LATEST NEWS
For previous news articles see the monthly archive at the foot of this page.
Queens Top Ten 31st July 2003
This season will see the matchday programme run a feature each game on a fan and you could be that fan, just click on the new 'TOP TEN' picture link on the top bar of the page, fill in the form and send a photograph of yourself to us and you could be featured in the programme this season.
Team News 31st July 2003
Queens will have three of their new signings missing for the local derby at Stranraer on Saturday, Emilio Jaconelli and Paul Talbot are both nursing minor injuries while Craig Coates has a bruised collar bone.

As holders of the Bells Challenge Cup, Queens start favourites, but derby games are never easy and very unpredictable so Stranraer will be treated with the utmost respect.

A big travelling support is expected to descend on Stair Park for this, the opening match of the new season.

Bill Goldie
JC's Thoughts 30th July 2003
With the league kick-off only ten days away John Connelly spoke frankly and openly about the season ahead in an exclusive interview for the website.

Asked if he thought it would be a tougher league than last season he said "Put it this way, I can't see a repeat of the Falkirk scenario when they ran away with the title with weeks to spare. I feel it will be tighter at the top with three or four teams challenging. By the end of the season I think about six clubs could have stadiums which would allow them admission to the Premier League and that would be a good thing following the Falkirk controversy last season. This time around there are only ourselves and Brechin City part time. Before there were Arbroath and Alloa who both went down. So, yes, it will be tougher."
Do you think we have a stronger squad than this time last year we asked? "I certainly don't think it's any weaker" he retorted. "But like every other club in the league it all boils down to finances. We have had our budget reduced so we must 'cut our cloth' accordingly. The three players who left, John O'Neill, Brian McLaughlin and Peter Weatherson were all offered new contracts but chose to move on, but I can't really blame them if they get the chance of full-time football. However, pound for pound I think our squad is every bit as good as last year".

We then asked John what position in the table he would settle for? "Last season was one of consolidation but we excelled ourselves to finish fifth. I would be delighted with a spot, top to mid-table, but the second season up can often be more difficult. The other teams know your style of play, also your strong points and weak points, but to be fair we should know theirs as well".

What clubs do you rate favourites for promotion we challenged. "I think it could turn out a real 'dog-fight' at the top " he replied. "St Johnstone have now got Paatelainen and Bernard and they should be strong but don't write off Clyde. They have added Harty to their squad and are a big side which is a major advantage when it comes to winning games. And don't forget they surprised everyone by finishing second last season.

"Falkirk have lost their entire strike force of Samuel, Coyle and Miller but have money in the bank to buy new players, however I feel playing their home matches at Ochilview may be a disadvantage with smaller crowds. Caley Thistle have lost both Wyness and Robson but I don't see them being too far away at the end.

"St Mirren have signed practically an entire new team so they may take time to settle while Raith Rovers are newly promoted and will be an 'unknown quantity'. Ross County started well last season but fell away badly but I felt they were a better side than their third bottom finish suggested.

"Ayr United are experimenting and have a very young squad. Like everyone else Campbell Money has been hit by cash restrictions. And as for my old mate Dick Campbell's Brechin City, they will be a hard team to beat, particularly on their home ground. "However, if I had to answer the question honestly I'd go for St Johnstone and Clyde".

The first team squad gathered at the photo-call this week

Bill Goldie
Reserves Win 30th July 2003
The reserve side won their second South of Scotland league match this evening when they defeated Annan Athletic by one goal to nil at Galabank. The match was very close throughout but Queens secured victory with a Paul Burns goal on the stroke of half-time as he followed up on a shot that had been deflected out by the Annan 'keeper.

The match provided Paul Talbot with seventy minutes of action as he continues on the road to full fitness.
New Away Strips In 30th July 2003
The Club Shop now has supplies of the away replica strips available, they can be purchased directly from the office at Palmerston during normal working hours.
Exclusive Interview 29th July 2003
Tomorrow night we will be publishing an exclusive interview with John Connolly on how he see's the season panning out - make sure you check it out.
Re-signing 28th July 2003
Young goalkeeper Stuart Robertson who was released at the end of last season has now been re-signed by the club. Stuart will feature in the South of Scotland team and is available for cover for the first team.
Sun Seekers 28th July 2003
During the summer break Queens players jetted off abroad to soak up the sun on the continent. Sean O'Connor holidayed in Tenerife, skipper Jim Thomson opted for the Greek island of Kos while Derek Lyle topped up his tan in the Algarve. Derek Allan had a super time in Bulgaria, Eric Paton chose Lloret de Mar and even young Paul Burns whooped it up for a fortnight in Ibiza. But pride of place must go to Steve Bowey who spebt almost two weeks cruising in the Mediteranean enjoying his honeymoon.
Man of the Match 28th July 2003
The final 'friendly' Man of the Match competition was won by second half substitute 'keeper John Dodds on Saturday, second place went to second half sub. Sean O'Connor and third to Sandy Hodge.

All of the other ratings are listed on the 'Latest Report' page.
Season Review 26th July 2003
We bring you the penultimate part of Ewan Lithgow's Review of the Season tonight, in it you can read about the month of April. Next week we round up the season with a look at May and a comprehensive statistics section.

Click on the picture link on the right to read the article.
Man of the Match 25th July 2003
Sean O'Connor took the IFC Man of the Match for his goalscoring performance against Darlington on Wednesday evening. Second place went to Willie Gibson for another superb display on the wing whilst Derek Lyle was voted third top man.

All the scores for the others taking part can be seen on the match report via the 'Latest Report' link.
Reserves Opener 24th July 2003
The reserves open their South of Scotland league campaign tomorrow evening at Palmerston when they take on Nithsdale Wanderers. The match kicks-off at 7.30pm.
Casualty Room Open 24th July 2003
Top Physio Kenny Crichton gives us another insight into the workings of his magic sponge tonight so make sure you click on the link on the right hand side for a unique insight into the heart of the team.
Team News 24th July 2003
Steve Bowey, now back from honeymoon and 'keeper Colin Scott are back in the squad for the visit to Dumbarton on Saturday, Paul Talbot is listed as doubtful but all the players who featured in Wednesday's game against Darlington are fit and raring to go.

This is the final pre-season friendly, the match kicks-off at 1.00pm.
Queens 2-2 Darlington - Reaction 23rd July 2003
Speaking after the game John Connolly said, "I was again pleased with the performance but far from happy at the two goals we conceded, they were bad goals to loose, both of them should have been avoided and I've made that clear to the players in the dressing room.

Never the less it was a good game and another good workout. I felt we passed the ball about well, especially in the first half and we could have scored at least three before the interval but I'm not complaining at a draw for they were a pretty good team. As Sir Alex Ferguson so rightly says in friendly games such as this the performance is more important than the result but having said that I wouldn't be happy getting hammered five or six nothing."

Bill Goldie
Darlington Preview 22nd July 2003
Queens meet Darlington in another pre-season match at Palmerston tomorrow night. New signing Craig Coates is included in the squad but missing will be Paul Talbot who has a minor knock.

The match kicks-off at 7.45pm, admission is £6 for adults and £2 for children and OAP's.

Bill Goldie
New Signing 21st July 2003
Queens secured the signature tonight of twenty year old striker Craig Coates which takes the tally of new recruits to seven. As a youngster he was on the books of Manchester United but then moved to Wimbledon and last season played for Gateshead in the Unibond Premier Division.

He has featured in all three pre-season friendlies scoring against Penrith and tonight turned out for the reserves at Dalbeattie scoring a hat-trick.

He has signed a six month contract with no fee involved.

Bill Goldie
Reserves Going Strong 21st July 2003
On Friday evening the reserves continued their preparations for the new season with an impressive 4-3 victory over Carlisle United at the Chricton. Tonight they were away to Dalbeattie Star in another friendly match and continued on their winning ways with a 6-2 victory, scorers were Craig Coates with a hat-trick, Ross Beattie, Sean Ferrie and James Salkeld.

Bill Goldie
Man of the Match 21st July 2003
Top performer versus Morecambe on Saturday was, according to the IFC members, goalkeeper John Dodds, the youngster pulling off some tremendous saves to keep the 'Shrimpers' out. Second place was tied between Jim Thomson and Derek Lyle whilst third went to Sean O'Connor.

All of the scores have been added to the match report which can be accessed via the 'Latest Report' link.
Season Review 19th July 2003
In this weeks installment Ewan looks at the month of March when we beat Falkirk, Ross County, Ayr United and Arbroath and drew with Inverness, a month that more or less secured our status in the first division.

Click on the picture link on the right to read the story.
Morecambe Route 18th July 2003
If you are planning on travelling to Morecambe tomorrow then the best way to get to Christie Park is to leave the M6 at Junction 34, whether travelling from the North or the South, follow the signs for Morecambe and you will cross the River Lune, you will then go straight on at three major roundabouts on the Morecambe Road before taking the left fork at a smaller roundabout and onto the Lancaster Road. Christie Park is on the left about 400 yards after the roundabout and the car park is just after the ground.

If you are planning a family day out in Morecambe then remember that the theme park known as Frontier Land has been closed for a few years.
Man of the Match 18th July 2003
Two goal hero Derek Lyle scoops the IFC man of the match award following the win at Penrith on Wednesday night, second place went to Eric Paton and third to Willie Gibson.

The full scoring can be found on the report page.
We do like to be beside the Seaside 17th July 2003
Queens head for the coast on Saturday to take on Morecambe in their third pre-season friendly of the season.

Back in the pool are Joe McAlpine and Paul Talbot who missed the midweek visit to Penrith.

"It will be another step up for us", said manager John Connolly, "Morecambe are a big strong team who play in the Conference League, but they almost made it to the Nationwide Division Three last season, only missing out in the play-off stages."

Queens will be staying the night at Morecambe treating it as a bonding session for the players.

The Morecambe team may well feature a player that scored a cracking angular drive against us this time last year in the shape of Dean Howell, the left-back joined the Lancashire club from Southport in the close season and now appears to be operating more as a left-winger, his pace is particularly impressive and will no doubt need to be watched closely.

Bill Goldie
Howff Supporters 17th July 2003
The Globe Inn (Howff) Supporters recently presented the newly formed Sanquhar Queen of the South Supporters Club with a cheque for £250 following the auctioning of an, "A Shot at Glory", Queens top on this site a few weeks back. The Sanquhar lads were said to be delighted at the boost to the club funds.
Reserve Side Warms Up 17th July 2003
Whilst the first eleven were in Cumbria last night the second string were to be found beating Crichton by six goals to nil. Scorers for the reserves were Steven Sloan(2), James Salkeld, Emilio Jaconelli, John Macbeth and James Slaven. Crichton were a bit short for a 'keeper so Queens Stuart Robertson found himself between the sticks for the opposition in the second half.

Paddy Atkinson and Gordon Hyslop continue the sides warm up with matches against Carlisle United on Friday night in Dumfries and against Dalbeattie Star on Monday night in Dalbeattie.

BLW
Bagan Signs 14th July 2003
The good news for Queens fans tonight is that David Bagan has signed a one year contract, no fee was involved. The ex-Kilmarnock and Caley Thistle midfielder came on a as a substitute for the second half against Newcastle on Saturday and was the star of the show, hitting the bar twice.

David has been capped five times for Scotland at Under 21 level and will go straight into the squad which travels to Penrith on Wednesdays night. Two or three trialists will also feature in the match which kicks-off at 7.45pm at the Southend Road Ground.

Bill Goldie
Penrith Directions 14th July 2003
If you plan to travel on Wednesday evening then the best route is to take Junction 40 on the M6, then on to the A66 east bound, signposted Scotch Corner, do not take the first left signposted Penrith as you will end up in the one-way system heading back out of town. At the first roundabout on the A66 take the left exit and head north into Penrith Town Centre, pass a filling station on your left then one on your right and fork left onto Southend Road, the ground is on your left, there is a large car park adjoining the ground.
Man of the Match 14th July 2003
Eric Paton was the fans choice in the IFC Man of the Match vote following the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United on Saturday. The right-back(1st half)/midfield playmaker(2nd half) goalscorer won the competition by being just ahead of the impressive second half substitute and trialist David Bagan. Third place went to Willie Gibson who put in a fine display down the left wing.

These votes are like the friendlies, just to get the system match fit following a few programming changes, the results do not count toward the IFC Player of the Season award but for the record all of the other scores can be found on the 'Latest Report' page.
Clarification 12th July 2003
Just to clear a wee bit of confusion up, it was former Kilmarnock and Inverness CT midfielder David Bagan who sent in those two terrific shots that crashed off the crossbar today and not former Manchester United and Wimbledon striker Craig Coates as many thought at the match.
Match Reaction - Queens 1 - 1 Newcastle United 12th July 2003
After the match John Connolly said, "It was an ideal workout for us, everyone got a game and the attendance of nearly 1400 for a pre-season friendly was great. Newcastle were a young team - very sharp, very fit and very strong, but that's what you expect from a reserve side of a Premier League club. We could have won the match in the second half but the performance is always more important than the result in games like this and I was happy at the way we played."

Ex-Celt Tommy Craig admitted it was more of a fitness exercise than a football spectacle for his side, "It's our first of eight pre-season friendlies and I was quite satisfied with the performance, I thought we played particularly well in the first half hour but all credit to Queens they came much more into the game after that, they hit the bar twice and could easily have won it 3-1. And may I just offer my congratulations to the ground staff - the pitch was magnificent."

Bill Goldie
Team News 10th July 2003
Queens kick-off the new season at Palmerston on Saturday with a match against a Newcastle XI, said manager John Connolly, "Newcastle are bringing a young squad but there are a lot of very good young players in it who will be challenging for a first team place in the not too distant future. We'll have our five new signings playing and possibly two or three trialists who we are interested in, young Stuart Robertson, who is back playing with the club, will be our substitute 'keeper, missing however will be Colin Scott who is still not fully recovered from his operation, Steve Bowey also is on honeymoon and young Paul Burns.

Fans are reminded that the match kicks-off at 2.00pm.

Bill Goldie
Thommo is a Jag 10th July 2003
Former Queens favourite Andy Thomson has joined up with Partick Thistle for their forthcoming assault on the SPL. It's about time the SPL got a taste of Thommo, look out Larson and Mols, this guy scores goals!

Good luck from every Queens fan Andy, let them see what they've been missing.
Wee Red Book 10th July 2003
The latest edition of the 'Wee Red Book' is out now, for the first time ever it contains a colour photograph of Queens and is a must for all footie fans. You can purchase it for £2 at all good newsagents.
Round Up 8th July 2003
Admission on Saturday for the friendly with a Newcastle XI will be Adults - £6 and OAP/Juveniles - £2.

The away strips are due to be delivered at the end of July, keep logging on for an update, you can also pre-order via the website, as soon as we have them in stock we will post them out to you.

This season will see the 50/50 draw rejuvenated, the plans are being put in place and we are hopeful of having the tickets ready for the first home competitive match.
Season Review Night 5th July 2003
We are up to January in Ewan Lithgow's Season Review, it was a quiet month but did see the largest crowd of the season at Palmerston and witnessed the end of Andy Goram's Queens career as well as his 750th competitive appearance between the sticks.

Click on the picture link on the right hand side of the page.
Fixture Cards Ready 4th July 2003
The new season fixture cards will be available from all the usual outlets as from Monday morning. Make sure you get yours.
Special Offer 3rd July 2003
Our new caterers Cheffresh are making a special offer available to everyone for the first match at Palmerston this pre-season.

Queen of the South V Newcastle United 11

Chef Fresh Catering are offering a not to be missed package for this first game of the season at Palmerston Park. Come along and be the first to enjoy the newly refurbished lounge and executive seating in the main stand. We promise you a memorable day that you will want to repeat.


~ Enjoy a complimentary drink from the bar on arrival
~ Be treated to the highest quality of 3 course meals with our hostess service
~ We will serve specially selected wines to accompany the meal
~ Relax and enjoy the game in our brand new executive stand seating
~ Return to the lounge to enjoy half time refreshments and a drink of you choice from the bar
~ A Complimentary post-match drink from the bar

Stay with us at Palmerston into the night and enjoy or special drinks promotions at the bar whilst discussing the match

Be the first to experience the new corporate match days at Palmerston Park for a reduced price of £45.00 per person plus vat.

Special Offer

We can offer any person taking a table of 8 or more at this match a 10% discount on any tables of 8 or more booked before the beginning of the season

Call now to make your reservation on 01387 702170 or drop an e mail to sales@cheffresh.co.uk and fill out the enclosed booking form and return it to us with the deposit. This will be sold strictly on a first come basis

Please note: a deposit of £12.00 per person will be required at the time of booking to secure your places.

[Chef Fresh Website]

New Signing 2nd July 2003
Queens made their second signing in the space of five days when twenty year old striker Emilio Jaconelli joined the club tonight. Previously with Kilmarnock he turned out for the Rugby Park Under 21 side last season but was on the fringe of the first team squad and has actually made four appearances in the last two seasons.

He has been signed on a one-year deal and no fee was involved.

Bill Goldie
Season Tickets on Sale on Monday 2nd July 2003
Season tickets will go on sale on Monday at the Palmerston office between 9.00am and 4.00pm with the good news that prices will remain as per last season.

So regular fans save money: Adults - £180, Senior Citizens - £100, Juveniles - £100 in the Standard Grandstand, (Main Stand), Adults - £160, Senior Citizens - £90, Juveniles - £90 in the Galloway News Grandstand and the rest of the ground. Remember though that membership of the Junior Blues, you must be under 16 years old, gives you a Galloway News Grandstand season ticket at only £30.
Casualty Room Open 1st July 2003
Scotland's top Physio, our very own Kenny Crichton returns tonight in his round-up of the pre-season so far. Make sure you get the inside line to what is going on in the Queens treatment room with Kenny by clicking on the picture link on the right hand side of the page.
Day at the Races 1st July 2003
While attending the Northumberland Plate race meeting at Newcastle at the weekend we hear that Paddy Atkinson met up with his old room mate from West Brom, Alan Shearer, said Paddy, "I was only 14 at the time but Alan still recognised me and came up to chat. We had a grand crack about the old days and it was just great to see him again.
New Signing 30th June 2003
Queens today signed left sided player Paul Talbot from Burton Albion. The defender/midfielder started off his career at Newcastle United followed by a spell at York City before returning to the north east with Gateshead, he was highly regarded at Gateshead and played in the same side as Steve Bowey, both of them leaving Gateshead around the same time. He was most recently with Burton Albion in the conference, a side managed by Nigel Clough, where he made 24 appearances scoring one goal. The signing is subject to international clearance.
It's Queens for me 28th June 2003
In an exclusive interview for the website new signing Alex Burke spoke of why he joined Queens, "It was actually Eric Paton and Brian McColligan who influenced me", he confessed, "We were all club mates at Clydebank and they both told me how good a club Queens were and they spoke about the great atmosphere in the dressing room, then John Connolly called me and invited me down to training and once I'd seen the set up and met the players I knew Queen of the South was the club for me.

They won the second division two seasons ago and did exceptionally well this past season and also they won the challenge cup, they appear to be an ambitious club and I like that, they also have a nice stadium so I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Alex admitted the travelling wouldn't be a problem - after the journeys to and from Berwick last season we understand that.

His new team mates were also raving at how he's been knocking the goals in from all angles at training, so here's hoping he can continue this once the season kicks off in earnest.

Our congratulations to Steve Bowey who we hear is getting married next month, we also belive that former Queens favourite Derek Townsley has now signed for Oxford United and moves south of the border after eight years in Scottish football.

Bill Goldie
He's Packed His Trunk, Now He's Saying Goodbye 25th June 2003
Talking tonight to the website after confirming his signing for Morton, Peter Weatherson said, "Yes, it's true, I'm packing my trunk and heading for Cappielow, but I have mixed feelings about the move for I've spent three of the best years of my life at Palmerston and I'd like to thank the manager and the club itself for giving me the chance in the senior grade, and I wish them all the best this coming season.

However I've always dreamed of being a full-time player and that's what really influenced my decision, if Queens could have offered me the same terms I would still be at Palmerston. I'm not doing it for the money but the chance to go full-time.

I trained with the Queens lads on Monday night and when I was saying my 'goodbyes' it was quite emotional.

And finally I'd like to say a really big thank you to the Queens fans, they have given me tremendous support during my time at Dumfries, they're a fantastic bunch and I can't really find words to thank them enough."

Bill Goldie
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