Challenge Cup Final Program notes Nov 1997. Hamilton Accies Program Notes 14/8/99.
CHARLIE ADAMS - Forward Born Irvine, 21/3/76 Signed : 7/98 Previous Club : Clydebank 99/00 Appearances : 30 sub : 14 Goals : 6 Career Appearances : 20 Goals : 4
"Chico" as he is known joined the Dumfries club at the beginning of last season. Previous clubs include Clydebank Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock. The blonde striker was awarded the Goal of the Season last term for his strike against Stirling Albion.
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - I would love to see Scarlett (one of his middle names) succeed at Palmerston as he gives his all in every game and also because he was so often the butt of a previous manager's criticism any time anything went wrong. Unfortunately, apart from one purple patch at the start of our purple patch last season , he has failed to hit it off so far. His main problem is he is too light weight. Far too often a big old centre half simply eases him off the ball before he can get anywhere. On the plus side he has bags of pace, if he can get going and as I've already said, tries his heart out. He will also play anywhere for us which has again been to his disadvantage on occasion as he has never really had a good run in his favourite forward position at Queens.
ANDREW AITKEN - Defender Born Dumfries, 02.02.78 Signed : 8/96 Previous Club : Annan 99/00 Appearances : 34 sub : 0 Goals : 1 Career Appearances : 82 Goals : 2
Andy broke through to first team duty at the end of last season (96/97)and is still learning the game but has showed from his performances that he has tremendous potential to go much further in the future. A very aggressive player, strong in the tackle and has a great engine for a young pro. A product of Queens youth policy who is tipped for international honours.
Andy forms a formidable partnership with George Rowe and he is hard to beat in the air. Joined Queens three years ago from his home town side, Annan Athletic and since moving from full back to central defence his performances have improved greatly. Was on trial for a week with Aberdeen at the end of last season.
My Opinion
Another steady player who does his job well without being too spectacular. Doesn't overlap as well as Kennedy but tucks in well to form a five when the pressure is on.
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - My player of the season last year has had a tough time of it this year. I was really surprised that he wasn't snapped up by Aberdeen when he went with Lilley and McAllister on trial during the close season. Unfortunately, due to reasons I believe to be beyond his control, this season must have been a major dent to his confidence although he has been made captain in recent weeks. I have played at centre half (admittedly at a different level) for a team who's midfield makes no effort to run back with their man and believe me it's easy to look stupid when you're trying to pick up three men and go for the wrong one or even go for the right one but miss out because your still thinking about the other two guys. Purely for confidence reasons, I would like to see him moved back to left back for a spell.
Height 6ft 1in, Weight 12st
Sold to Brechin October, 1999 LEE BAILEY- Forward/Midfield Born Edinburgh, 10.07.72 Signed : 7/98 Previous Club : Livingston 99/00 Appearances : 10 sub : 4 Goals : 2 Career Appearances : 18 Goals : 1
Although small for a striker Lee nets his fair share of goals and scored the all important winner against Arbroath in the recent League Cup encounter. An experienced player who was five seasons with Livingston and before that was four years at Easter Road with Hibs. Still good friends with Chris Reid.
DENIS BOYLE - Midfield Born Letterkenny, 24.04.81 Signed : 8/97 Previous Club : Dungloe 99/00 Appearances : 19 sub : 1 Goals : 2 Career Appearances : 10 Goals : 0
'The Donegal Diamond' as he is known, has a sweet left foot. Only 16 years old but shows the knowledge and awareness of an experienced pro. Has great vision in the game for such a young lad and tasted first team football when he was included in the team which played recently (11/97) in a friendly against the crack Chinese outfit Vanguard Huandou, who included Paul Rideout in their line-up. The wee man performed brilliantly. Originally from Letterkenny in Donegal, where there was a number of teams eagerly awaiting his signature. However, Queens youth set-up tipped the scales and he has now settled well into his new surroundings.
A talented youngster with superb ball control Denis is currently a member of the Northern Ireland Under 1 8 squad. Hails from Letterkenny, he is known as the "Donegal Diamond" and is tipped to go far in the game with his talent.
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - It is now time for Denis to come of age. Is one of only two players in the current squad (Caldwell being the other) who actually looks comfortable with the ball at his feet and can actually dribble (there's an old fashioned word now!) and pass the ball. On top of this, keep any eye on him off the ball. He does what a midfielder should, tracks his man back into defence, something which is sadly missing from his fellow midfielders. Unfortunately, discipline problems have led to his runs in the team this year being limited but hopefully with the two existing occupants of the midfield on long suspensions, he will be able to establish himself.
Height 5ft 5in, Weight 9st 5lb
BRIAN CALDWELL - Forward Born Glasgow, 20.3.81 Signed : 8/97 Previous Club : Queens Youth 99/00 Appearances : 19 sub : 6 Goals : 3 Career Appearances : 2 Goals : 1
Another youngster on the verge of a regular first team place. He is a skilful young player with great potential. Has now been two years at Palmerston - another graduate of the youth policy.
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - The second player in the Queens side who actually looks comfortable on the ball. Reminds me a bit of an Archie Gemmell or Asa Hartford, and purely for this reason I would like to see him have a go in midfield. Has recently come back into the side after having far to much placed on him early in the season when after a couple of good games up front the local press were comparing him to Pele. At the moment, usually players either up front or left midfield which is handy cause he is all left footed but as I said I think he might be worth trying in the centre of midfield.
MARC CLEELAND - Midfield Born Carlisle, 15.12.75 Signed : 8/95 Previous Club : Carlisle 99/00 Appearances : 27 sub : 2 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 51 Goals : 2
The midfield dynamo of the team. Breaks up so many attacks with his constant work rate and closing players down. A very tenacious aggressive player who at times, possibly does the same amount of work as two players in a game. An important influence in the team and is not frightened to shoot at goal himself on occasion. Previously with Carlisle United and now in his third season at Queens.
Signed from Carlisle United in 1995, Marc hails from Cockermouth in Cumbria. Now an established midfielder, he made 27 first team appearances last season. An industrious player with a high work rate who gives 100% effort in every game.
My Opinion
Has a good work rate and is very aggressive and is always likely to provide a laugh by getting sent. I have however yet to see him pass to one of his own players and I don't think midfield playmaker is the place for him.
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Has been the target for much criticism recently, particularly on the message board on the official WEB site, which I find a little strange. While I was probably his biggest critic last season I feel he has improved beyond recognition now and is very close to being a good player. He still can't pass and just when it looked like he had solved his discipline problems he is now suspended for five weeks but his work rate in midfield continues to be impressive. He needs to learn when to hold his position rather than go chasing the ball but when he does this he will be a very good midfield ball winner. I would have liked to have seen how he would have got on this year if he had had a Townsley to feed.
Height 5ft 8in, Weight 10st 2lb
STUART DAVIDSON - Midfield Born Glasgow, 3/8/79 Signed : 12/99 Previous Club : Kilmarnock (1 month loan) 99/00 Appearances : 2 sub : 1 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Can't say, never really seen him.
JOHN DICKSON - Forward Born Glasgow, 23/12/69 Signed : 10/99 Previous Club : Brechin 99/00 Appearances : 23 sub : 0 Goals : 1 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Gives us balance on the right side of midfield but doesn't really do much for me. Doesn't really take men on, isn't often seen hitting the touch line and sending in dangerous crosses, I haven't seen him put in many dangerous efforts on goal. In short, although he has now been here for a while now, I have hardly noticed him but at least he keeps the shape, shame about the rest of them.
GRAHAM DUNCAN - Midfield Born Glasgow, 2/2/69 Signed : 2/00 Previous Club : Albion Rovers 99/00 Appearances : 10 sub : 0 Goals : 1 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Just signed this week and still haven't seen him.
KENNETH EADIE - Forward Born Paisley, 26.02.61 Signed : 7/97 Previous Club : Airdrie 99/00 Appearances : 8 sub : 3 Goals : 3 Career Appearances : 39 Goals : 16
Previous clubs include Kilmarnock, Brechin City, Clydebank and Airdrieonians before joining the Queens in July of this year (97). Has been a prolific goal scorer during his career and is still a threat. He is a good professional who holds the line well up front and is a good target man. Has recently been partnering Stevie Mallan very well, and the pair are showing some real quality finishing and prowess up front.
The veteran of squad, Ken is co-manager along with George Rowe. He is happy to stay on the bench at present but capable of coming on if required. Although in the twilight of his career Ken still has great ball control and lays on many chances for his team mates. Joined them in 1997 from Airdrieonians but his other clubs include Kilmarnock, Brechin City, Falkirk and Clydebank.
My Opinion
Has been the subject of much criticism from the fans but while he is unlikely to score you many goals with runs from the half way line, or runs from anywhere for that matter, I'll bet that he'll poach us a few gaols this season. A born goal scorer after my own heart.
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Well past his sell by date now, unfortunately the player manager is still by a street the best outfield player we have. Has been forced into coming back into the team recently and, if we can use him sparingly, may yet to be our saviour this season. Has no pace at all left (I think I could give him a start!) but is still brilliant in the air. Every long ball forward in our new direct style game, if it is in his area, is one and set up for a team mate, just a shame the team mates aren't taking advantage.
Height 5ft 10in, Weight 11st 8lb
Left Club October, 1999 BILLY FINDLAY - Midfield Born Kilmarnock, 29.08.70 Signed : 7/99 Previous Club : Ayr 99/00 Appearances : 10 sub : 6 Goals : 1 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
Joined last month Bill is a strong, powerful midfielder with a wealth of experience. An Ayrshire lad his former clubs include Ayr United and Hibernian. Looks certain to be a big favourite in a Queens shirt.
JOHN GALLAGHER - Midfield Born , Signed : 3/00 Previous Club : Arbroath 99/00 Appearances : 3 sub : 1 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
Sold to Motherwell October, 1999 PAUL HARVEY - Midfield Born Glasgow, 28.08.68 Signed : 7/99 Previous Club : Livingston 99/00 Appearances : 12 sub : 0 Goals : 2 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
Joined Queens during the close season, Paul is an experienced player with a high strike rate. Formerly with Livingston but has also been with Airdrieonians Clydebank and Manchester United. Usually operates down the right flank.
WARNE HAWKE - Forward Born Durham, 20/9/70 Signed : 12/99 Previous Club - Morton 99/00 Appearances : 16 sub : 0 Goals : 4 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Our recent signing from Morton, where he appeared to be a hero on a par with another ex-player and manager, is probably our most talented player on paper, having played in an English Cup final for Sunderland a few years ago. He has looked good at times, particularly in our one performances this season against Stenhousemuir where the goal he scored was pure class. Again through, I haven't really seen enough of him yet to form an opinion.
JOHN HILLCOAT - Goalkeeper Born East Kilbride, 16.12.70 Signed : 7/99 Previous Club : Hamilton 99/00 Appearances : 26 sub : 0 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
Was signed only recently as cover for the injured David Mathieson. Made his debut against Arbroath in the League Cup and his late penalty save earned Queens a lucrative tie against Hearts. Freed by Hamilton in the close season, he has also been with Clyde, Dunfermline, St. Mirren, Partick Thistle and Morton amongst others.
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Despite Queens poor defensive record this year he has been one of our best players, winning man of the match awards on many occasions when defeats could have been slaughterings. However, no harm to the guy, he is definitely only a stand for Mathieson who along with Eadie is one of our only class players. Would like to see him stay at the club but can't see him getting many more games if Mathieson is fit.
SANDY HODGE - Midfield / Defence Born Lanark, 4/10/80 Signed 8/99 Previous Club : Motherwell 99/00 Appearances : 25 sub : 1 Goals : 1 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Local press went totally over the top after he had a superb game against Stenhousemuir, linking him with a move to Leeds. Has improved steadily since coming into the team and is a very strong and tall lest sided player but still doesn't look too comfortable at left back, which doesn't look like his position. I don't know what his best position is but I would like to see him given a chance in it to see what he can really do.
ALAN KERR - Defence/Midfield Born Irvine, 07.05.76 Signed : 7/99 Previous Club : Thor (Iceland) 99/00 Appearances : 21 sub : 7 Goals : 1 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
A powerfully built full back who was signed only last month. Formerly with Kilmarnock Alan joined Hamilton Accies in March from the Rugby Park side. Was freed by them in May and played for Akranes in Iceland then returned home and turned out for Partick Thistle before joining up with the Palmerston club. Strong in the tackle, he enjoys joining the attack on the overlap. Is never seen parted from his mobile phone!
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Managed to get a mention on Sky's Soccer AM for 'the best own goal ever' against Livingston recently and this has been his main claim to form. Started out at left back where he could be brilliant for 89 minutes and then make a stupid mistake which would cost us the game. Is now getting more games in his favoured midfield but he doesn't look fit too me and I would class him as no more than a squad player.
STEVEN LESLIE - Midfield Born Dumfries, 06.02.76 Signed : 1/96 Previous Club : Annan 99/00 Appearances : 19 sub : 2 Goals : 1 Career Appearances : 64 Goals : 4
Although small in stature Steven is a tenacious player who never shirks a tackle and covers every inch of the park. A good distributor of the ball. A local lad who is now captain of the side, Steven follows the footsteps of his brother, Stan, who also played with Queens.
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - I think I have made my views on him perfectly clear. I don't know what hold he has on Queens but why he is still here I don't know. I don't like to criticise players, and I wouldn't do it at the ground, but I can't help myself in this case. He has no discipline (on or off the park), can't pass, can't tackle and doesn't track back. To be fair, he was brilliant against Hearts, and to me, this shows why he is crap in the second division. He is good at hustling players and not giving them time on the ball. Unfortunately, in Division 2, what we need is a guy who will dominate the midfield and that is certainly not Steven Leslie. Sorry, but I just don't like him.
Transferred to Aberdeen September, 1999 DAVID LILLEY- Defender Born Bellshill, 31. 10.77 Signed : 10/95 Previous Club : Youths 99/00 Appearances : 5 sub : 0 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 78 Goals : 1
A product from the Queens youth policy at Under- 16 level who has grown into a formidable professional. From Bellshill, David has been plagued by a few niggly injuries this season (99/00), but is now back playing and has put in a few good, sound performances in the reserve side lately, enough to prompt the management to bring him back into the first team squad. Very good in the air and is deceptively quick over the short distance. A player to watch.
Has now been at Palmerston for four years and graduated to the first team via the Queens Youth team. Last season was David's best and his performances attracted the attention of Premier League sides. A very dependable full back who normally wears the number two shirt. Sent off last week and should miss today.
Height 6ft 1in, Weight 11st 4lb
RUSSELL McGUFFIE - Defender Born Dumfries, 5/9/81 Signed : 5/99 Previous Club : Youths 99/00 Appearances : 0 sub : 0 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 1 Goals : 0
STEPHEN MALLAN - Forward Born Glasgow, 30.08.67 Signed : 8/93 Previous Club : Clyde 99/00 Appearances : 35 sub : 3 Goals : 12 Career Appearances : 200 Goals : 81
The jewel of the pack. Stephen has this season (99/00) proved the critics wrong again with his goal tally reaching double figures. A thorn in any defence with his enthusiastic and powerful running ability, he is always a threat in and around the goal. He is so unpredictable and is a real instinctive striker who doesn't need time to think as everything is done off the cuff. Proving this season to be a big hit for Queens.
A strong, bustling striker who is full of running. Has been leading scorer at Palmerston for the past five years and netted 15 times last season. Made his 200th appearance for Queens in May. Stevie hails from Glasgow and his grandfather played for Celtic. Scored in last week's defeat by Arbroath.
My Opinion
When I first saw him I thought he was the worst professional footballer I had ever seen and thought Queens had mistakenly signed Timmy Mallet! Having not been a regular for a few years I couldn't believe the improvement in him this year on my return to regular football. Has good pace which is now combined with a belief in himself to take people on and go for goal. Is also good at breaking wide and sending in telling crosses, usually for Eadie to miss. Update (8/98) Been off form recently and the goals have dried up. Tends to get disheartened and I don't think his attitude helps the younger players at times like this.
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Despite being very up and down he is still our top scorer every year and looks likely to be so again this year. Given the right service has the pace to cause problems and still has goals left in him.
Height 5ft 11in, Weight 12st 4lb
DAVID MATHIESON - Goalkeeper Born Dumfries, 18.01.78 Signed : 8/96 Previous Club : St Johnstone 99/00 Appearances : 10 sub : 0 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 125 Goals : 0
A player who is regarded as one of the best young prospects around in Scotland. Previously with Rangers and St.Johnstone, David has put in a number of first class performances to date and has been rewarded for his exploits by his inclusions in the Under 21 international squad. A very confident individual who always demands the best from himself.
My Opinion
I have been extremely impressed with him, particularly his levels of concentration when not involved in the game. But we must remember he is only 19 and in the last few games (Jan 98) he has looked less reliable than usual with a tendency to flap at crosses. Overall through, I think he is going right to the top, unfortunately leaving the rest of us behind! Update 8/98 Has been having a hard time recently, particularly with coming for crosses and missing them. Confidence seems low and having Alexander as your boss doesn't help when your confidence is low. I've heard Alexander telling to sweep up in the past then he complains when he gets caught out. Also struggled in a couple of under 21 games, apparently through nerves, and this doesn't seem to have helped his cause. I'm sure he will still come good through.
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Just made a welcome return from injury this week. Suffered somewhat last season which turned out to be due to a muscle wasting illness which was preventing him from training. Hopefully this is now behind him and he will reproduce the form which made him a Scotland Under 21 International. Probably Queens best player and we will be very lucky to hold on to him.
Height 5ft 11 in, Weight 10st 13lb
ADAM MOFFAT - Defender Born Lanark, 31/1/81 Signed : 8/98 Previous Club : Milton Rovers 99/00 Appearances : 0 sub : 0 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 2 Goals : 0
JOHN McCAIG - Defender Born Ayr, 19/11/82 Signed : 9/97 Previous Club : Youths 99/00 Appearances : 0 sub : 0 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 1 Goals : 0
Last heard of at Partick, Feb 2000 SCOTT MCLEAN - Forward Born East Kilbride, 17/6/76 Signed : 11/99 (1 months loan) Previous Club : Inverness Caley 99/00 Appearances : 3 sub : 0 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
ALASTAIR MCMILLAN - Defender Born Glasgow, 8/8/75 Signed : 11/99 Previous Club : Clyde 99/00 Appearances : 15 sub : 1 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
Tall, strong right back to compliment Hodge on the other side. Has looked not too bad since signing this year, particularly effective in the Stenhousemuir game, the only time the team as a whole played well, but at the same time received a right good roasting at the hands of Stirling Albion where he was caught up by the Queens disease of being caught too far forward on many occasions. Deserves a chance to prove what he can do.
GEOFF PATERSON - Midfield Born Dumfries, 10/3/82 Signed : Previous Club : 99/00 Appearances : 2 sub : 0 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
ALAN PRESTON - Midfield Born Edinburgh, 16/8/69 Signed : Previous Club : 99/00 Appearances : 8 sub : 2 Goals : 1 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
Experienced campaigner who quite frankly looks past it! Still, as a temporary measure hopefully his experience can see us through, his pace certainly won't!
KEVIN ROBISON - Defence Born Dumfries, 26.10.80 Signed : 7/99 Previous Club : Rangers 99/00 Appearances : 16 sub : 5 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
I don't know why, but he never seems to get much of a run and seems to be the new Charlie Adams in that he seems to get the blame for much of Queens poor performances, notably when he was substituted at half time against Stirling Albion. Personally, I can't see what he is doing wrong and would like to see him given a run in the team to allow Andy Aitken to move to left back.
GEORGE ROWE - Defender Born Glasgow, 23.08.68 Signed : 8/92 Previous Club : Clydebank 99/00 Appearances : 30 sub : 0 Goals : 2 Career Appearances : 172 Goals : 20
George is now into his sixth season at Palmerston and has recently (11/97) recovered from a horrendous knee injury which kept him out of football for nearly two years. Now back in action and probably playing some of the best football of his career. Very aggressive player, good organiser in defence and always poses a threat at set pieces for the opposition. George is also one of the many Queens players who has seen service at Clydebank.
George is co-manager at Palmerston taking over the role in February. A solid, reliable central defender he is very dangerous in the air and the red head notched seven goals for Queens last season. Signed from Clydebank in 1992 he is now in his seventh season at Palmerston. A chartered surveyor, George comes from Dumbarton.
My Opinion
The subject of a lot of criticism among sections of the Queens support, I am neutral on this having been neither over impressed or overly worried by his performances. Does his job.
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Still not sure about the player boss. For the first time this year he has looked unsteady and while his reading of the game still usually gets him through the lack of pace is beginning to show, non more so than in the Livingston. At least he seems to have got over his pass back problems of earlier in the season and the new direct game does seem to suit him better. Hasn't got his usual compliment of goals this year either.
Height 6ft, Weight 11st 7lb
PAUL STEWART - Defence Born Glasgow, 01.08.79 Signed : 7/99 Previous Club : Clyde 99/00 Appearances : 19 sub : 1 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Looked OK during his spell in the team at right back, although I would have liked to see him get forward more. Hasn't featured however since the signing of Alastair McMillan and looks like he is now well out of the picture.
Released Feb 2000 CHRIS STRAIN - Midfield Born Irvine, 25.03.80 Signed : 6/99 Previous Club : Kilmarnock 99/00 Appearances : 6 sub : 6 Goals : 0 Career Appearances : 0 Goals : 0
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Another one who has had surprisingly few chances in the first team. Came in the summer with a reputation as a good young player and has looked lively on the few occasions he has got a game.
Born Lanark, 31.03.80 Signed : 7/97 Previous Club : Youth 99/00 Appearances : 10 sub : 4 Goals : 1 Career Appearances : 25 Goals : 2
Signed in July of this year (97), the seventeen year old youngster made the step up from the Under- 16 team to become an apprentice at the club. An aggressive midfielder who packs a ferocious shot. Mark was brought up in the village of Law in Lanarkshire.
A versatile young player who has turned out in various positions for the doonhamers. Graduated through the Palmerston youth policy and made 18 first team appearances last season. Hails from Lanark, Mark is reckoned to have the hardest shot in the Queens squad. Netted last Saturday.
My Opinion
Again I have only seen him as a stand in for Des where he was solid but unspectacular. Reserve judgment.
My Opinion (Feb 2000) - Yet another making surprisingly few starts, which is surprising in view of our lack of left sided midfield players. Has been the subject of some slagging on the official notice board recently although what this is based on I don't know. With work has the potential to be a good player.
Height 5ft 8in, Weight 10st 10lb
