LATEST NEWS

For previous news articles see the monthly archive at the foot of this page.

GAME OFF

31st January 2004

Following a ground inspection this morning the game against Clyde scheduled for this afternoon has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. No new date has been set for the game at this moment.

Team News

29th January 2004

For the match against league leaders Clyde on Saturday Queens will be without the influential Jim Thomson. JT is recovering from gastroenteritis and a kidney infection and could be sidelined for three to four weeks, however we're pleased to report he is now on the mend. Returning to the squad is Brian Reid who missed the game against St.Mirren with hamstring trouble but it's very hopeful big Reidy will be in contention. It could be a late decision whether the match will go ahead owing to the conditions but with better weather and higher temperatures forecast it looks hopeful at the moment. However it's still very much in the laps of the Gods. Look out for a new monthly football column written by John Connolly in the Friday edition of the 'Standard' starting shortly. We hear that ex-Queens defender David Lilley, currently with Partick Thistle, looks set to sign for Kilmarnock today. Bill Goldie

Your Team Needs You!

27th January 2004

Speaking to the "Website" this week, John Connolly stressed how much he needed the support of the fans over the next few weeks. Said the manager "OK, we had a bad result on Saturday but not many clubs in our league could cope with losing their two big centre-backs--they're the backbone of our defence. "The next four to five weeks will be crucial for us and we're going to need the fans to get right behind us--and I mean everyone. It's going to be a very difficult period but I always knew injuries and suspensions would play a big part in results during January and February. We've been playing for almost two months without our number one keeper (although Doddsie's done great) and wee Joe and Derek Allan have been unavailable. On Saturday big Jim and "Reidy" were out so we're really down to the 'bare boards' when it comes to selecting a team pool at present. "In the past few weeks our league has changed quite a bit. We now have Clyde and Caley Thistle pulling away at the top, but we're still in third place, leading the chasing pack of four. At the bottom it looks like a three-way fight for relegation between Brechin, Ayr and Raith Rovers with St Mirren in a kind of 'no mans land'. "We play Clyde and Caley Thistle in our next two home matches so it's important we take something from these two to stay up there in the hunt. Personally, I think St Johnstone could come through with a late charge for I still feel they have the strongest squad in depth in our division. "Weather permitting, we play Clyde on Saturday and it will be a massive game for us. They're a big physical side and 'flying' at the moment--up there at the top of the table. They did really well at the weekend, coming back from two down to beat Falkirk 4-2, so we're in for a really hard game. "We beat them 4-1 at Palmerston early in the season but got all the breaks that day. Up at Broadwood they beat us 3-1--in fact, over the past two seasons I think it's 'honours even'. However, our best displays at home this season have all been against the top sides so I'm hoping it will continue. "Jim Thomson will certainly be missing and it's not good news at all. He's suffering from gastroenteritis and a kidney infection and the doctor reckons he could be out for four weeks minimum. Brian Reid's coming along nicely however and he could play on Saturday but if the ground's hard we won't be taking any risks. It's hamstring trouble and Reidy's 33 not 23. Both Steve Payne and Emilio Jaconelli did really well when they came on at Paisley so they'll be in the squad again. "But I can only ask you once again to give us 100% support, pipes and drum as well. We really need it at this vital time". THE CLYDE VIEWPOINT Clyde manager, Alan Kernaghan, said he hoped the game would go on. "We're enjoying a good run at the moment so the last thing I want is a postponement. Saturday's a top game and I believe it's the featured match on 'Scotsport' so I'm hoping for an entertaining contest. "Palmerston is never an easy place to come as we've learned in recent visits. In our last three games at Dumfries we've never beaten you and earlier this season you won 4-1. We were awful from start to finish that afternoon and if I remember rightly our keeper had a 'nightmare'. So we'll have to do better. "But we're playing really well now and in recent weeks have shown our best form of the season. We're creating chances and sticking them away and that's what football's all about. We're top of the table at the moment and we aim to stay there. "Queens are a good side and very well organised. You've done extremely well for a part-time club and were top of the league for several weeks which is all credit to John Connolly. You lost Peter Weatherson in the summer--he was a decent player and must be a big miss. However, Sean O'Connor and Alex Burke appear to be knocking the goals in now and will have to be well marked. And of course Mr Bowey, who never stops running--we all know what he's capable of. "So here's hoping the game's on and let's hope it's a good one". Bill Goldie

Man of the Match

26th January 2004

Goalscorer David Bagan takes the top man award this week with Steve Bowey close behind and Sean O'Connor in third place, most notable though was fourth place for sub Stephen Payne. The full results for all of the players can be found via the 'Report' link and the Player of the Season league table has been updated and can be found via the 'Man of the Match' link.

Fans Eye View

25th January 2004

Thanks to David Gow here is the goal footage from yesterday's match. David Gow's Fan's Eye View of the goal

St.Mirren 3-1 Queens - Reaction

24th January 2004

Queens were dealt a severe blow on the eve of the match when Jim Thomson pulled out of the squad with gastroenteritis plus a kidney infection. His place in the defence was taken by Gary Wood but with Brian Reid also missing it was bad news. After the match manager John Connolly admitted, "The better team won. Early in the game Bowser and Burkey both missed great chances with the score at 0-0, had they gone in it could all have been different. We had our two big defenders, Jim Thomson and Brian Reid out today and we had to rearrange our defense which certainly made a big difference, the back four just wasn't enough today. All their goals could have been avoided, bad defending at the corner lead to the first one: their second was a good strike but their man should have been closed down and the third, well Eric Paton made a mistake but he's been brilliant all season and these things happen. Even when we got back to 3-1 Emelio should have scored with a header but that didn't go in either, but over the ninety minutes we just weren't good enough - simple as that". Gary Wood's booking could also cost us dearly for he could now be in line for a suspension. Bill Goldie

JT Misses Out

24th January 2004

The shock news just ahead of the St.Mirren match at Love Street today is that Jim Thomson has had to pull out due to a bout of gastroenteritis. The defence today featuring the all-new partnership of Gary Wood and Andy Aitken.

Team News

22nd January 2004

Gary Wood, who missed last weeks game with a neck injury returns to the Queens squad for the match against St.Mirren in Paisley this Saturday. Out however is Brian Reid who pulled a hamstring muscle against Raith Rovers, the influential central defender could be sidelined for a couple of weeks, said manager John Connolly "We're hoping Reidy might make it for the Clyde game but if he's not ready we won't be taking any risks". Two other players have minor knocks but it's expected both will be fit for Love Street. On the match itself the manager conceded "Yes it will be another tough one but as I've said so often before all the games in this division are tough ones. St.Mirren lost to Brechin last Saturday and have now been sucked back in to the relegation zone, they are now only six points ahead of second bottom Ayr and will be scraping for every single point. It would be a catastrophe for St.Mirren if they were relegated. "We've played them twice this season - we beat them 2-1 at Paisley but they beat us by the same score here at Palmerston. So honours are even. I know we're unbeaten in our last six games but one of those was a cup tie and three were draws, so it's important we start winning again. Against both Ayr United and Raith Rovers we scored first and had chances to make it 2-0 which would, more or less, have tied up the game. But we didn't take them and paid the penalty by losing late goals. So we'll be going all out for a victory this weekend". Bill Goldie

Programme Note

22nd January 2004

For many years the "Dumfries and Galloway Standard" provided photos to Queens programme free of charge. Now that the Standard is printed in Blantyre this is no longer an option so unless Queens appoint and official photographer at each game this situation will continue indefinitely. BLW

50-50 Draw

20th January 2004

The lucky fan at the Raith match on Saturday who won the 50-50 half time draw was Mr J White, Parkhead, Dumfries with ticket number 4393.

Man of the Match

19th January 2004

Whilst Sean O'Connor won the Man of the Match voting it was the central defensive partnership of Andy Aiken and Jim Thomson that took the honours for second and third place with JT winning the votes for second place and Andy winning the third place in his more comfortable central defensive role alongside JT. All of the individual scores can be found via the Latest Report link whilst the Player of the Season league table has been updated and can be found via the Man of the Match link.

Queens 1-1 Raith - Reaction

17th January 2004

"Bottom line, I felt it was two points dropped", said John Connolly after the game. "Their equaliser was a rather bizarre goal. It slipped out of our 'keepers hands the guy hit it and it came down off the cross bar. Whether it crossed the line or not I don't know! maybe it will show up when we see it on the TV. "But I can't blame Doddsy too much, apart from that he had a great game - infact he's been brilliant ever since he took over when Scotty got injured. "We had enough chances in the game but again we couldn't get that vital second goal. They seemed to be a bit of a hoodoo team for us - the last time they were down here we had almost a dozen chances but they still beat us 2-0. "However I think we were a bit unlucky, we hit the bar, we hit the post and the ball fell to the wrong man, also their 'keeper made some great saves. But that's six games unbeaten no so we're still hanging in there in third place". Asked about the Brian Reid injury he replied, "The big man pulled a hamstring but we don't know yet how serious it is, but Andy Aitken moved to centre back and I thought he played well". On the goal John Dodds himself said, "My gloves were greasy and the ball just spun out of them. It was really weird. From where I was I don't know if the ball crossed the line or not but the linesman flagged the goal so that was it. Being a 'keeper can be difficult at times for if you make a mistake nine times out of ten it leads to a goal. But that's football". Interested spectators at the match were Celtic manager Martin O'Neill and two of his training staff, John Robertson and Steve Walford. Also spotted sitting alone in the stand was Tosh McKinlay. Bill Goldie

New Shop Items

15th January 2004

The latest items available from the Club Shop are a Lunch Box at £4.00, a Sports Bottle at £3.50 and Gloves at £4.50.

Team News

15th January 2004

Gary Wood is listed as doubtful for Saturdays home match against Raith Rovers. The striker who has been scoring regularly lately has a strained muscle in his back. On the game manager John Connolly said, "Raith Rovers are one of only two teams to have beaten us at Palmerston this season so we'll be treating them with utmost respect. I remember that day well - we had about twelve shots on target but not one went in and their 'keeper, who can be a bit dodgy at times, gave an outstanding performance. I thought we played well enough to win but everything went against us. However that's football for you. They have a lot of foreign players in their squad and they pass the ball about well but I'm confident we can get a result." Bill Goldie

About Turn

15th January 2004

Fan power has reversed the decision to make the Motherwell versus Queens fourth round Scottish Cup tie at Fir Park all-ticket. It has been announced this afternoon that the game will now be pay-at-the-gate. Said Chairman David Rae "I'm absolutely delighted at the news, it's great news for the club, great news for all the supporters and great news for Dumfries itself, for I think it will lead to a much bigger attendance. I never thought it should have been all-ticket in the first place."

Talbot goes East

14th January 2004

Paul Talbot signed for Spennymoor United, an English Unibond Premier side today. In his five months at Palmerston Paul made four first team appearances. We wish him well at his new club. Bill Goldie

Ticket Only

13th January 2004

It has been confirmed that the Motherwell versus Queen of the South fourth round Scottish Cup tie at Fir Park on Saturday 7th February will be all-ticket. Club Secretary Dick Shaw commented today, "Obviously we are disappointed the match has been made all-ticket but the police insisted for safety reasons. However we have been confirmed an allocation of 4,000 so there should be no trouble in obtaining a ticket, our big problem will be distribution with only about ten days left for that". Tickets will be priced at £15 with concessionary tickets for senior citizens and juveniles at £5. Postal applications with correct remuneration will be accepted as will credit card sales. Leaflets will also be handed out at Saturday's match allowing supporters to pre-book. These can be handed in at the office with the correct remuneration. Apart from normal hours the office at Palmerston will also be open on selected nights when the tickets become available. Bill Goldie

Highland Fling

12th January 2004

Queens Business Development Manager Kenny Crichton sets off tomorrow on a two-day fact finding tour to Dingwall. Says Kenny, "Following investigations we have discovered that we meet the same criteria as Ross County who received huge funding a few years ago which enabled them to build a superb Soccer Academy which is second only to Glasgow Rangers in Scotland. Their Chairman Roy MacGregor invited myself and two members of the PFA, Warren Hawke and Fraser Wishart, up for a tour of the academy and discussions as to how other clubs may approach obtaining similar funding. Our aim at Queen of the South is to take the club forward to a higher plateau and this can only come about with funding from the public and private sectors. So that is our aim"! Bill Goldie

Hall of Fame

12th January 2004

Watch out for a new column to appear shortly in the Dumfries and Galloway Standard, it's a "Hall of Fame" featuring famous Queens players from the post-war era onwards. This will span seven decades and it will run weekly in the Friday editions. At the end of the season fans and the general public alike will be able to vote to select an outright winner. Bill Goldie

Reserves Victorious

12th January 2004

Queens reserves extended their lead at the top of the South of Scotland league to eleven points on Saturday beating Abbey Vale 2-0 at New Abbey with two late goals.

Man of the Match

12th January 2004

Top stopper John Dodds takes his second successive Man of the Match award for keeping the East Fife forwards at bay on Saturday. Second place went to Eric Paton with third to goalscorer Sean O'Connor. All of the other players scores can be found on the 'Latest Report' page and the Player of the Season league table has also been updated.

Goal Clip

10th January 2004

Thanks to David Gow here is the goal footage from this afternoon's match. David Gow's Fan's Eye View of the goal

East Fife 0-1 Queens - Reaction

10th January 2004

Not a classic by any means but it was 'mission accomplished' for Queens. It was only our second visit to the new Bayview Stadium but the 1-0 scoreline was exactly the same as it was five years ago. And the goal itself was well worthy of winning any cup tie. Said John Connolly after the match "It's unbelievable, that's six cup ties this season and every one away. In my three and a half years at Palmerston we've now played twenty six cup matches and only seven of them have been at home. I think the gods must be against us. But having said that I'm not too disappointed for it's only up the road at Motherwell and I'm sure we'll take a good following, I also think we've got a 'squeak' of a chance if we play to our full potential". On the match itself the manager admitted, "It wasn't the greatest of games but the weather played a big part in that. It was a strong wind and the way it changed direction I felt we had it against us for about seventy of the ninety minutes. "East Fife are a big strong team - one of the biggest in Scottish football and they play 'route-one' football. Also the wind proved a great leveller but I think the lads battled brilliantly and to keep a clean sheet in these conditions was an achievement in itself. "The first half was poor but I felt we raised our game a bit after the interval and created more chances, the goal itself was a good one and came at the right time. Paul McMullan and Brian McColligan set ti up well and big Sean finished the move with an excellent header". Chairman David Rae agreed with the manager regarding the Cup draw. He said, "Obviously we'd have preferred a home tie but Motherwell is only sixty odd miles up the road and being the Scottish Cup - the big one - I think we could take as many as 2000 with us. I honestly feel we're in there with a good chance". Speaking on TV Motherwell manager Terry Buthcer admitted, "We had a difficult game today and the Queen of the SOuth tie will be a difficult one as well. However I'm just delighted it's at home". Bill Goldie

Cup Draw

10th January 2004

Away again! Yes the fourth round draw of the Scottish Cup has us travelling to Motherwell in the bid to reach the next stage. The tie will be played on the 7th or 8th February 2004.

Team News

8th January 2004

Both of Queens new signings are included in the squad for the Scottish Cup tie against East Fife at Methil on Saturday. Paul McMullan and Stephen Payne have looked really sharp in training this week. Both have plenty of pace, (especially McMullan), both like to hug the touchline like old fashioned style wingers and both have the ability to deliver good quality cross balls. Also added to the pool is Joe McAlpine who has missed the last five games owing to his appendix operation and local favourite Willie Gibson. Out however is Derek Allan who twisted his ankle badly in training this week and that could see him sidelined for four to five weeks. It is particularly sad for Derek for he was believed to be in talks with another Scottish league club with a view to signing but the injury could well hamper his chances to join within the January window. Paul Talbot meanwhile is having discussions with both Gateshead and Blyth Spartans but at this moment in time is still a Queens player while teenager Tommy Lennox has been released by the club. Bill Goldie

Lyle on Loan

8th January 2004

Queens striker Derek Lyle has joined Stirling Albion on loan until the end of the season, he joins up with two former championship winning Queens team mates Derek Anderson and Allan Moore, also the boss of the Forthbank side.

Up for the Cup

6th January 2004

Queens head north to Methil for their Scottish Cup tie against East Fife on Saturday. It will be only the second time we have played at the Fifers' new Bayview Stadium, the previous visit being in January, 1999. Only days earlier George Rowe and Ken Eadie had taken over as joint managers following the sacking of Rowan Alexander and the pair got off to a successful start, Queens winning 1-0, thanks to a goal from Alex Nesovic. It was to be the commencement of a great run which pulled us away from the relegation zone to a safe mid-way spot in the table. Commenting on the fixture John Connolly said "It's a cup-tie which is a different type of game from the usual--it's got to be won whether it be over 90 minutes or in a replay but it will be refreshing to get away from the pressures of the league for a change. We've had East Fife watched and they're a useful side and they also have home advantage. They won at Berwick on Saturday which was a good result and keeps them up there in the promotion hunt. We'll go into the match as favourites but it could be a real 'banana skin'. However, if we play to our full potential I'm confident we'll win through but we won't be complacent and we'll prepare properly, just as we do for every other game". East Fife manager, Jim Moffat enthused "I'm really looking forward to this match. It's the Scottish Cup which always brings its own special magic--anything can happen because it's a 'one-off' game. But I'm well aware of Queens' capabilities and I know we have a difficult task ahead of us. We were only promoted from the Third Division last season and we're facing a quality side who are one of the best in the First Division. Queens have done brilliantly since they won promotion two years ago and are by far the best part-time club in Scottish football. They are flying high at the moment which gives hope to all us part-timers and it just proves what can be achieved with a good set up. I admire John Connolly and rate him very highly indeed. Although we've only met briefly through coaching classes, I have a lot of time for him and what he's done down there at Palmerston is amazing. We beat Berwick on Saturday, a win that was long overdue, but it gave the players that bit of a 'lift' we wanted going into Saturday's battle. I'm a teacher in Cupar and I've three pupils who are keen Queen of the South fans, so they've been some good-natured banter about who's going to win. But I'm hoping for an entertaining and exciting game and may the best team win--but I hope it's us". Bill Goldie

Lyle Available

6th January 2004

Queens have made it known today that they are willing to listen to offers for striker Derek Lyle either in view of a signing or a loan deal to the end of the season. Twenty-two year-old Derek joined from Partick Thistle in the summer of 2002 after having a loan spell at the club. He has made a total of fifty-five appearances and netted seventeen goals. Bill Goldie

Man of the Match

5th January 2004

Top man on Saturday was former 'Honest Man' John Dodds, the big 'keeper winning the award following a string of impressive saves against his former employers. Second place went to defensive star Eric Paton whilst goal scorer Steve Bowey came in third for scoring this week. The full results for all of the players can be found on the 'Report' page and the Player of the Season league table has also been updated and can be found via the 'Man of the Match' link.

The New Lads

3rd January 2004

Both Queen's new signings Paul McMullan and Stephen Payne admitted they were delighted at the opportunity to join the club. Said Paul, "I know I'm only on loan until the end of the season but I jumped at the chance to come to Palmerston. I'm a professional footballer and I want to be playing at the highest level possible, not in the reserves or sitting on the bench or in the stand". The lad who comes from Uddingston explained "At Tynecastle Robbie Neilson kept stressing how his spell with Queens helped 'kick-start' his career so I hope it can do the same for me. I trained with the squad on Monday and Wednesday and they seem a great bunch of lads". Stephen Payne, who hails from Livingston had a similar story to tell, said Steve, "I almost joined Queens at the start of the season but the deal fell through however last week a second chance came along and I've now signed an eighteen month deal. I was a good mate of Jamie McAllister up at Aberdeen and he was always raving at how good it was when he was at Palmerston so when the chance came along to join I took it. I played against Queens in the Cup at Pittodrie last season and although we won I was impressed at the professional approach and I believe they are capable of winning promotion. I met the rest of the players for the first time today - they made me very welcome and I think I'll enjoy it here". Bill Goldie

Super Supporters

3rd January 2004

Ayr United officials reckon that there were around 750 Queens fans at the match, 690 visiting paid for the terracing and there were about fifty to sixty in the main stand. A following which really impressed new chairman David Rae.

Ayr 1-1 Queens - Reaction

3rd January 2004

After the game John Connolly said he wasn't too disappointed with the score line, "Over the ninety minutes I think a draw was a fair result. We were on top in the early stages but they came fighting back after the interval the wind really got up in the second half and made defending very difficult, but all credit to Ayr, we've beaten them twice this season but they deserved a point today. We couldn't get that second goal to kill them off and paid the penalty but a draw away from home in this league is never too bad. We're now unbeaten in our last four games and remain third in the table so I can't complain at that. Campbell has his boys really fired up now and I sincerely hope they avoid relegation with his young squad. He deserves it". Said Campbell Money "I don't think Queens will grudge us the point this afternoon they started well but we fought really hard after that, we missed several chances, their 'keeper had some brilliant saves so I think the draw was just about right". 'Keeper John Dodds playing against his old club was also reasonably happy with the score, "They put us under a lot of pressure in the second half and the wind became quite troublesome but we managed to hold out although it was a bit disappointing to lose the goal so late". Bill Goldie

Team News

1st January 2004

David Bagan returns to the Queens squad for the 'local derby' clash against Ayr United at Somerset on Saturday. The influential midfielder was gutted at missing the Falkirk match and bemoaned "I'd had a very heavy cold and woke up in the middle of the night on Friday with severe earache. I was really suffering on Saturday so the gaffer didn't want to risk me. I've started every game this season so I was really disappointed". Also in the pool will be new signing from Hearts, 19-year-old Paul McMullan and new signing from Aberdeen, 20-year-old Stephen Payne. Jim Thomson, Eric Paton and Derek Lyle have niggling injuries but it is hoped all three will be fit by Saturday. Said John Connolly "It will be a very difficult match. Ayr have hit a bit of form lately and I'm sure Campbell Money will have his young players all fired up for this one. However, we have a good record against them and I'm hoping it will continue". Ayr's Director of Football, Campbell Money admitted "Queen of the South are the best team we've seen at Somerset this season. They beat us 4-1 but they could well have scored six or seven that afternoon. They have class players like Steve Bowey and Sean O'Connor and it was O'Connor who changed the game that day, coming on as sub and scoring twice. When we played at Palmerston I felt we were a bit unlucky--we lost 1-0 but deserved a draw. I'm well aware of the capabilities of Queens. John Connolly has built a great side at Dumfries and they have been a revelation in the First Division--not only this season but last season as well. They thoroughly deserve their success. "However, we have started picking up a few points of late and it was a massive win for us against Raith Rovers on Saturday. We are now level with them on points and it was a great psychological lift as well. We have a very young team but I can't fault them for effort. They can play a bit of football as well, so I'm hoping they'll make it hard for Queens on Saturday". Bill Goldie

New Signing Imminent

31st December 2003

As the new year approaches along with it comes the 2004 January transfer window. Manager John Connolly has made swift moves to ensure the continued success of his side and has lined up another signature for January 1st. The new signing will be 20 year old right sided player Stephen Payne from Aberdeen, a player that you may remember played so well against us in the Scottish Cup replay at Pittodrie last February. The youngster hails from Glasgow.

Our New Chairman

30th December 2003

Queens new Chairman David Rae has spoken about his aspirations for the club, click here to read his thoughts.

WE FEAR NO-ONE NOW SAYS JC

29th December 2003

Still upbeat following Saturday's great win over Falkirk, John Connolly told the 'Website' that Queens fear no side in Division One now. Said a delighted manager "I keep stressing to our players, week in week out that no team has outclassed us this season. Yes, we lost a few goals against Clyde and Inverness but they came from individual errors. Our home record has been particularly impressive, we have only lost twice at Palmerston and just the top two sides can boast a better home record than that. We've now faced all five promotion rivals at home, we've beaten four of them and drawn with St Johnstone. We netted four against Clyde, the league leaders, and three against Caley Thistle who lie second, so I don't think many sides relish a visit to Dumfries now, especially with the tremendous support we're getting. We'd over 4000 on Saturday and it's worth a goal of a start. It seems the bigger the crowd the better we play, but all professional footballers thrive on atmosphere and that's what big crowds generate. "In the early part of the season we had Sean O'Connor and Alex Burke getting most of the goals for us, now Gary Wood has started to find the net and with every goal he scores his confidence seems to grow which is great". We put it to John that if we could win our next two league matches against Ayr and Raith Rovers (currently second and third bottom of the table) and reach the 39 point mark, would he stop looking over his shoulder at the foot of the table? He replied "Our policy at Palmerston is to take one game at a time and put as many points on the board as possible. Neither of these games will be easy! Ayr have started picking up points and Raith are one of the two teams who have beaten us at home this season. Both are fighting for survival and as I keep emphasising NO game in this league is easy". With the 'Windows' re-opening on Thursday, will we see any changes in personnel we then queried? "There will be faces going out with Derek Allen and Paul Talbot likely to leave and new faces coming in" he assured us. "We will be looking at players from other clubs and they in turn will be looking at Queens' players. We now have a lot of good players at Palmerston--obviously the likes of Sean O'Connor who has been knocking in the goals since his return to the team could be a target but if the right offer came along for any player, and the player himself wanted to move, we would consider it. That's the nature of football. "We actually signed a player this afternoon--19-year-old Paul McMullan from Hearts. He's a left-sided player and we've got him on loan until the end of the season. I believe he made 15 first team appearances for Hearts last season, so I hope we can do the same for Paul as we did for Robbie Neilson last season". Asked about Partick Thistle's interest in Jim Thomson, the manager just shook his head. "I don't know where that one came from--it's just newspaper talk and speculation as far as I'm concerned". Bill Goldie

Man of the Match

29th December 2003

Top marks to super striker Sean O'Connor this week as he takes the IFC Man of the Match award for terrorising the Bairns defence on Saturday. Second place went to Bowser with Gary Wood in third. All of the individual scores can be found on the Report page and the Player of the Season league table has been updated and has a new leader tonight, it can be found via the Man of the Match link.

New Queens Related Website Launched

28th December 2003

A new Queens website has just been launched which will be of interest to all Queens fans who collect Doonhamers memorabilia. Run by well know Queens fan and Club Historian Ian Black the site, named after the old timber shed that stood on the site of the new East Stand, you will find it at www.cooshed.co.uk. The site has just been launched and already has an extensive listing of programmes for sale back to the mid-sixties and all of the enamel badges that have been produced related to Queens are also shown along with scans of the covers of a number of very important and valuable programmes in Ian's collection.

Queens 2-0 Falkirk - Reaction

27th December 2003

Said a delighted John Connolly after the match, "These lads of mine never cease to amaze me. They're all part time and this week our training has been severely curtailed with the wet weather yet they still go out there and beat one of the promotion favourites - a side that were unbeaten away from home this season. They were all bitterly disappointed being denied a victory at Perth last week but the response today was nothing short of fantastic, we did have our wee hiccup when we lost three in a row last month but we've now taken seven points from three games - two of them against championship favourites so now I hope some of the pundits who had written us off will sit up and take notice. "We put away two good chances but it should have been four or five and I rate it one of our best performances of the season, perhaps even the best. "I always said it would be Christmas before this league sorted itself out but it's now time we started looking upwards instead of downwards. "Next week we're away to Ayr United, they won today so it's not going to be easy at Somerset but the reality is there are no easy games in this league". Falkirk manager John Hughes was gutted but said, "I can't fault my players for their performance but it's obvious we're lacking punch up front. Now it's back to the drawing board and the training park to sort out our problems". Sponsors Man of the Match Steve Bowey paid tribute to his team mates when receiving his award, "There wasn't a Man of the Match out there today there were eleven Man of the Match" said Bowser. One of the happiest players in the Queens dressing room after the game was big Brian Reid who proved a stalwart in defence, "That was one match I really wanted to win", he confessed, "Falkirk 'did the dirty' on me last season handing me a free transfer so it's great to prove them wrong, they've been going on all week about their lucky white strips and being unbeaten away from home this season". Bill Goldie

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