Still working on this page. If you want to contribute e-mail me.
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Preview of Queens V |
Stenhousemuir | ||
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Venue : Ochilview |
Date : 5th August, 2000 | ||
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Queens Team News | |||
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The pre season stuff's finished now, and it's down to the real business. Over the last couple of games in the undefeated pre season run, the only position that looked up for grabs was right back, and this is the one position that is difficult to call. Barring last minute injuries, the team I would expect to be along thesee lines. Let battle commence! | |||
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Probable Queens Team | |||
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Atkinson |
Martin |
Aitken |
Hodge |
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Sunderland |
Nelson |
Boyle |
Weir |
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Hawke |
Weatherson |
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My Prediction : |
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I think we can do it. In this match at least. I was not at the Penrith game, but from what I have heard, Queens played with much more flair than in the last couple of seasons. To put a bit of a damper on things, Stenny beat Spennymore 5-1 in their final pre season match, and I think they are a slightly better standard than Penrith, so their form looks good too. Even this early in the season, this will be a good pointer as to what kind of season we can expect and to be honest, if we can come away with a 0-0 draw I would take that right now. | |||
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Read Our Rival's Views at : |
Stenhousemuir don't have a site on the Rivals Network. Any Stenny fans reading this who think they could do a job, get in touch. | ||
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How To Get There : |
The best way to get there is as always on the Travel Club bus which leaves Tesco at 11:00 . Anyone wanting to book seats should phone Jim McCormick on (01387) 272102. If you plan to travel yourself click here for directions (Sorry, not available this week due to the lack of a Stenhousemuir site.) . | ||
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Mangle Opponents Face At |
Look Out For the New Site Going Live. | ||
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Two Opponents to Watch : |
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When New Site Live. |
When New Site Live. | ||
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Last 3 Seasons : (Queens First) |
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1997/1998 |
1-2 |
0-2 | |
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1998/1999 |
N/A |
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1999/2000 |
1-2 |
0-2 | |
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So Far This Season (Click for Report) |
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Stenhousemuir's Recent Form : |
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2/8/00
A correction to my Gateshead report, it turns out P Atkinson, who played at right back, was the same guy who has been playing as a trialist for the last few games and has now been signed. By the way, the P stands for Patrick and he was previously with a Professional Club in the North East (can't remember right now, will find out, think it could have been Hartlepool but don't quote me. I have decided holding off with player profiles for this year until I've had a chance to see the new players and will probably wait until the new site is going (see later).
Had a couple of e-mails about John McCaig who it would seem is on trial at Sunderland. Can anyone provide any more details.
Rumour has it that 17 year old John McCaig of the Queens under 18's squad is currently on a months trial with Sunderland. Any Update.
bhamilton [bhamilton@ukonline.co.uk]
I heard that young John McCaig who is presently on a months trial with Sunderland F.C. played his first game with Sunderland Reserves on Sunday against Stenhousemuir (Score 3-3) and played a good steady game. Seems Queens have some hidden talent in the Under 18's. Is there more where he came from????
The new site is now almost read to go live, and believe me, will be worth the wait. Please keep your browsers pointing at www.qosfan.co.uk and remove any links to www.doonhamer.fsnet.co.uk.
Take a note of this date for your diary, its the Sunday after the Dumfries show and our season will just have started. Bring the kids along for a great fun day out, hey, even if you don't have any kids, you'll have a great day yourself. So come on, have fun and also help the South.
Among the attractions planned so far are :-
As you can see, there will be loads for everyone, you can look forward to a great day out in the sun (I guarantee it!), it is hoped that Queens players past and present will be on hand, everybody has to come. The above is only an outline of what it is hoped will be available, I will bring you regular updates when I have them.
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Saturday |
29th July, 2000 |
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The Local Park |
Penrith |
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Friendly |
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Attendance : |
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Queens 4 |
Penrith 0 |
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Boyle (2) |
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(Nixon 45) |
(D Paterson 54) |
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(R Atkinson 66) |
(Muir 45) |
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(Caldwell 63) |
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Unused Subs : |
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I've got a cheek, but I wasn't there and I haven't heard from eDoonhamer yet, so I am going to do a bit of a summary based on what I have read on the Official Site.
It all sounds very encouraging, I don't know how good a team Penrith are but one thing it does show, the guys we have signed from this league are actually better players than the league, if you see what I mean!
It sounds as if we got some flowing football going, and this is something that has been sorely lacking for a couple of years. The one position we don't seem to have settled on yet is right back, yet another player tried there this week, but the rest of the team is starting to take some shape. I am encouraged by what I have heard and seen of Mark Weir, he is still far from the finished article but he is getting there. We badly need someone to provide a bit of width and get the crosses, and it's time for Mark to show he is the man who can do this. I actually seen one of the Euro 2000 managers (can't remember which one) say that the reason Engerland failed in the Euro Championships is that they still rely on players putting in crosses while the rest of the world now tries to go through the middle. Well, I don't think this has quite filtered down to the Scottish Second Division yet, but if it does, we look reasonably OK here too, Denis Boyle finally looks ready to make the jump and Tony Nelson looks like he will be a superb foil for him and actually protect the defence at the same time.
Good to see Weatherson notch again, I think with confidence he and Hawke will deliver the goals.
Before we all get carried away through, please note that next weeks opponents, Stenhousemuir, also had a good win against Spennymoor, who are at least of an equal if not better standard than Penrith, seeing them of 5-1.
It's next week that counts, lets get the job done! | |
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Man of the Match : |
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Read the Opposition's View at - |
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Preview of Queens V |
Penrith | ||
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Venue : Penrith |
Date : 29th July, 2000 | ||
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Queens Team News | |||
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I don't have enough Brownie Points left to get to Penrith
for a pre season friendly but I hope to able to bring you
some kind of report tomorrow (Alex!). | |||
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Probable Queens Team | |||
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Robison |
Martin |
Aitken |
Hodge |
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Heppell |
Nelson |
Sunderland |
Boyle |
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Hawke |
Weatherson |
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At least, that's |
the team I'd like |
to see. |
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My Prediction : |
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We should finish our pre season campaign undefeated with a victory today. It's next week that counts through and I have to say after some of the things I heard on Tuesday night, I'm a bit more optimistic for the new season now. | |||
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Read Our Rival's Views at : |
None This Week | ||
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How To Get There : |
The best way to get there is a always on the Travel Club bus which leaves Tesco at 11:30. . Anyone wanting to book seats should phone Jim McCormick on (01387) 272102. If you plan to travel yourself click here for directions. | ||
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Mangle Opponents Face At |
None This Week | ||
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Two Opponents to Watch : |
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Dunno |
Dunno | ||
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Last 3 Seasons : |
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1997/1998 |
N/A |
N/A | |
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1998/1999 |
N/A |
N/A | |
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1999/2000 |
N/A |
N/A | |
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So Far This Season (Click for Report) |
N/A |
N/A | |
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N/A |
N/A | ||
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Penrith's Recent Form : |
Dunno |
Dunno |
Dunno |
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Dunno |
Dunno |
Dunno | |
Friday's Courier
Well done the Courier, a four page special on Queen of the South is a great improvement on last season's coverage, lets hope they can keep to this standard. The first thing to mention, which I actually heard on West Sound during the week but forgot to report, is that Queens have yet again suffered financially for their lack of on the field discipline, this time to the tune of a £2,000 fine imposed by the S.F.A. (why have they got it in for us?;-)). Lets hope that this is the first thing John Connelly has sorted out.
The four page special kicks of with a picture of the squad taken at the photo call on Tuesday night. As you will see, there are a few of them! (Thanks to Colin Johnston by the way for the use of this picture.)
Underneath is the headline screaming out "SURVIVAL IS MAIN GOAL". Unfortunately, this has to be true for this season. Anything else will be a bonus but far from impossible. John Connolly himself wants to be pushing for promotion next season but will be happy to survive this time out. He says " When I came across and saw the last 4 games, the standard was dreadful. There was no commitment, the spirit was bad and the team looked poor." This is pretty much what I heard on Tuesday, but I also heard he has been much more impressed with the guys still left from last season during pre season training.
Next up is an interview with Chairman, Ronnie Bradford. Highlighted here are his words "I just hope the fans have some patience with us next season as we try to get the formula right". I'll second that, lets face it, we can't be any worse than last year. I know I've cast doubts about the validity of the idea of training in Dumfries, but I will wait and see and really I'm just saying that cause I don't want to seem like a total yes man! In reality, I'm right behind everything the board and management are doing (I advocated most of it after all) and I hope everybody else will give them a chance too. On the travelling front, by the way, I'm told one of the coaches actually brings a van load of players over from the North East, so its not like they are all having to drive.
The next page features interviews with several fans (why didn't they ask me? Not that I'd have given them an exclusive anyway!). On the whole, as usual, the fans are very optimistic. I say as usual, I think the fact that Queens were still the third best supported team in the league last season shows that Queens fans are very loyal, they may express displeasure when things don't go right, but on the whole will remain behind the team.
The final page features a player profile section for this year's squad, which I won't rehash because you know fine you will get better ones here, and basically, they are just a rehash of what Colin has already said on the official site.
Finally, an interview with secretary Shaw. Not much new in this bit.
Thank you Courier, keep up the good work.
Little Bits of News
Graeme Duncan has signed for Queens Park.
Anybody still using www.doonhamer.fsnet.co.uk, could you please start using www.qosfan.co.uk. This site will soon just redivert you to the new site, so it will speed up your browsing experience, folks, and I mean that most sincerely, I really do, what am I going on about?
26/7/00
Queens have been dominating the lives of the residents of Dumfries more than usual for the last few weeks as they feature in a poster campaign for the Dumfries and Galloway Standard. This picture is taken from the board on the Annan Road near the railway bridge. The strange thing is, I'm not sure who the featured player is. I can make out Denis Boyle in the background and I think its Graham Duncan, but I'm not sure. The same thing happened with a picture in the Standard last year. There was a guy in a picture who I just didn't recognize. I was eventually told it was George Rowe, but even then I looked at the picture and still couldn't tell. Can someone put me out of my misery and confirm just who this one is.
25/7/00
I was at Palmerston tonight for the official photo call, and I picked up some interesting little bits and pieces along the way.
First order of business was to get my photo taken with Andy Aitken, who's away strip 'The Only Team in The Bible' will be sponsoring next season. So the bad news for Andy is, if the cheque bounces, it could be topless at Arbroath on 10th February!
I then had a very good chat with Colin from the official site. Although we have been talking to each other via e-mail for the last three years, we've never actually talked face to face, it was good to talk to him at last. Colin was there taking photos for the Official Site and was managing fine with the initial trickle of players until suddenly the North East bus came in and about 20 appeared at once. Colin gave me his note book to jot down the players names as he took their photos, which was a bit daunting as I hadn't a clue who 90% of them were! Not giving in easily though, I simply went to stand beside Craig Paterson and said 'who's that then Craig' to every player! Any errors on the Official Site are down to Craig then!
I heard that at least two of Saturday's subs, Dean Muir and Danny Paterson, have now signed and both looked good during their brief run outs on Saturday. It doesn't look like John Dickson will be back through. He has been offered a new contract but hasn't been in touch with the club since the end of last season. Hasn't signed for anyone else through so he might yet be gracing the Palmerston pitch next season.
John Connolly has been impressed with the Queens youngsters in training, particularly Andy Aitken, Mark Weir, Denis Boyle and Brian Caldwell. The word is that having assessed the squad he is more impressed than he was on first sighting and will give the young guys a chance.
Keep checking the Official Site for those photos and I hope to be able to bring you some soon too.
21/7/00
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Saturday |
22nd July, 2000 |
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Palmerston Park |
Dumfries |
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Friendly |
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Attendance : |
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Queens 1 |
Gateshead 0 |
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Weatherston (66) |
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Dean Muir (65) |
D. Paterson (65) |
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Suddick (71) |
Craig Armstrong (80) |
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Unused Subs : |
G. Paterson |
R. McColm |
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Match Report: | |||
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Man of the Match : |
Andy Martin |
Looked assured at the back and never under pressure despite a couple of slightly dodgy moments. |
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Queens meet the new Airdrie, Ole, Steve Archibald and all his Spanish mates 11, in the first round of the Challenge Cup at the Sky High Prices Excuse for a Stadium, or whatever its called, on the 15th of August. The full draw is :
Stranraer v Berwick Brechin v Ayr Albion v Clydebank Ross County v Clyde East Stirling v East Fife Queen's Park v Montrose Stirling v Arbroath Partick v Livingston Elgin v Dumbarton Alloa v ICT Cowdenbeath v Falkirk Airdrie v QOS Raith v Morton Forfar v Peterhead Stenny and Hamilton got byes
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Preview of Queens V |
Gateshead | ||
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Venue : Palmerston |
Date : 22nd July, 2000 | ||
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Queens Team News | |||
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I don't know! This will be the first time I have seen the new look Queens, and I'm looking forward to being able to at least put a face to the names, and start putting together some player profiles for next season. I would imagine there will be the usual pre season mixture of trialists, regulars and new boys, but it really is too early to start making predictions on how Queens will do. On the downside, I was talking to a guy who played against them for Annan and he wasn't impressed at all, he recons the new guys are battlers without too much skill about them and the rest of the team aren't much better. Still, could be exactly what we need in division two. I look forward with interest. | |||
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Probable Queens Team | |||
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Robison |
Nixon |
Aitken |
Hodge |
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Callaghan |
Sunderland |
Nelson |
Weir |
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Hawke |
Weatherston |
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My Prediction : |
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Too early to really worry about the result, we're undefeated so far but the opposition isn't exactly the best and we were at this time last year too! | |||
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Read Our Rival's Views at : |
None This Week. | ||
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Mangle Opponents Face At |
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Two Opponents to Watch : |
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Dunno |
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Last 3 Seasons : |
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1997/1998
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1998/1999 |
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1999/2000 |
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So Far This Season (Click for Report) |
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Gateshead's Recent Form : |
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16/7/00
Here's a couple of rumours that I heard in the pub yesterday (I love investigative journalism!).
Apparently the reason for Stevie Mallan's departure was that he was told by the manager that he wouldn't figure in the first team, but was seen as a reserve team player. Stevie felt this left him no option but to put in for a transfer and move to a club which offered him a first team place. This is perhaps a fair reason, I may have felt the same if it was me.
For those who have been putting posting on the official site calling for the return of Nesovic, you are going to be sorely disappointed! Nesovic is staying in Dumfries at the moment, and apparently he went to Palmerston with a view to getting his foot in the door. However, I hear, he wasn't made to welcome and he was a bit nonplussed about the reception he got as he obviously expected a hero's welcome! Some supporters may not be aware of the hassle surrounding his departure from the club, all I can say is that he certainly didn't behave as a professional, and that is why it is unlikely that he will ever don the royal blue again.
That's all for now!
e-Doonhamer.
15/7/00
I'd rather do a match review, rather than report, today (if that's alright!).
My journey times to North Shields on the north bank of the Tyne, East of Newcastle were about right. However I hadn't banked on having to use local directions to the ground! For starters it isn't sign posted, and don't ask anyone over fifty, as they will send you to the old stadium, which according to locals was impressive, and nothing like the public park on which they now play.
Having met up with fellow supporters in a local bar (the hospitality was good!) it was a short walk to the public park which now hosts North Shields F.C. My first impressions were poor. No entrance gates, young lads walking about with golf clubs, one older gentleman with a large wooden plank, oh no, here we go! However, definitely a case of don't judge a book by it's cover! The boys with golf clubs had no interest in football, they were using the large "green" behind the east goals as a driving range, and the guy with the wooden club was trying to do what the English can't, play cricket!
For this friendly Queens lined up as this: -
1 Mathieson; 2 Robison (replaced at have time by Atkinson with the same shirt); 3 Hodge; 4 Nixon; 5 Martin; 6 Callaghan; 7 Sunderland; 8 Nelson; 9 Hawke; 10 Wetherston 11 Weir;
subs; Boyle, Caldwell, Aitken, Siddick.
Not much to report on the game, Queen's looked lackluster, and appeared to be sussing each other out. There were no real chances in the first half, though Queens had much of the play. The only real chances were blazed over, and the best laugh we had was when the opposition keeper ask for a swig from one of the many beer drinking Queens fans behind the goal! All credit to the away support, who came down in numbers. There must have been around fifty, and gave a decent enough support to Queen's, considering most playing faces are still strange.
The second half was much of the same, and the only real chance fell to North Shields, which thankfully was spooned over the bar.
This certainly wasn't a game to write home about, and the most impressive Queen's players were of the old school. Warren Hawke always looked dangerous, and Mark Weir in the first half provided the runs and crosses of which he has become known. Caldwell and Boyle made appearances in the second half and looked capable. In terms of the new boys, I'm afraid the jury is out! Sunderland looked useful, so did Nixon. Callaghan in the first half provided a couple of decent chances, but Wetherston didn't get much chance to use them. Perhaps we played a team which knew the opposition too well?
The hospitality offered was brilliant! The Queens fans were all invited back to a nearby hostelry, for a buffet and post-match drinks, which was gratefully received. The locals, despite some postings on the official website were all friendly, and this definitely wasn't played on the middle of a "rough housing estate". The game finished nil nil, and any spectator really can't argue with the score.
I spoke at length with John Connelly after the match (without disclosing my identity!), in which he informed me that better is to come, and he thinks we have a better team than the end of last season (no arguments there!), and we have players who are committed. Much of this remains to be seen, however he spoke to me with the confidence of some one who knows what they are doing, and where they are going. There can be no argument that we were poor at the end of the season, but we must improve on this performance if we are to be a force in the Second Division.
e-Doonhamer.
12/7/00
I'm back from my holidays (all refreshed and raring to go!), in Letterkenny, Denis Boyle country, but again I didn't come across anybody who knew anything about him. I have trawled through over 400 e-mails, most of which ended up in the same place as my real mail, the bin, but some of which proved quite useful, had a read through the Official Site and the new 'rumours' site run by Andy Cowan at http://www.qosweb.co.uk, and am ready to summarize what has been going on for the last few weeks.
To start with, some news that I haven't read anywhere else is that John Hillcoat has signed for Dumbarton. I know, to my cost, that a lot of you thought a great deal of Hillcoat, as every time I even suggested a criticism, I was bombarded by hate mail :-), so drop a line to Jason.Drummond@Calanais.com if you want to let him know how good Hillcoat actually was.
Now, onto the re-hashes. Lets start with the ins and outs. Most significant, but not most surprising, was Steve Mallan, our top scorer for the last 5 seasons, requesting a transfer just before I left, the only question in most people minds, would he go to Stranraer or Arbroath. By the time I returned it was confirmed that he would be joining Big Jim (Queens Fan) and our Tam at Arbroath. More surprising is the fact that George Rowe will also be joining this ever expanding little colony of Doonhamers in the Northern outpost. At least there will be a couple of games at Palmerston next season were we will recognize most of the team, even if it is the opposition. Also, Ally McMillan's contract has expired without renewal, and although he is still training with Queens, he will, as recommended by me :-), be moving on. One thing that worries me about this, our 2 senior players, both central belt based, have looked at the prospect of travelling to Dumfries twice a week for training and decided it isn't on. I'm worried that the guys we are signing just now are coming in wide eyed and exited at stepping up to a senior league, but once the reality sets in, will quickly become disillusioned. This training in Dumfries issue, admirable as it is, is the one point about the new management regime that really worries me. I hope I'm wrong. On the subject of bright eyed youngsters, 2 new forwards have been signed from the north east, Peter Weatherson, 20, from Newcastle Blue Star and Jarrodd Suddick, 30, (OK, not exactly a youngster) from Tow Law.
And so, on to the action. Queens won the Annan tournament in what sounds like quite convincing style. I discovered just before I left that Carlisle had pulled out of the tournament and been replaced by Whitehill Welfare, however, I liked my preview so much, I decided not to change it! A Queens side that contained very few names I personally had heard before, seemed to make short work of possibly the best non league team in Scotland with a 4-1 win, featuring a Mark Weir hat trick and one from Brian Caldwell. I have decided that I have been giving Mark Weir too much abuse recently (following his abuse of me at George Rowe's testimonial) and in future will let bygones be bygones and give him a break. He's actually not a bad young player, needs a bit of work to become the finished article, but the potential is there. However, I have to say that the team that beat Annan 3-0 in the final, with a Warne Hawke hat-trick, looked much more interesting and more like what I think could be the strongest side, although I'm saying this before I've seen half the players! The Team was : -
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I'll predict this early, even before I've seen half of them as I said, that this won't be far of the starting line up for our first competitive game. (Who is this Trialist guy by the way?).
Anything else? Let's see, ticket prices are up to £9.00 for adults next season, still the same for everyone else, and I've now received my season ticket so if yours hasn't arrived yet perhaps you should be chasing it.
For anyone who is interested, here is a pretty complete list of pre season friendlies for all Scottish clubs received from the SFA (Not including Queens, interestingly!).
FRIENDLY MATCH LIST FOR SCOTTISH CLUBS - SEASON 2000-2001
For information, here is an updated list of all pre-season friendlies which have been notified to the SFA. All matches to be played on the ground of the first named club, unless stated. Kick-off times are detailed where known.
7 July Ghent v Rangers, tbc 8 July Elgin City v Aberdeen, 3.00 Lossiemouth v East Stirlingshire, 3.00 9 July Bray Wanderers v Celtic, 2.00 11 July Berwick Rangers v St Mirren, 7.30 Bohemians v Dundee United, tbc 12 July Deveronvale v Ross County, 7.30 FC Bocholt v Rangers, 7.00 Copenhagen v Celtic, 7.00 13 July Bray Wanderers v Dundee United, tbc Quick 1920 v Rangers, 7.00 14 July Clachnacuddin v Ross County, 7.30 Sachsen Lepzig v Celtic, 6.00 15 July Buckie Thistle v Peterhead, 3.00 Coldstream v Ashington, 3.00 East Fife v Hibernian, 3.00 Golspie Sutherland v Deveronvale, 3.00 Livingston v Heart of Midlothian, 3.00 St Johnstone v Norwich City, 3.00 Blackpool v St Mirren, tbc HZW v Rangers, 7.00 St Patricks Athletic v Dundee United, tbc 16 July Girvan v Ayr United, 2.00 Alphense Boys v Rangers, 2.00 17 July Clyde v Kilmarnock, 7.30 Elgin City v Mansfield Town, 7.30 Livingston v Huddersfield Town, 7.30 Raith Rovers v Dundee, 7.30 Stirling Albion v Heart of Midlothian XI, 7.30 18 July Albion Rovers v St Mirren, tbc Coldstream v Berwick Rangers, tbc Lossiemouth v Inverness CT, 7.30 Vale of Leithen v Hibernian XI, tbc Mainz v Hibernian, tbc Niort v Heart of Midlothian (in Melle), 7.00 19 July Berwick Rangers v Heart of Midlothian XI, 7.30 Clyde v St Johnstone, 7.30 Dunfermline Athletic v Huddersfield Town, 7.30 Livingston XI v Preston North End, 7.30 Peterhead v Celtic XI, 8.00 Queen¹s Park v Norwich City, 7.30 Rangers v Ghent, 7.45 Stenhousemuir v Livingston, 7.30 Stirling Albion v Falkirk, 7.30 Karlsruher v Hibernian, tbc 20 July Brechin City v Ross County, 7.30 Forfar Athletic v Dundee United XI, 2.00 Gala Fairydean v Carlisle United, 7.00 Inverness CT v Mansfield Town, 7.30 St Mirren v Doncaster Rovers, tbc Libourne v Heart of Midlothian, 7.00 21 July Livingston v Rangers, 7.30 Peterhead v Inverness CT, 8.00 Grimsby Town v Dundee, 7.30 Spennymoor Utd v Arbroath, tbc Stuttgart Kickers v Hibernian, tbc 22 July Albion Rovers v Heart of Midlothian XI, 3.00 Brechin City v Dundee United, 2.00 Buckie Thistle v Hibernian XI, tbc Celtic v Bordeaux, 3.00 Cove Rangers v Airdrieonians, 3.00 Dunfermline Athletic v Norwich City, 3.00 East Fife v Rangers Under 21s, 3.00 Falkirk v Preston North End, 3.00 Inverness CT v Aberdeen, 3.00 Montrose v Ross County, tbc Motherwell v Huddersfield Town, 3.00 Queen¹s Park v Kilmarnock, 3.00 Bedlington Terriers v Cowdenbeath, tbc Carlisle United v St Johnstone, 3.00 Derry City v Partick Thistle, 3.00 Whitley Bay v Arbroath, tbc Toulouse v Heart of Midlothian, 6.00 23 July Berwick Rangers v Livingston, 2.00 Buckie Thistle v Airdrieonians, 3.00 Nairn County v Hibernian XI, tbc SV Weingarten v Hibernian, tbc 24 July Albion Rovers v Clyde, 7.30 Clyde v Walsall, 7.30 East Fife v Rochdale, 7.30 Falkirk v Kilmarnock, 7.30 Forfar Athletic v Heart of Midlothian XI, 7.45 Peterhead v Airdrieonians, 8.00 Rangers Under 18 v Tranmere Rovers Under 18, 1.00 (at Science Park, Glasgow) Stirling Albion v Dunfermline Athletic, 7.30 Portadown v Partick Thistle, 7.30 25 July Celtic v West Ham United, 7.45 East Stirlingshire v Livingston XI, 7.30 Fort William v Inverness CT, 7.30 Motherwell v Livingston, 7.30 26 July Albion Rovers v Ayr United, 7.30 Cowdenbeath v Heart of Midlothian XI, 7.30 Deveronvale v Peterhead, 8.00 Edinburgh City v Hibernian Under 18s, tbc Gala Fairydean v Berwick Rangers, 7.15 Partick Thistle v Peterborough United, 7.45 Raith Rovers v Walsall, 7.30 Rangers Under 18 v Dunfermline Athletic Under 18, 1.00 (at Science Park, Glasgow) 28 July Cove Rangers v Livingston, 7.30 Deveronvale v Hamilton Academical, 7.30 Lossiemouth v Falkirk, 7.30 Burscough v Queen¹s Park, tbc Carrick Rangers v Fraserburgh, 7.30 29 July Arbroath v Albion Rovers, 3.00 Berwick Rangers v Hartlepool Utd, 2.00 Buckie Thistle v Brechin City, 3.00 Coldstream v Steelend Juniors, tbc Elgin City v Falkirk, 3.00 Forfar Athletic v Alloa Athletic, 3.00 Forres Mechanics v Cowdenbeath, 3.00 Huntly v Inverness CT, 3.00 Montrose v Livingston, 3.00 Musselburgh Athletic v Heart of Midlothian Under 21, 2.00 Partick Thistle v Chesterfield, 3.00 Raith Rovers v Rochdale, 3.00 Bangor v Fraserburgh, 3.00 30 July Cove Rangers v Hamilton Academical, 3.00 Deveronvale v Brechin City, 2.00 Keith v Livingston, 3.00 Barrow v Queen¹s Park, tbc 31 July Arbroath v Livingston, 7.30 1 August Berwick Rangers v Newcastle Utd, 7.30 Cowdenbeath v Hibernian XI, 7.30 Newtongrange Star v Heart of Midlothian Under 21, 7.00 Petershill v Hamilton Academical, 7.00 Rothes v Inverness CT, 7.30 3 August Preston Athletic v Heart of Midlothian Under 21, 7.00 5 August Civil Service Strollers v Heart of Midlothian Under 21, 2.00 Halkirk v Inverness CT XI, 3.00 6 August Preston Athletic v Livingston XI, 1.00 7 August Craigroyston v Hibernian XI, tbc 9 August Civil Service Strollers v Hibernian XI, tbc Dunfermline Athletic v Arsenal, tbc Middlesbrough Under 21 v Heart of Midlothian Under 21, 3.00
OK, I know I claim to bring you the fastest Queen of the South News on the net, and I know the official site had the fixtures up on Thursday, but I happen to know that they had access to them on Tuesday, or at least other clubs did , so I presume we did too. I know this cause I seen some of them on Wednesday, even although they were not officially released until Thursday at 10:00am (not Queens, I hasten to add, and I'm not saying who cause I don't want them to get into trouble). But since I couldn't beat them for speed, I decided to go for presentation, and I hope you like the new lay out, which gives not just Queens fixtures and results but all the 2nd Division fixtures. Check out the season summary grid, which I think you'll like. Click here to visit the new season summary page.
John Connolly has done a piece on the official site, a kind of state of the nation type thingy, you can read it at http://www.qosfc.co.uk/news if you really want, or you can just stay here and read my excellent summary!
Basically, what he's saying is that last year we were pants, and you can't really disagree with this, my summer league team would have pushed them all the way. He asks us to give the players he is bringing in, and by the way, the eight players mentioned a couple of weeks ago are now confirmed, time to prove that they are better players than the ones they have replaced, and this doesn't seem an unreasonable request to me. We cannot, however, give them too long. The start of the last three seasons has been a disaster, we should have been promoted in two of these seasons and shouldn't have been relegation certainties in the other, if it wasn't for our start. We really, really need a good start this time as confidence and fans backing will be vital. And much as they would love time, I can't see them getting much from the fans.
He also states that 5 or 6 players recently released by Scottish League sides are coming to Palmerston to be watched in training and pre season games, although I can tell you Ally Graham won't be one of them as he has re-signed with Stirling Albion. As I predicted in the past, efforts to sign 3 or 4 players from the Central Belt have been unsuccessful as the players don't want to travel to Dumfries. I, for one, can't really blame them.
He makes the point that Queens are a part time club and so cannot hope to attract players from the Premier or First Divisions who are wanting to remain full time but hints that Queens are looking to return to full time football soon, surely a necessary move now the youth policy seems to have been left behind.
He finishes by saying he does not intend to issue these briefings regularly, I'd just like to tell him that when he does want to do another one this site will soon have a live message board and Chat Room and he will be welcome to use them.
14/6/00
The sharper among you may have noticed a couple of changes to the look of the site. This is not the new look that I have been building up for the last few weeks but is intended as a preparation for you so you get some kind of idea of what you are in for, and without a transition there is a severe danger that the new site, when it arrives, will be just too much for you and totally blow your mind away! I promise you, the new site is that good.
The main idea of the new design is that the latest news is right there on the front page when you first log on , making it easier for you to find what you are looking for, and of course, it is the first place you will find all the news !-).
13/6/00
I can exclusively reveal that Queens will play Forfar in the first round of the CIS League Cup on either the 8th or 9th of August . OK, I'm actually a day behind Colin (and everybody else) reporting this, but hey, some of us have to work (and play golf), I can't do everything. For anybody who totally relies on me for the latest news, here is the draw in full (Queens were actually first out of the hat).
Queen of South v Forfar Peterhead v Inverness Caledonian Thistle East Stirling v Hamilton Queen's Park v Stranraer Cowdenbeath v Elgin City Stirling v Stenhousemuir Partick Thistle v Airdrie Dumbarton v Ayr Ross County v Albion Rovers Clyde v Greenock Morton East Fife v Raith Rovers Montrose v Berwick Clydebank v Alloa Arbroath v Brechin
In what could be an interesting twist to this story, I have heard that Forfar are interested in signing ex-Queens and Hamilton Darren Henderson for next season, a man I have said before Queens should consider, although Ross County seem favourites to obtain his signature.
12/6/00
Engerland ha! For prosperity, lest we forget, they managed to throw away a 2 goal league in their opening Euro 2000 match against Portugal tonight as they tumbled to a humiliating 3-2 defeat! And for you, I missed all this, because I was at Palmerston bouncing some ideas with our commercial team, Margaret and Ian Heuchan, along with a few others, including representatives from the fan club, travel club and council (its a waste of time telling me names, I forget them immediately!), about a planned open day at Palmerston on Sunday, 6th August, 2000.
Take a note of this date for your diary, its the Sunday after the Dumfries show and our season will just have started. Bring the kids along for a great fun day out, hey, even if you don't have any kids, you'll have a great day yourself. So come on, have fun and also help the South.
Among the attractions planned so far are :-
As you can see, there will be loads for everyone, you can look forward to a great day out in the sun (I guarantee it!), it is hoped that Queens players past and present will be on hand, everybody has to come. The above is only an outline of what it is hoped will be available, I will bring you regular updates when I have them.
9/6/00
Quite a few snippets of news for you today, I really should keep some for another day, just to hold your attention, but since most of them are old stories which I have forgot to put on before now, maybe I'd better not.
First up, my old favorite, Steven Leslie. I have heard that Steven was very surprised to be released as he still had a year of his contract to run. If this is the case then I assume Queens actually had to pay to get rid of him. Still on my favorite subject, I also heard a rumor that Livingston were interested in him (not sure if this is past or present tense).
Was talking to a mate who now works at Annan and he was offering to get me some information as Rowan Alexander gets the same bus as him every Friday night, until we remembered that Rowan is of to America for a few months coaching, which I had forgot to mention. I also heard, and no surprise here, that he was one of the applicants for the Morton manager's job.
On the subject of Dumfries' favorite sons :-), the guy he was wanting to replace at Morton, Pele McCall, is on a short list of three for the manager's job at our beloved Carlisle. They deserve each other!
Don't think I mentioned that it was Adam Moffat who scored Queens goal against Stranraer in last night's Soccer Sixes.
Queens ladies have won their Monkey Tennis (Only joking, anybody else watch Soccer AM?) League and are promoted to the Ladies Premier League next season.
Very old news, Andy Thomson has asked for a transfer from Gillingham and wants to come home to Scotland. Despite the optimism, I can't see it being to us.
Queens are thinking of holding an open day towards the beginning of next season. If anybody has any ideas let me know and I'll pass them on.
Someone from Gambler's Anonymous has posted the odds for next season on the Official Notice board. They are :
Partick Thistle 7/2
Arbroath 4/1
Stranraer 4/1 - (eh??????)
Clydebank 4/1
Stirling 4/1
Berwick 10/1
Forfar 10/1
Queens Park 12/1
Stenhousemuir 14/1
Queen Of South 18/1
Oops, doesn't look like they rate us then.
Queens will introduce a student gate next season with an entry price of £6.00.
The CIS Insurance Cup Draw will take place on Tuesday, 13th June within the Maxwell Suite of the National Stadium, Hampden Park at 11.00 a.m.
Few, that's it!
Soccer Sixes, Quarter Finals
Annan 1 Threave 3 Kello 2 Dalbeattie 1 Newton S 2 Wigton 2 (Wigton win 5-3 after extra time) Queens 1 Stranraer 0 Semi Finals Kello 6 Wigton 1 Queens 0 Threave 3 Final Kello 0 Threave 5
The main new face in the Queens team from last night was superstar Mark Weir who obviously smelt silverware and thought he would now grace the tournament. This was bad news for anyone sitting behind the goal (or at least anyone sitting about 10 yards wide and 20 rows behind the goal). Queens beat a Stranraer side who had obviously misunderstood the tournament (they sent their under 15 team) in a 1-0 game that the young Clay Holers came out of with much more credit, although to be fair Queens did reduce them to a backs to the wall game for most of the game. Threave were Posse-less but found a new star, a left footed blond haired striker called Alan or something, I don't know exactly who he was, but he upset my prediction that Annan would win, that's not like me. And he was largely responsible for Queens demise in the semi finals in what was a definite men against boys game as Threave turned their earlier defeat to Queens in the group stages with an emphatic victory, and they were joined in the final by the Ayrshire raiders from Kello (I don't want to claim them for Dumfriesshire, do you?) who comfortably defeated Wigton. The final was a one sided affair as Threave were right into their stride by now and number 11 in particular gave Kello little chance, so well done to Threave.
Check in again tomorrow night for some little pieces of news I picked up over the last couple of days.
7/6/00
Soccer Sixes
Dalbeattie 3 Max High 2 St Cuthberts 0 Kello 1 Annan 1 All Stars 0 Threave 1 Queens 2 Newton S 1 Dalbeattie 1 Annan 7 Stranraer 1 Wigton 1 St Cuthberts 0 Queens 1 Gretna 1 Stranraer 2 All Stars 0 Max High 2 Newton S 4 Kello 2 Wigton 1 Gretna 1 Threave 4 Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Newton S 4 Kello 6 Annan 6 Queens 4 Dalbeattie 4 Wigton 3 Stranraer 3 Threave 3 Max High 0 St Cuthberts 0 All Stars 0 Gretna 1 Quarter Final Draw (To be played through to final on 7/6/00 Newton Stewart v Wigton Kello v Dalbeattie Annan v Threave Queens v Stranraer
A young Queens team qualified for the Quarter Finals of the Soccer Sixes at the Ice Bowl last night and progress to tonight's knock stages (from 6:30). Recognizable first teamers in the Queens squad were Brian Caldwell, Kevin Robison, Geoff Paterson, Adam Moffat and John McCabe. Queens first game was against Threave featuring most of their East of Scotland Division 1 winning team, including former Queens Bill Sim and Michael Posse. Queens scorers were Caldwell and McCabe while Threave's goal was scored with Kevin Robison sitting it out in the sin bin. Their second game produced a draw against what I think was not a full strength Gretna side, Queens goal coming from a young guy I didn't know after a complete mis kick and Gretna's equalizer coming when we yet again had a man in the sin bin (just like the real thing!). Queens interest in the Gretna team was in the shape of former player Jim Brown. The draw was enough to ensure a place in the quarter finals but this was confirmed as group winners when a Michael Posse inspired Threave beat Gretna 4-1 in the last of the group matches, Posse making an early claim for player of the tournament, although there were a couple of good players in the very strong Annan side also, and I'd think Annan must be favorites to win overall.
Other highlights included Sergi Balatacha's (you spell it better then!) All Stars featuring the man most people thought was going to be Queens new boss, Annan manager Davie Irons, playing against his young charges in the first game and I'm sure I saw him tell at least one of them of for an over zealous challenge on him, former Queens man (for those of you with very long memories!) Graham Muir, showing that he hasn't lost it (cause he never had it :-), joking Graham) and Sergi himself, although they went out in the first round without scoring (rumor has it Davie Irons deliberately missed a penalty in the game against Stranraer as they were too tired to want to progress to the next round!). The other highlight was Annan stuffing the Clay Holers (again a very young line up) 7-1, that'll teach them to beat us 5-0 at Palmerston, and we now meet Stranraer in the Quarter Finals, one to look forward to. Get along tonight if you can, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
I got home from the Soccer Sixes last night, wrote my usual brilliant report, stuck it in the spell checker, and the damn thing crashed. And of course, I hadn't saved it! SO you will have to wait till tonight for the first instalment, for now you can know that the young Queens team beat Threave 2-1 and drew 1-1 with Gretna to Qualify for the knockout Quarter Final stages as group winners and so book a game against Stranraer.
6/6/00
I have been in e-mail contact with a couple of Blyth Spartans sites to find out more about Andy Martin (There doesn't seem to be much Tow Law or Ashington stuff out there). One of this guys has kindly put my message on to his Blyth Spartans mailing list so I'm expecting to get more info from this, and I got this brilliant response from Anne Donnelly.
Andy Martin signed for Blyth in November 99. He was one of the first signings made by manager Mick Tait. He'd previously played for Gretna in the UniBond First Division and Tow Law in the Northern League.
He made thirty appearances for Blyth last season and scored one goal - in the 1-1 draw at Bishop Auckland. He won three player of the year awards - the Supporter's Club; the Players and the Port of Blyth.
Sorry I don't have a picture.
I don't know whether he's going to sign for you. The last I heard he was still thinking about it. I expect you'll be getting a few North East based players though.
Did you know that John Connolly had played for Blyth after he finished his Football League career ? He didn't play a lot of games but I remember him as a nice chap.
Cheers,
Anne
Thanks very much Anne, were starting to build up an idea of our new team now.
5/6/00
Interesting to read the interview with John Connolly (can I call you John?) on the official site, and it's good to see he keeps up with the latest news by looking at the Queen of the South site, just a pity he picked the wrong one!! So come on John, if you read this site too, drop me a quick line just to let me know. Johnny, Johnny Give us a Wave, Johnny, Give us a Wave!
Next, and following on from the comments made in the interview, I hate be the Prophet of Doom once again, but admirable as the idea is, I can't see how training in Dumfries is going to work. By his own admission, most of these guys are not full time because they have good jobs outside football. Now call me cynical, but in my experience, good jobs usually equals long hours. So these guys are going to be expected to work all day and then maybe twice or thrice a week travel 2 hours to Dumfries, train for a couple of hours, and travel home for a couple of hours. Add to this Saturday and mid week games and after a couple of weeks you have some very tired and probably disillusioned players. As I said, it looks like a great idea on paper but I just can't see it working, how about a compromise, one night a week in Dumfries and the rest of the time in the respective centres (Newcastle, Glasgow?).
An unrelated story which has been doing the rounds for a while but I never put on the site cause I thought it sounded to ridiculous to be true. But as the story refuses to go away, and as I don't want to look stupid if I miss it, I will tell you that I have heard rumors that former skipper (God, that sounds good) Steven Leslie is considering suing Queens for their lack of support following his sending off against Livingston. And I'm not going to say anything else on this issue for fear of being held in contempt of court.
4/6/00
Have heard an rumor that Queens have been showing an interest in Ally Graham of Stirling Albion although Partick do seem to be the favorites to get him.
3/6/00
The North East Revolution has started. Here are details of some of the players who have signed for next season, "subject to International clearance", if you please. Surprisingly, they released this information through the initial site rather than leak it to me! I know I promise the fastest news on the net but I can hardly know before the team, can I? Still, you'll get the fastest rumors on the net here, and the best opinionated a******e comments too.
Andy Martin
Formerly of Blyth Spartans of the Unibond Premier League, 6ft plus 28 year old left sided experienced defender, who is very strong in the tackle, has a great left foot and likes to play out of defence whenever possible, voted Blyth's player of the season.
Phil Nixon
From Ashington FC of the Northern League, 6ft plus 22 year old central defender, wins everything in the air and is very quick on the ground, ex-Doncaster Rovers player, voted Ashington's best player last season.
Tony Nelson
Joins from Tow Law Town of the Northern League, 32 year old tough tackling midfield player, who has been a superb player in the Northern league for many years, ex-Gretna and Penrith.
Stuart Heppell
From Ashington FC, 19 year old 6ft 2ins left sided midfield/winger, plays in a style similar to Chris Waddle, but is very quick when he puts his mind to it, ex-Leicester City junior.
John Sunderland
From Ashington FC, 24 year old midfield playmaker with an eye for goals, likes to get on the ball and runs things from midfield, ex-Blackpool and Hartlepool player.
Stephen Pickering
From Tow Law, 22 year old right side of midfield or right back, who gets his fair share of goals in a season and can play anywhere if required, ex-Sunderland junior.
Ross Atkinson
From Ashington FC, 20 year old midfield dynamo, who never stops running and competing, had trials with Man Utd and Sunderland as a youngster.
Danny Paterson
18 year old left back from Ashington FC, good defensively with a great left foot, likes to get forward and deliver good crosses ex-England FA School of excellence player, who has great potential for the future.
So what have we got so far then. Most importantly, a midfield playmaker with league experience, lets hope he can do a job. Secondly, a left sided midfield player, another position which was clearly perceived as a problem last season. A right sided player, perhaps to give us overlapping options from right back? And a midfield ball winner to replace Cleeland/Leslie. And how will that leave the team looking for next year? Here's my early guess, remembering that I don't know anything about any of the new players, although I will be trying to find out more.
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Doesn't look too bad so far, does it? I have said before, I think the only things we lacked last season were creativity and midfielders who would also defend. Hopefully the new guys will bring this with them and provide us with a successful season.
2/6/00
You may already know this but though you might be interested in the following quote from the Dumfries and Galloway Standard.
Annan will be hosting their own mini tournament.
Topping the bill are Scottish Premier Division new boys St. Mirren, who are promising to bring a strong squad for the competition. Making up the numbers are Carlisle United and Queen of the South.
Quote ends. They really rate us then, making up the numbers indeed.
The dates are 8th and 9th of July. Unfortunately, I'm on holiday so won't be of much use to you for reports etc.
1/6/00
Living up to the advertising, here is 'the fastest Queen of the South News on the Net!' (OK, its taken straight from the Standard).
John Connolly has returned from his holidays and announced that when pre season training begins on 24th June it will be in Dumfries, as it will be from now on.
There is no announcement on signings yet although they reckon they have 8 or 9 players already 'in the bag'. Not all are from the North East, as widely speculated, Mr Connolly reports that he has been looking at the Central Belt, Ayrshire, Carlisle, Workington and elsewhere (is Dumfries one of the 'elsewhere's?). If this is the case then training in Dumfries makes sense as it will be the central point. A source tells me that at least one player is coming from Gretna but as he doesn't know who that's not really a lot of use!
The first pre season (end of season?) action is the Millennium Soccer Sixes on 6/7 June (see 23/5/00 story), just as well cause we're unlikely to have many more players than that by then.
The first full team games have been confirmed as the Annan tournament against Annan and Carlisle on 8th and 9th of July (would you believe I'll be on Holiday again? Life in the Jet Set!). Before I go through I'll try to do a preview, check it out cause I've got a brilliant new feature for next season which I think you'll like. On the 15th July we go to play North Shields away and then follows our first home game against Gateshead on 22nd July. The Challenge Cup begins on 26th July but we're hoping for a bye, and if so another friendly will be arranged. I have heard that the draw for the League Cup 1st Round has been delayed because Kilmarnock have gone into a draw for a place in the EUFA Cup as the fair play winners and they are waiting for the outcome of this before doing the League Cup draw.
27/5/00
With the European Championships fast approaching, give this site a visit and cheer on our British representatives, England :-). http://www.soccerEuro2000.net. (You might also get a hint of what my new site is going to look like!).
Have been reading a list of released players from Scottish Clubs and among the interesting ones are Darren Henderson (Hamilton), Tom Black (Stranraer) and Paul McGrillen (Stirling Albion). For the full list visit http://www.footballtransfers.co.uk/.
25/5/00
Glass & Glazing will be the new sponsors of Queen of the South next season following tonight's prize draw at Palmerston, which will probably be news to them too as they couldn't make it tonight. The full results are :-
Glass & Glazing Shirt Sponsorship Lowland Group Match Sponsorship Reid & Adams Directors Club Membership Heathhall Garden Centre Executive Club Membership Oakbank Services Executive Club Membership Giles Insurance Brokers Executive Club Membership Maryfield Road Nursery Executive Club Membership Atlas On Line Autographed Ball John Beattie & Sons Autographed Shirt Abacus Insurance Mascot (after Northern Garage returned the prize)
Yours truly's's name remained firmly planted to the bottom of the barrel from which the names were drawn, surprise, surprise, as did the Doonhamer's Travel Club, which is a bit of a shame cause it would be nice for Queens to be sponsored by the fans. Congratulations through to Glass and Glazing on what I'm sure will turn out to be a most valuable prize.
Personally, I'm quite happy with the season ticket and regular mention in the program as this site's about to take of anyway, just you watch this space!
Had a very nice chat with Ronnie Bradford who was very supportive of the site and actual seems to read it occasionally, better watch what I'm saying! Seriously, at the risk of sounding like a right creep, I have nothing but respect for the present board. I heard that over 70 firms entered the draw, which is over £21,000.00 pounds into Queens coffers, not atoll bad and probably more than they could get through ordinary sponsorship. Well done Margaret, Ian and Puff (Mungo on the M.I.C.) for their efforts in arranging it all.
23/5/00
I have now registered the domain name www.qosfan.co.uk and you can now access this site threw this name. If you prefer you can still use www.doonhamer.fsnet.co.uk but I think you'll agree, qosfan is sooo much cooler!
In the long run I plan to offer @qosfan.co.uk e-mail addresses i.e. BigJim@qosfan.co.uk of DiscoDes@qosfan.co.uk (to pick a couple at random). I know there are free services on the Net which will let you do this but at the moment there are reasons why I can't use these. I will however keep checking and let you know when they are available.
Pre season match news -
Nothing new here, it's all taken from the official site, but here's a round up of definite and maybe pre season friendlies so far.
6th and 7th June, 6:30pm, Millennium Soccer Sixes , The Ice Bowl, Dumfries against various local teams.
8th and 9th July , Annan Athletic four team tournament, Annan, The hosts have invited Carlisle United, Queens and one other team.
A guy from Gateshead says we are to play them at Palmerston on 22nd July at Palmerston.
I will keep you up to date if I hear more.
15/5/00
I don't know if this is old news already or if anybody cares but supposedly Steven Leslie's going to Stranraer next season. Look forward to at least 4 games next season where we're playing against 10 men for 80 minutes after he gets sent off (couldn't agree more that were better rid of him as if you didn't guess)
Speaking of the Clayholers, that guy who left a message on your site about our joke team with no fans (2086 at our last home game) compared to his (238 at their last home game) - looks like all those years of sheep shearing (I may have amended this bit!- Stuart) down there have affected his eyesight, or maybe it's down to having to look at all the ugly birds in Stranraer all his life. Look forward to seeing them in Division 3, where joke teams with crap support belong.
Great site by the way, apart from that the bit you click on to send e-mails doesn't seem to work. (Thanks for letting me know, I'll have to look at fixing it.)
Walt Adamson [9505170a@student.gla.ac.uk]
Hi,
Read with interest the report in D&G Standard regarding the "New brush sweeps clean" style of chop and change. Normally this practice is reserved for Miners, Doc Workers or Ford/Rover car workers and has finally reared it's ugly head in Dumfries. I presume Ronnie "I'm the Man" Bradford is getting tough and well 'ard in the office!!!
Will Mr Lachie Thomson (Pie Man) be safe? Will Ronnie kick some ass here too??
I hope not as the aforementioned Mutton Meister is my old man......no more pies please Dad!
Hope you enjoyed your well earned break in sun, great site and see ya in a couple of weeks when yours prodigally returns to Dumfries for a wee break from sunny Jacksonville (Home of the Jax Jaguars....WHO)
Cheers,
Stuart Thomson ThomsonStu996@aol.com (Slightly Edited!)
13/5/00
Hi, Sports Fans, I'm back from my week by the pool in Majorca reading Bill Lechie's excellent book, Penthouse and Pavement (a free and well deserved plug there, I recommend you read it). My big mate, Billie, sums up perfectly what it is to be a fan of a smaller team instead of one of the hoards of 'supporters' who head to Glasgow every week to watch the big two, WE DON'T EXPECT TO WIN. However, Bill knows nothing, I'll bet he's never phoned home having taken a fly holiday before the end of the season, to find his team, supposedly playing to impress the new manager for next year and get new contracts, have been doofin' well splanjed six blarffing 1 (read the book if you don't understand). Bill, unsurprisingly, loves to tell you about the day St Mirren won the cup, and I couldn't help thinking back to the fans bit in the program when they are asked what their favorite Queens game was. Almost without exception its the Ayr cup replay which ended 5-4 over 20 years ago, the League Cup game in which we beat Premier League Dundee 6-0 over 20 years ago or the Challenge Cup Final (Which we lost). Success starved or what! Still, as the song goes, I'll be back next week (you know what I mean).
A lot of what I was going to say here has been pre-emted by the fact that Queens have already named the players to be released for next season, I thought they'd have waited for my opinion. So instead, I'll tell you whether they got it right or not.
John Hillcoat - I'm afraid a look at the goals against column tells it's own story. While Hillcoat is far from being the most responsible person for this, with Mathieson back he is unlikely to feature much and probably doesn't want to be a sub. That is assuming we can hold on to Mathieson, which in my opinion would show exactly what is wrong with Scottish football if a big team doesn't snap him up.
Charlie Adams - I read somebody on the Official Site criticise him for a lack of commitment. In my opinion, this is one thing you certainly can't accuse him of. He gives 100% every game and even when he is on the bench, celebrates each goal more than any of the other players. Unfortunately, this just hasn't been enough, and the light weight nature of his game has seen him knocked of the ball too easily. We will miss his pace and adaptability but overall I think we had to let him go.
Alistair Brown - Never really heard of him so can't say!
Graham Duncan -Never looked much more than a stop gap, and although he improved as the season went on, he isn't really what we need in midfield, his distribution just wasn't up to it.
John Gallagher - Must be pretty p****d off, only just arrived and being shown the door already. What was the point of signing him in the first place (I don't think they fancy Mark Weir much either and was a bit surprised not to see him in the list).
Alan Kerr - Might just have given him the benefit of the doubt, he never really looked fully fit through and this was probably his downfall.
Ken Eadie - By far our best outfield player but just can't do it anymore. Gave us a good six games this year but we need more than this and was very honest to recommend himself for release.
Steven Leslie and Marc Cleeland - I've deliberately left these two till last. I'd heard the board were very unhappy with Queens disciplinary record (did I remember to tell you through?) and felt that referees were taking Queens games with the preconceived idea that we were a dirty team. I'd also heard that the board felt this was mainly due to a couple of individuals. Also been plenty of rumors about Leslie taking out his frustrations on inanimate and not so inanimate (Chairmen allegedly) objects. So it came as no great surprise to see them on the list. I've made my views on Leslie very clear and I'm sure no one will be surprised to learn that I agree with this decision, you may be more surprised to learn that I disagree with Cleeland who I thought had shown signs of maturing this last year and also looked a much better player. Cleeland, and Kerr , at a push, apart, I have to agree with the decisions made.
As for players to come in, I have said in the past the North of England was the way to go, we can't compete in the central belt, and, romantic as the notion is, Dumfries can't do it on it's own. I, for one, won't be surprised to see Jim Thompson back at Palmerston next season and I was glad to see a message on the Official Site actually agreeing that Darren Henderson would be worth trying.
I will do an end of term report next week some time when I will give my opinions on the players left and who else I think should be released (there are still a few!).
P.S. On the last day of my holiday, as I was waiting for my bus to the Airport at 3 a.m., a bus of newcomers came in and on it was a group of single guys, mainly young but a few older ones, who were very well oiled and desperately trying to get of the bus so they could head for the nearest all night bar. Now, I'm useless at recognising footballers in their civvies (even ours) but I thought one of them was Paul Kinnaird, so I was wondering if this was Ross County's end of season celebratory Holiday. I'm trying to find out if they are actually away.
I found your reference to Stranraer FC, the Town, and its support, as "Clay holers" insulting.
I think you will find that there were 100 Stranraer fans at Palmerston, not "20" - which, is more than you took to Stair Park, by the way.
The truth of the matter is that QoS are the most god-awful excuse for a senior side Scottish Football has ever seen.
Steve Mallan is nothing but a cheat, and Andy Aitkin has to physically attack other players to stop the opposition scoring.
You also have a feeble travelling support, and despite being full time, still rely on HAMILTON to actually stay in the league!
Sorry, I'll change my attitude immediately!!!! Come on man, read the site, it's all tongue in cheek. Anyway, you Clay Hole hicks should be pleased that we actual bother to look upon you as rivals :-). Lighten up! (P.S. are there any other Clay Holers who read this site and think it's insulting? Personally, I'd be very worried if you lot started being nice about us.)
What's with the player of the year award? You've missed out Peter Donald.....
robert stalker [r_stalker@yahoo.com]
News of an interesting new Queens page. It's by an ex-Doonhamer who has started a Bolton Wanderers site but with a Queens section. Give it a look.
I have a QoS page on my site, it is a bit poor just now but I will soon be adding to it, I will put a link on to your site if that is ok as there is no comparison to the content you have
James
Visit my BWFC site at
6/5/00
As you read this I am sunning myself in Majorca (unless you have found out that I cheated by posting this on the Friday night). For a report on the Alloa game go to the Official Site.
Alloa 6 Queens 1 Arbroath 3 Partick 2 Hamilton 1 Stirling 0 Stenhousemuir 2 Ross County 2 Stranraer 2 Clyde 1
5/5/00
The SFA have rejected Hamilton's appeal against the deduction of 15 points for their failure to show up for the game at Stenhousemuir, leaving Queens once again safe from relegation and back in the 2nd Division next year, at least until the appeal to the European Courts! I feel like I've said enough about this already and can't think of anything else, except it all feels like a bit of an anti climax. Never mind, bring on the Berwick.
4/5/00
Queens won the Southern Counties Challenge Cup last night with a 5-2 extra time victory over Tarff Rovers. Scorers for a near full strength Queens in normal time were Boyle and Mallan, Rowe had to be substituted after only 5 minutes to be replaced by Kerr who was in turn sent off in the first half following the incident which lead to Hillcoat saving a penalty. Queens turned the 2-2 full time score into a 5-2 extra time win as their superior fitness allowed Duncan, Boyle and Mallan to add to the scoring. Previous commitments stopped me from attending but the Official Site has a very good report (this is becoming a habit!)
2/5/00
I have heard that Connolly is bringing a number of his own players to the club, but one player on his way back to Palmerston is Thomson. Now this may just be speculation with his attendance at the game, and supporters dance, but let's just say Thomson has been doing a good impression of someone who is more interested than Queen of the South than Arbroath in the last couple of weeks.
I have also heard confident noises coming from a few places, mainly outside of Palmerston, and pessimistic noises from Hamilton, about the outcome of this Friday's 'Trial'. We await with baited breath.
I read in Saturday's papers that Aberdeen have been told they cannot appeal over their ticket allocation for the Scottish Cup Final. According to the SFA, they have no right of appeal! Ahem, so what is the score with the Hamilton appeal then?
Thanks to e-Doonhamer for much of the above info.
An almost full strength Queens team reached the final of the Southern Counties Challenge Cup last night after a narrow 2-1 victory. Queens went down just after the break but an own goal and Charlie Adams strike saw them through to face Tarff at Palmerston tomorrow (Wednesday) night. There is a good report on the game on the official site.
30/4/00
Last night (29th) saw the Annual Doonhamers Travel Club Player of the Year Awards Night. A good turnout of fans, players and officials saw the following prizes given out :-
Travel Club Player Of The Year - Stevie Mallan
Travel Club Young Player Of The Year - Sandy Hodge
Langley Muir Memorial Award for "Away Day" Player Of The Year - John Hillcoat
Ian Corbett Memorial Award for Goal of the Season - Sandy Hodge (v Clyde at Palmerston)
Female Supporters "Rear of the Year" - David Mathieson (I take it this is players only and not fans or I'd have walked it! -Stuart)
Also present were representatives from the QoS Fan Club who gave out their own awards :-
QoS Fan Club Player Of The Year - Stevie Mallan
QoS Fan Club Young Player Of The Year - Geoff Paterson
Unfortunately, of the Award winners, only David Mathieson and Sandy Hodge were present.
Players in attendance :-
David Mathieson, Andy Aitken, Dennis Boyle, Steven Leslie, Kevin Robison, George Rowe, Sandy Hodge, Mark Weir & Paul Stewart. ( Oh! and Jim Thomson !! )
Re QoS v Hamilton
You probably did see Jim Thomson in the Stand. He was certainly there as I spoke to him. Also, I don't want to pick holes (well, all right, I do) but today's goal was George Rowe's third of the season, not his first. He also scored the first in the home 3-3 draw with Stirling Albion and the second in the 5-2 defeat at Arbroath.
Ewan
Oops, should have checked my facts first, you are of course correct about George's goals, I had convinced myself that he hadn't scored this season and that it was due to the extra responsibility. Still not the return you would usually expect from George through.
I'm of on my holidays next Saturday, and so is e-Doonhamer (not together!). I was going to get a report done and try to get someone to post it on the site but I have decided that it will be easier just to do what Colin did for the last Alloa game and direct you to his site (I know for a fact there is going to be a report on there. So, if you've checked in here looking for a report on Alloa then click here to be taken to one.
Normally, this site isn't really worth checking during the close season but this time could be different. For a start, God and the SFA (is there any difference in their own minds) only knows what league Queens are going to end up in next season and so long as the buggers don't decide while I'm away I will bring you the news as soon as I hear it.
Also, I have been signed up to join a network of Fan Based Sites, and this should start sometime during the close season, and believe me, will much improve the site (I know , you didn't think it was possible but it is!).
After much thought I decided that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I don't think the advertising is too intrusive, indeed, I find a lot of the links extremely handy, and hope you will too. In addition to this I have gained the following advantages :
Keep checking in, I promise you won't be disappointed. Hopefully, you won't have long to wait.
29/4/00
Clyde 4 Arbroath 1 Partick 0 Alloa 1 Queens 1 Hamilton 1 Ross County 3 Stranraer 1 Stirling 1 Stenhousemuir 0
28/4/00
I'm supposed to be doing a preview of the match against Hamilton this weekend, but were am I supposed to begin when I can't even work out what we're playing for? Is it a meaningless end of season game for a team safe from relegation against the team already relegated, is it a meaningless end of season game for a team safe from relegation (Yes, I did mean to say this twice as it could apply to both teams) or is it a vital battle between the 2 bottom teams in the second last game of the season? It is ridiculous that the SFA/League have allowed this situation to occur. Hamilton are not our enemies in this, they are battling for their own survival and it's not really their fault that we have been dragged in. The blame lies squarely with the suits, both the a fore mentioned SFA/League and the Hamilton board. I, for one, will be doing my workers united bit and applauding the Hamilton players onto the pitch (that will be the only time), but how many of you wouldn't withdraw your labour if you weren't being paid. Once on the pitch, we have to assume the later option, i.e. this is the relegation decider and we have to give it our all, both on and off the pitch.
Team news for tomorrow has kind of dwindled into insignificance among the other events of this week. The Courier is as useful as it has been for the last few weeks in this respect with only a fans column by Counsellor Bill Nimmo (he doesn't mention any team news!) and very little else. I actually bought the Standard but of course I left it at work. From what I can remember there wasn't anything in it you haven't read hear first!!!!!!!!! Steve Mallan is suspended still (back next week) so there are unlikely to be many team changes, it has been suggested that both Eadie and Rowe will play so it will be interesting to see who takes charge of the team, has Connolly started already does anybody know or does he not start till the end of the season.
If anybody cares what Hamilton are saying (or just wants to wind them up like Alex Wilson!) click on this link - http://www.hamiltonaccies.co.uk
27/4/00
I can't keep up. See the message below from Alex Wilson and it would appear our future is far from clear. As I said yesterday, Division 3 might not be that bad an option for next season, but not knowing until August is!!!!! Looks like this one could run and run.
Back on the managerial front, I have been thinking about the appointment and am coming to the opinion that it could well be a very good move. I think the board have probably known for some time that Eadie and Rowe were going to resign at the end of the season and have been looking for a replacement for a while. I don't think this has been a rushed decision. I have been saying for some time (I bloody have, check back!) that we should be recruiting players from the North East and West of England rather than trying to battle for signatures of Central Belt players with the 30ish senior clubs in that area. If you lived in Glasgow and had an offer from Queens or Clyde, who would you sign for? There are less senior clubs in the North of England and a very high quality Non League scene. There must be a host of players with the ability to play Scottish Second Division and hopefully this new guy will be able to attract a few. I have been racking my brain for memories of John Connoly. I seem to remember having a football card in the late 70's of him as a left half at Newcastle United but can't actually remember him playing. (Translation for younger readers - Football Cards were the predecessors of Pokomon, the 70's were an era when rebels were punks, a bit like the Spice Girls (NOT!), left half was left side of midfield and Newcastle United were the Toon Army).
I notice David is becoming " apprehensive" about the supposed meeting on Friday, check out his two e-mails to the Hamilton website. It's a pity he supported the view that Hamilton were hard done by, it only helped their case in my opinion.
According to the Teletext and Border tv tonight, Hamilton have their 15 points back, the Appeals committee will meet on Monday after the Queens match on Saturday, no doubt to set the new figure so that even if Queens win on Saturday they will not catch them up, so could you please change that bloody headline you've had for the last few days that Second Division football is assured?
Alex Wilson
26/4/00
Things are moving quickly down Palmerston way! No sooner had I posted the undernoted messages than I go to the official site and they are announcing the new management team. I Hope Colin doesn't mind (let me know if you do and I'll remove this) but here is what they are saying.
With effect from the end of this season ex-Hearts and Everton player John Connoly, presently Manager of English non-league side Ashington will take over as Manager of Queen of the South. John will bring his present player/coach Ian Scott with him.
I find this a bit worrying, especially as the previous news posting on the official site states that Rowe and Eadie have resigned now " to allow new arrangements for next season to be considered fully and put in place. " Either this has been on the table for some time and Queens already new who they wanted (I hope) or this is a rush job (I hope not). Just shows you through, I was convinced it was going to be Davie Irons, never listen to rumours.
I'm not even going to mention the debacle that has become of the finale to the season, except to say that we must win on Saturday.
It is interesting to see in the papers that the usual suspects are in the frame for the hotseat at Palmerston, Davie Irons and Ian McCall must applied for every job in Scotland, whenever anyone is sacked, or resigns in Scotland, these two names come up. Personally I would like to see Ray Stewart take the job, he has enough experience, and is a motivator. The only drawback is that he would have to be full-time, but I believe that we require a full-time manager anyway. Judging by Ronnie Bradford's comments on the official site, he has enough ambition to go for someone like this. Let's hope so.
e-Doonhamer.
Ken Eadie has announced that he will be joining George Rowe in resigning his managerial post at the end of the season. He says that they worked well as a team and he does not want to continue without George. In the one inch of column space this story warranted in the Sun Ian McCall is being put forward as the favourite to succeed them (no way) and as I mentioned below Davie Irons as another possibility (yes way). Watch this space.
I'm feeling apprehensive about Friday. The first decision was ridiculous and the fact the meeting has been thrown together at short notice is worrying. There must be the possibility Hamilton's deduction will be adjusted so that Saturday will effectively be a play-off. Part of their reasoning the first time seemed to be that they put Hamilton in a position where they could 'play their way out'. They might be tempted to take the same view this time.
There is a bandwagon rolling, which is that there has been an injustice which must be addressed. Unfortunately, most of the comment I have seen approaches the problem as though it only affects Hamilton.
In reality, most Press coverage of Football is one-dimensional (and focussed on Rangers/Celtic etc), so we shouldn't be surprised at the simplistic coverage. However, simplistic or not, it does create an impression there is pressure growing on the League to 'do something'.
I would like to think Queens are taking the appropriate steps to protect their position.
Would Rowe/Eadie have resigned if they thought relegation was still an issue?
David Main
It looks like you'll get your wish and Queens will be relegated after all when Hamilton get their points reinstated, so you needn't feel ''hollow" or "empty" anymore, if you visit the Hamilton website you'll find they already know the composition of the appeals panel, and guess what? One of the two representatives of the League Clubs is none other than a member of Partick Thistle's Board, whose club benefits to the tune of 50,000 pounds a year from Hamilton for "ground rental" I believe. Real impartiality there, what?
The Scottish news tonight said that Hamilton will have their 15 points reinstated on Friday, so that's us 8 points behind them with 2 games to go. Happy now?
Alex Wilson.
Thanks Alex, I totally respect your views and admire the fact that you will air them here as well as on the Hamilton site. I really don't want to get into a slagging match but at the same time I will accept any criticism dished out, in fact the more feed back I get on here, the better. Believe me, I will be as delighted as anyone if we stay up, however we do it. However, I am a football fan. If I wanted to see who was the best at Polictical Debating I would go to Edinburgh to book a seat in the viewing area of the Scottish Parliament.
Would Division 3 really be such a bad thing for next season. Take a look at the other teams who will be left in this division and you will see that Partick are the only other team likely to even approach 4 figure gates. Despite the number of Highland teams in the 3rd Division next season, the two new teams are likely to attract larger crowds to start with at least and a hopefully successful 3rd division team may prove to be a bigger draw than a mid table second division team. I would also give us the chance to rebuild our team in a less pressurised environment. As I said, I don't want to go down, but it wouldn't be the end of the world and I'd still much rather we pull together and manage to stay up on merit. Lets hope for a big turn out at Palmerston on Saturday with everyone getting behind the team.
25/4/00
George Rowe has fallen on his sword and resigned from his position of co-manager at Palmerston to spend more time with his family. Thankfully, he will be staying on as a player. Personally, I think he has made the right decision. His appointment was only ever supposed to be short term and in hindsight should really have remained at the originally intended rest of last season. He and Eadie did a good job of making a good but under performing side fulfil its potential last season but they have failed to turn an average side into a good side this season. His personal form has also suffered this season. I'm sure George will make a good manager one day, hopefully a good Queen of the South manager, but his time hasn't come yet.
The future of Ken Eadie is now interesting. Personally, I'd like to see him given the chance to show what he can do as his own man. He has so much experience at this level of football and is greatly respected so will hopefully be able to attract quality players. The widely muted alternative around Dumfries is Davie Irons, currently bossing Annan. There have been numerous rumours of players being told not to sign for Annan if Irons is the reason they are signing. Davie has a similar level of experience to Eadie but I don't think he is quite so widely respected. He is however local, knows the local scene, and the non league scene, which could well be where we should be looking for our new players.
On this subject, I reckon we are maybe only 2 players short of being a good team, a creative midfielder and someone who will help Mallan by getting 15 goals in a season. The first isn't easy to find, we let a good one go in Townsley, but lets not forget we got him from non league and hopefully we can do the same again. As for the forward, I know this won't be over popular, but Darren Henderson may be looking for a new club and, most of you will admit, is a bloody good player.
Queens are putting round 4 possible designs for their strips for next season, for the fans to choose. I have seen them, there is a plain blue on, a blue and white striped, and blue with a lighter blue strip and a blue and white quartered on. My personal favourite is the plain one. The designs have been passed around on the bus on the way to Arbroath and will be put the vote by the fans. I think they will be voting on the official site and I may also host a vote if Queens think it is worth it.
I really don't see how you can argue that Accies' appeal can't be allowed as Queens "need to plan for next season". There are still 2 games left and, had it not been for the ridiculous SFL management committee decision on Thursday, you would still be waiting to know what division you'd be in next year - planning wouldn't be likely until the very end, unless it was for your rightful place in Division 3. I wouldn't worry too much - I'm sure the SFA will back up their bum-chums at the SFL and we'll be left to our fate with the dross of Scottish football.
George Grandison
Point taken, I don't think I expressed myself too well on this one. I don't mean that Accies should not be able to appeal, I just don't think it should be Queens who suffer if the SFA/League go back on their decision. They have in effect now told us that we will not be relegated and whatever happens to Hamilton, I don't think they can go back on this, especially if the decision is not made before Saturday so we don't know what we're playing for. How they would get round this I don't know.
24/4/00
Queens have announced a cut price scheme for the final home game of the season against Hamilton Accies on Saturday. Entry fees will be :
Adults £4.00 Children £1.00 O.A.P. FREE
There will also be a bumper entertainment package featuring the Dumfries Town Band pre match and at half time (still no dancing girls through).
So go on, come along and bring a friend (I can't cause I haven't got any) to show Hamilton why we are staying in this division.
23/4/00
I agree with your comments that Queens should not now be relegated, having been told they're safe effectively. As an Accies fan, I obviously believe the SFL decision to have been grossly unjust - it seems they were more interested in punishing the players for striking than investigating the underlying reasons why this happened, and our owners are getting off without anything happening. I think if the SFA reverse the decision as they really should (but probably wont), then you are RIGHT - that they can't then suddenly do an about face over Queens status either. The SFL have really made a mess over this and deserve to be first against the wall when the revolution comes (after Accies owners of course).
I also must say, though I can understand the sentiment, I think a few Queenies haven't got the full picture if they think Accies are "cheats" because they failed to turn up at Stenhousemuir. Our players were not being paid their wages (the owners were effectively pushing their own debt/cash flow problems onto them) and in some cases there was a real danger of certain people defaulting on their mortgages. It wasn't about bonus payments, as some newspapers have lazily echoed from somewhere, but their FULL WAGES were repeatedly delayed starting in October. On one occasion they went NINE WEEKS without seeing anything in their bank accounts.
Being handed crossed cheques for March 31st then being told their was no money in the bank to cash them with was the last straw. I don't think there was anything else they could do (the owners were warned when the players came to the brink of action the previous month, and agreements made to resolve that situation were reneged on at the end of March).
Sadly, it may be that Airdrie will go bust and give an unwelcome opportunity for the SFL to retain BOTH clubs in Division Two. The game really is in a dreadful state, and it's not down to the players or the fans.
Putting on another hat, our Association is also part of the Scottish Independent Supporters Coalition (SISCO), a recently formed, independent supporters body looking to see that supporters have a real voice at their clubs, and in the game generally. One aspect of this is in trying to persuade the Scottish Parliament to adopt the "Supporters Direct" package currently set up in England and backed by the Government. This package provides legal advice and support to supporters clubs setting up trusts independent of their clubs, whereby they may be able to make financial input to their clubs in return for fair treatment, and perhaps even a seat on the board (This has been done at Northampton and Partick, and Bournemouth is now completely owned by the trust.
SISCO meetings usually take place in Falkirk on a Sunday, and we're hoping to get SFA Chief David Taylor to the next one. If anyone's interested, contact me at accies@freeuk.com .
I'll say it again - I think it would now be totally ridiculous to tell QOS they're to be relegated if the original Accies decision is reversed. It's the SFL's mess, and no fault of either players or fans.
Donald Anderson (ASA - Accies Supporters Association)
What's everyone depressed about? We didn't go on strike or not pay our players, so Hamilton, be it the players or the Board's fault, brought it on themselves. Do you think that they would be bothered if the boot was on the other foot and we were at fault with something that cost us points? Let's get a grip and accept our good luck and get better prepared for next season. I'm going to have a bloody good laugh next Saturday anyway!
Alex Wilson
Alex has been brave enough to post his views on the Hamilton site ( http://www.hamiltonaccies.co.uk) so I assume he doesn't mind me putting his name to this or his comments on 21/4/00 which I originally posted anonymously.
22/4/00
I have just heard on Radio Scotland that Hamilton are looking at the possibility of an appeal against the deduction of 15 points. As sorry as I feel for Hamilton, this can not be allowed. Queens now need to start making plans for next season. We cannot do this if we don't know what league we will be playing in next season. Let's not forget, we maybe deserve to be relegated but we have done nothing else wrong and so do not deserve to be punished by being thrown into an uncertain position. To ensure this, Queens should sign up at least one player now on 2nd division wages, that way if the league do cave in we have a very strong case to stop them from reversing the decision, or relegating us at least.
Alloa 2 Clyde 1 Arbroath 1 Queens 2 Hamilton 0 Ross County 3 Stenhousemuir 2 Partick 0 Stranraer 3 Stirling 1
I have to admit I feel a bit flat as our victory at Arbroath and Hamilton's defeat at Ross County means we have avoided what seemed like our inevitable relegation, but what a disappointing way to do it.
21/4/00
Some more comments on the Hamilton decision. I have kept it anonymous just now, if you want your name added to it let me know.
I don't think it's the most important game this season, I think it could be the most important game in QOS history. I believe that if we go down to Div 3 this season it will be the death knell of the club and it will only be a matter of time until we cease to exist in Scottish Football because we will starve from the lack of funds and publicity that we need to survive in the new cut throat setup that now runs Scottish football. C'mon Queens, lets beat the cheating clubs like Hamilton who get rid of their fans and grounds so that they can pretend they pay over inflated wages and then cheat their own employees just so they can climb up the league.
Wer'e on a mission from God. Let's do it!
I'm supposed to be on a new regime were I do a preview of the next match a couple of days in advance, however, events this week have kind of overtaken that. So, for our trip to frozen Arbroath this week, which I won't be making but no doubt e-Doonhamer will, we will definitely be without the suspended Steve Mallan but as far as I know all other players are available. However, this game has disappeared down the insignificance plug hole, a win would be nice but, if we beat Hamilton next week, deserve it or not, we will be saved. Let's hope we don't let indifference take over and give this game enough effort. To read about Arbroath click here.
20/4/00
We've got God on our side, We're The Only Team in the Bible. We may just have got our miracle. The league have today deducted Hamilton 15 points for their strike at Stenhousemuir a couple of weeks ago, which will leave them 4 points behind us with the game at Palmerston a week on Saturday now definitely the most important game of the season. A win in that one and we're saved for sure. While it will be a very unsatisfactory way to survive, because we've got more money than Hamilton, at this stage we have to accept anything. Hopeful, we won't now go into a series of appeals and legal actions, although from what I have read so far it sounds like Hamilton are resigned to their fate. It would be very unfair on Queens if this did happen as we need to know for sure as soon as possible what league we will be in next year so contracts can be arranged and new players signed. Now, lets all cross everything and hope that we can actually take advantage of this bit of luck this time.
I have been too busy since Tuesday night to give an opinion on the Stenny Hamilton result. At the time I thought it would have been better for Hamilton to have lost as we still had them to play and they were likely to be deducted at least 3 points. However, today's events have rather overshadowed this match, and who knows, the punishment might not have been as much if they had lost.
Someone who won't be too bothered about today's decision is Graham Armstrong who has been unceremoniously dumped by Stenhousemuir, despite almost certainly saving the villagers from their deserved relegation this season. A slagging match has now ensued in the National Press. AH, coverage for our league!
Read what the poor Hamilton Guy has to say by clicking here.
So the Scottish Football League have got balls after all? Like everybody else, I'm gobsmacked by the size of the penalty, but we must take it and get on with making the most of our second chance. It must begin on Saturday, as we can expect the Hamilton players to come out fighting for their remaining three games. They will feel that they don't deserve to be relegated, and they will be right. However it is the current Accies board that has put th