my leg in plaster, and Graham McLean took my place in goal. We played Rangers at home in the quarter-final tie, the attendance was close on 19,000, the biggest I'd seen at Palmerston, but unfortunately we lost, 5-0. So, can we win this afternoon? I'm confident we can".

Bill Goldie
Queens lose 1-0 to Gretna 4th February 2005
In an ill-tempered match at the Keswick Centre tonight, Queens lost to Gretna by the only goal of the game. Queens had two good chances early on. First Stuart Hill failed to find the net after a free-kick fell for him, then Gareth Campbell was one-to-one with the keeper but slid it past the post. Gretna should have gone ahead before the interval but they too didn't take their chance.

The swirling wind was causing even more havoc in the second half and there was precious little good football to cheer. The only goal came five minutes from time when keeper Wright could only parry a shot and a Gretna forward was on hand to score. Not a great game but Gretna just shaded it to collect the three points.

Bill Goldie
Special edition program 4th February 2005
Look out for a special edition programme at Palmerston tomorrow. It's a bumper issue with a specially designed front cover and lots of relevant Queens/Dundee united related articles.
Live commentary 4th February 2005
BBC Sportsound online are running a live commentary stream of the entire Queen of the South v Dundee United Scottish Cup tie tomorrow, and if you are an exiled Queens fan or at work and can't make it then make sure that you have the computer turned on and click on the following link. Commentary will be provided by Alastair Alexander and Craig Brown.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/sportsound/media/qos.ram

It will be playing a looping jingle until around 1pm tomorrow.

Commentary from BBC SPORT Scotland.
COUNTDOWN TO THE CUP--5 4th February 2005
Tonight we have our final 'Countdown to the Cup' as Chairman, David Rae, airs his views. "It's cup day tomorrow and we have Premier League Dundee United as the opposition" said the Chairman. "Over the years we've played them many times and there have been a lot of exciting tussles. However, despite meeting five times in the Scottish Cup we've never managed to beat them yet, but there's always a first time.

"They were well beaten, 7-1 by Rangers in the C.I.S. Cup semi-final on Wednesdaty night, but I don't know whether that's a good thing or a bad thing for us. They will obviously be deflated at the scoreline so I hope we don't suffer from a backlash. Another minus of course is the fact that it will probably mean less of a travelling support.
"I see that we are one of the two main feature matches on B.B.C.'s 'Sportscene' tomorrow night which is an added incentive to do well. I also believe it's 28 years since we last made it to the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup and 29 years since we beat a Premier League side in the competion. So it would be great if we could re-write the history books this Saturday.

"Our first ever cup clash with Dundee United was at Palmerston Park on January, 30th, 1932. There was a record crowd of 8000 there that afternoon and it ended in a 2-2 draw. I'll tell you right now, I'd settle for half that attendance tomorrow. That year Dundee United eventually beat us, 2-1, in a second replay at Ibrox after 300 minutes of football and exactly the same happened when we were drawn together again in 1963. Once more it went to a third match at Ibrox and once more they beat us--this time, 4-0. The other three meetings didn't take so long to decide but United still won all of them.

"In more recent times we've met in the League Cup and there were some good matches there as well. I recall one in 1997 which we lost, 4-2, but Steve Mallan came on as sub, late in the game, and scored two marvellous goals.

"However, the Scottish Cup has always been something special. The big one! I remember well, back in the '50s, when we were matched against Rangers and Celtic at home. Rows and rows of buses were parked all the way along the Whitesands and all the pubs en-route to Palmerston were packed to the door with 'old firm' fans. I always stood, or should I say was squashed, on the Terregles Street terracing, and at the end of the game we were all packed like sardines shuffling our way down Terregles Street until it eased off a bit when we reached David Street.

"Those days of 20,000 plus crowds at Palmerston will never return but we must plan for the future. This is why we intend moving forward by upgrading our stadium to a 6000 all-seater to meet Premier League requirements. By now most of you will have read all about it in the 'Standard' and 'Courier' but at a meeting held last night the plans were displayed before councillors, the press and other local bodies who were involved.

"Many changes have taken place in our 86-year-old history, but this is one of the greatest as it involves Dumfries and the Community of Dumfries. Over the past 15 months our Business Development Manager, Kenny Crichton, has been working in conjunction with North West Resource Centre Management Committee and Maxwelltown Umbrella Group to get the first phase of the project 'up and running'.

"Kenny has had some unwarranted criticism from certain quarters for 'not doing enough', but this project had to be 'kept under wraps' until it was all settled. But I can tell you that the Board of Directors appreciate all the hard work he has done, it's a great project which couldn't have been achievement without him".

Tomorrow, Allan Ball recalls two epic quarter-final matches.

Bill Goldie
Major development at Palmerston 3rd February 2005
A project described as probably the biggest-ever development at Palmerston was discussed at a special meeting held at the club tonight. It's the culmination of 15 months hard work by Business Development Manager, Kenny Crichton, in conjunction with North West Resources Centre and the Maxwelltown Umbrella Group.

Described by Kenny as a "Local Community Project, unique in the fact that the voluntary, private and public sector have all worked together towards a satisfactory conclusion".

It will see two new stands being constructed at either end of the ground making the stadium capacity just over 6000 all-seated and in line with the Premier League criteria. The first phase will be the North Stand at the Portland Road end which will seat 1500 with the South Stand at the Terregles Street end to follow.

Behind each stand will be office accommodation and ample car parking facilities. Added Kenny, "The plans were unveiled tonight but I don't anticipate any major problems. Following a leaflet drop, local residents have been studying the plans at the ground and early reaction has been very positive. Planning permission and funding will be sought with financial input from the club itself paramount to the whole project".

Chairman, David Rae praised Kenny and stated, "All this could never have 'got off the ground' had it not been for Kenny's initiative and hard work".

More detailed reports will appear in tomorrow's 'Standard' and 'Courier'.

Bill Goldie
COUNTDOWN TO THE CUP--4 3rd February 2005

Tonight our own manager, Iain Scott relates his thoughts on Saturday's cup clash with Dundee United. Said 'Scotty', "It's a big day for all of us, a Premier League side coming to town. It will be a different type of game and will give the lads a bit of relief from the league. Dundee United will obviously go into the match as favourites, for 9 times out of 10 when a Premier League side meets a team from a lower league the Premier side will emerge as winners. But we'll go out there and battle and if things go our way we might just surprise them.
"I've been asked how I feel about their 7-1 defeat by Rangers last night. To be honest I don't think it will have any relevence on our match. They were beaten by Rangers who are a very good team, but it's another game come Saturday and they'll still be 'up for it'.

"In our last two matches we've managed to keep a 'clean-sheet' and I've been much happier with the defence. Brian Reid's return has brought more stability and I saw no sign of panic when we were under pressure on Saturday. But there's one thing for certain we'll have to keep it tight at the back against Dundee United, particularly in the early stages. In recent cup meeting against Premier League opposition such as Motherwell, Hibs, Aberdeen and Dundee, we've conceded far too many goals in the first 25 minutes which virtually cost us the game. We've discussed it at training, but there's a find blend, for we can't afford to sit back too much and let them come at us all the time.

"We've had the Tannadice men watched and I arranged for their League Cup semi-final against Rangers to be taped while I was at training. So I've been studying it very closely.

"I was absolutely delighted to get Stuart Lovell signed up before the 'windows' closed. He's a quality player, just what we need at Palmerston. Stuart and I struck up a friendship while on a coaching course at Largs and we've been close ever since. He's very experienced, having been in the game for 16 years, and will strengthen up the middle of the team, our 'engine room'. He's not going to run through the opposition defence and score brilliant goals, but he will hold the ball and dictate from the back. He talks a lot during a game and that's good, for it should bring on our young players like Paul Burns, Willie Gibson and Brian McColligan"

For our final 'Countdown to the Cup', tomorrow night we feature Queens' Chairman, David Rae.

Bill Goldie
TEAM NEWS 3rd February 2005
Both Alex Williams and Stuart Lovell are 'cup-tied' and unavailable for Saturday's match. Gary Wood is still out with his neck injury but Tommy English and Stephen Payne will return to the squad.

Bill Goldie
QUERY CORNER 3rd February 2005
Two questions we have been asked on numerous occasions this week. 1, When last did Queens reach the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup. 2, When last did we beat a Premier League side in the competion. Well, according to two Q.O.S. experts, Gordon Harper and club historian Ian Black--the last time we made the quarter finals was in 1977 but we lost 5-1 to Celtic at Parkhead with Peter Dickson scoring our only goal. And the last time we beat a Premier team in the Cup was the previous season, 1995-96, when we defeated both St Johnstone and Ayr United on our way to a quarter final home tie with Rangers.

Bill Goldie
Queens at Darlington 2nd February 2005
A young Queens XI travelled to Darlington for a training match this afternoon and although beaten, 1-0, put up a spirited performance. Apart from Alex Williams, Steven Bell and Stephen Payne all others were members of the Under-19 squad. Darlington field a pretty strong side which included ex-Celtic favourite, Bobby Petta.

Bill Goldie
Local Derby for Under-19s 2nd February 2005
It will be 'local derby' night for Queens' Under-19s on Friday as they play hosts to Gretna at the Keswick Centre. So get yourself along and support the young lads. Kick-off is 7.30 p.m.

Bill Goldie
COUNTDOWN TO THE CUP--3 2nd February 2005
Tonight on 'Countdown to the Cup' we feature Dundee United manager, Ian McCall. Ian was actually born in Dumfries, like so many of us in Cresswell Maternity Hospital. His father was a teacher and taught at Dumfries Academy prior to becoming a head of department at Annan Academy where he carried on in the profession for many years.

Ian started playing football at an early age and turned out for both Dumfries High School and Dumfries Academy and had a brief six month spell as a youth at Motherwell. However, it didn't quite work out and it was only later, when he moved to Glasgow to commence his studies at University that he took up the game again, signing for Queen Park.
His career then blossomed and he moved on to Falkirk, Dundee, Dunfermline and Rangers, but after 'hanging up his boots' he went into managership. He started at Clydebank, then it was on to Morton, Airdrie and Falkirk before ending up back at Tannadice.

Ian reckons Saturday's cup tie will be 'very difficult' and added, "We had a tough game down at Gretna in the last round and I'm expecting it to be even tougher against Queens. They've done really well in the past two or three years under John Connolly, and Iain Scott seems to be carrying on the good work.

"They've some excellent players down there at Palmerston, some very seasoned professionals like Brian Reid, Jim Thomson and Steve Bowey. Queens now appear to be getting back to the kind of side I used to support in Dumfries as a boy.

"I notice in the past couple of weeks they've signed Stuart Lovell and Alex Williams. They're both good players but I'm pleased to hear they're 'cup-tied' and unavailable to play against us on Saturday. However, as I said, I'm expecting a really close game for I know from experience that it's never easy to win at Palmerston--especially in a cup-tie when you never know what might happen.

Tomorrow on 'Countdown to the Cup' we feature Queens' manager, Iain Scott.

Bill Goldie
Special offer 2nd February 2005
The Club Shop have a small selection of the 2nd Division Championship commemorative shirts in stock. They are available at the discounted price of £10. Contact the Club Shop which will be open on Saturday from 12.30 p.m.

Sizes available are:

Adult
Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large

Children
24 - 26"
28 - 30"
Derek Allan 1st February 2005
Sad news today that Derek Allan, an integral part of our championship winning side, has had to 'hang up his boots' following persistent injuries at his new side Dumbarton. We're sure that all Queen's fans wish Derek well for the future.
COUNTDOWN TO THE CUP--2 1st February 2005
Today on 'Countdown to the Cup' we feature David Craig who was a member of the Dundee United side of the mid '90s. The 6'3'' defender is a vastly experienced player who has also seen service with Partick Thistle, East Stirling, Raith Rovers, Hamilton (twice) and Ayr United. A fitness instructor, he likes to keep himself in good shape and at his medical prior to joining Queens the doctor who examined him announced, 'He's a 35-year-old with the body of a 25-year-old'.

Said David, "I joined up at Tannadice in August 1994 and was there for 17 months through until December 1995. I enjoyed my time there but always felt I never got a proper chance. It was Ivan Golac who signed me and Billy Kirkwood who got rid of me.
"Ivan wasn't the easiet of guys to talk to, he was really a bit bizaar at times. He was more like a pop star than a football manager, but having said that he was O.K. with me. I was in the same squad as Maurice Malplas, Billy McKinlay, Jim McInally and Craig Brewster (now manager of Caley Thistle) but, unfortunately, we lost track and I don't see much of them any more".

As an ex-Dundee United player, how do you rate our chances on Saturday? we asked David. "Quite good" he replied, "There have been smaller clubs than Queen of the South beaten bigger clubs than Dundee United in the Scottish Cup. After the stress of the league in recent weeks, all the lads are really looking forward to it. We've nothing to lose but all to gain so the pressure's on United. They only beat Gretna 4-3 in the previous round, so if can get the first goal, hold them at bay for a while and get our fans behind us--then anything can happen.

"I've not had the best of luck since I came to Palmerston" he added. "I pulled a hamstring in an early match against Partick Thistle at Firhill but it proved to be a 'blessing in disguise'. Young Stephen Payne came on as sub with just a minute to go and scored a cracking goal to win the game for us. I tried to tell the lads that I came off on purpose just so Stephen could get on, but they wouldn't believe me.

"Seriously though, that injury has caused me no end of problems. It developed into a kind of sciatica which has brought on other niggling setbacks and I've not been able to push myself as hard as I'd like to. It's all been a bit frustrating.

"I'd love to be offered an extension to my contract with Queens for I really enjoy it down here. But it's now February, so I don't have too much time to prove myself to the manager. In recent weeks I know I haven't been playing as well as I can and I'd be the first to 'hold up my hands' and admit it. However, come Saturday I'll have a golden opportunity to show what I'm capable of against top-class opposition".

Another former Dundee United player now at Palmerston is midfielder Steven Bell who joined us a few weeks ago in the January 'window'. Steven says he'd love to be selected to play against his old club on Saturday. "It would be great" said the 19-year-old, "I've a lot of good mates at Tannadice, particularly Derek McInnes, David McCraken and Mark Kerr, and it would be tremendous to play against them in such an important game.

Tomorrow night on 'Countdown to the Cup' we feature Dundee United manager, Ian McCall.

Bill Goldie
Familiar Faces 1st February 2005
New recruit, Stuart Lovell, was surprised to find so many familiar faces when he first walked into the Palmerston dressing room on Monday night. Said Queens' latest signing, "There was Eric Paton, who I knew from Hibs; Gary Wood, another big 'Hibee' fan and Tommy English, who I played alongside at Livvy a couple of years ago. There were also several other players who I'd come up against in my seven years in Scottish football. But everyone made we feel welcome.

"I've only signed a part-time contract at present but I've a young family, so that suits me fine. I'm only up the road in Edinburgh, so I'll be training with the squad two nights a week and perhaps I'll come down during the day at times and join the young players for some extra sessions. I'm looking forward to the new challenge".

Bill Goldie
Brian Reid signs an extension contract 31st January 2005
More big news tonight, Brian Reid has signed a years extension to his existing contract which makes him a Queens' player through until May 2006. Said manager Iain Scott, "Considering he hadn't played for three months, has had only five training sessions and played on a very bumpy pitch on Saturday, I thought Brian was immense". Said the big man himself, "I'm very happy to sign an extension. I'm enjoying life at Palmerston, I love the coaching side and also working with all the young players".

Bill Goldie
David Bagan released 31st January 2005
Queens today released David Bagan from his contract to allow him to join St Johnstone, the club he signed a pre-contract agreement with last week. Said 'Scotty', "He's now off our pay-role and free to play at Perth whenever he likes. It's no use keeping a player that wouldn't be playing".

Bill Goldie
Premier League player signs for Queens 31st January 2005



Queens just beat the January 'Window' closure at midnight tonight to sign ex-Livingston skipper, Stuart Lovell. The experienced midfielder, just turned 33, had been with Livingston for three and a half years. Born in Sydney, Australia, Stuart previously had a three year spell at Hibs and before that was at Reading for ten years. He has signed on a part-time contract until the end of the season but Queens have first option on him for next season.
Photo courtesy Angus MacDougal
Stuart admitted to the 'Website' that it was a personal friendship with Iain Scott that made him sign for Queens. He said, "My manager, Richard Gough, phoned me last week and told me that due to an influx of midfielders at the club he couldn't guarantee me a regular first team spot any more. He did say that St Johnstone were interested in me but while doing my A Licence course at Largs last year I got friendly with Iain and he told me 'If ever I was looking for a new club to give him a ring, for he was looking for someone like me'. So I took him to his word, phoned him, and the rest you know.

"Scotty said he was keen to get me signed quickly, firstly before the transfer deadline and secondly, because there were a 'lot of predators out there". Alas, Stuart won't be available on Saturday as he is 'cup-tied'.

Bill Goldie
COUNTDOWN TO THE CUP--1 31st January 2005
Today we kick-off another 'Countdown to the Cup' with a trip down memory lane and a look at our previous cup clashes with Dundee United. And over the next few days we hope to feature interviews with David Craig, a former United player; Tannadice manager, Ian McCall; Queens' manager, Iain Scott and also our Chairman, David Rae.

Down Memory Lane

Five times Queens have come up against Dundee United in the Scottish Cup and five times we've been knocked out. So all our fans will be looking for us to 'break our duck' and beat the 'Arabs' on Saturday. Statistics are certainly not in our favour, but it's a cup-tie and anything can happen.

Our first two meetings with the Tannadice side were real 'marathons' and it took three matches and 300 minutes of football on each occasion before a winner emerged. No 'golden goals' or 'penalty shoot-outs' in those days.

January 30th, 1932, was the date of our first ever Scottish Cup clash and a record crowd of 8000 was at Palmerston to witness an exciting encounter which ended in a 2-2 draw. The replay was also drawn but in a third match, played at Ibrox, we were narrowly beaten, 2-1. That second replay took place on a Monday and transport was very limited in the 30's. It was reported at the time that one hardy batch of Queens' fans set off on the Sunday and cycled all the way to Glasgow and back. Now, that's dedication for you! It was to be 31 years before we were drawn together again and unbelievably it once more went to three matches. However, following draws at Tannadice and Dumfries we were well beaten, 4-0, in the second replay which was again held at Ibrox Stadium.

Our three other meetings were mild in comparison to those two epic battles. In 1978, after knocking out Montrose, we travelled to Tannadice as underdogs and that's how it turned out as we crashed, 3-0, to a much superior United side.

1985 was to be our next confrontation. In the early rounds we had knocked out both Arbroath and Montrose in home ties and in a thrilling third round tussle we beat our old adversaries Stranraer, 6-4, at Stair Park. However, our cup dream was once more shattered by a rampant Dundee United who crushed us 3-0 at Palmerston.

Five years on and our paths were to cross again. Cove Rangers, Stenhousemuir and Alloa were all disposed off but Tannadice was to become our 'graveyard' yet again. The game took place on Monday, 24th February and the crowd of 6000 were shocked when Queens opened the scoring after only 90 seconds, Stuart Gordon heading home a Jimmy Robertson corner. We battled bravely but United gradually came back into the game and eventually triumphed, 2-1.

So come Saturday, what are our chances?

Tomorrow night on 'Countdown to the Cup' we feature David Craig, a former United player himself.

Bill Goldie
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