Queens Vs St Johnstone |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Aug 03 2007 at 2:56 PM |
Queens Vs St Johnstone.
The wait is almost over. It wont be long now until we are pulling on our new 07/08 replica tops, buying our programs and our half time 50-50's off Jayne in The QOS bar. Then walking through the turnstiles and taking our spot in Palmerston once more for another rollercoaster ride and I can't wait.
During the Pre season Chisholm has put together on of the strongest squads we have had in a long time. A quick run through of the new signings before I get on to the match:
Jamie MacDonald: Position: Goalkeeper. We all remember Jamie from last season. A very commanding goalkeeper, with good handling and shot stopping. He has joined for a season long loan and we where all glad to get him.
Stephen Grindlay: Position Goalkeeper. Stephen was signed from Dumbarton on a one year contract. He is a tall 'keeper who will command his area well. He isn't here to sit on the bench and will be strong competion for the no 1 jersey.
Bob Harris: Position: Defence. Harris was signed on a two-year deal from first division rivals Clyde. He was with Rangers before Clyde. The 19-year-old will be used as cover and seen as one for the future.
Neil McGowan: Position: Defence. The former Airdrie Skipper joined on a one-year deal. An uncompromising defender who will not pull out of a tackle (as Tosh found out last season). Neil will be a good addition to the squad and will be pushing hard for a starting spot in the first XI.
Neil McFarlane: Position: Midfield. Neil signed a one-year deal form Local rival's Gretna. McFarlane is a no nonsense defensive midfielder. He will have fight on his hands if he wants to replace last seasons player of the year Neil Scally.
Jamie Adams: Position: Midfield. Jamie Adams is another familiar player for us having been on loan for the second half of the season. He has returned on loan until Christmas. Jamie featured for Scotland at the under 20's world cup in Canada this year. Jamie should prove to be a big player for us this year.
Brian Gilmour: Postion Midfield. Gilmour was signed on a one-years contract from Clyde. He joined Clyde in January last year from Rangers and instantly forced his way into the first team at Clyde. The tricky little player was also at the world cup with Jamie Adams. Brian could prove to be the best of the bunch and certainly have a very exciting prospect on our books.
David Bingham: Position Forward. Bingo has joined us from Gretna on loan until January. He has a great footballing brain and oozes class. Bingham will be a valuable acquisition for us, and will hopefully bring on some of the youngsters at the club, with his experience.
That’s it for the new signings so far, so now on to the opening game.
MATCH PREVIEW
Queens have enjoyed an undefeated pre season, with wins over Ayr, Stranraer, Newcastle Benfield, Gretna and a draw with Carlisle. The results have came at price though, with McGowan, Harris, Tosh, McFarlane, Dobbie and O'Connor picking up injuries on top of Jim Thomson and Jamie Adams' hernia operations. On top of these injuries we also have suspension to Jim Thomson, Jim Lauchlan, Jamie Adams, John O'Neill and Steve Tosh.
Our opponents for the opener are last years runners up St Johnstone. The Saintees missed out on promotion to the SPL last season in the last 5 minutes. They will still be hurting from that and will be out to make sure the win it this year. During the pre season they lost Scotland and Mensing, and have brought in Dyron Daal, David Weatherston, Jamie McClucksey, John Stewart and Alan Main.
With the number of players we have out it is hard to put together a squad but I will give it a go:
McDonald
Paton Aitken Atkin McQuilken
Burns Scally McFarlane Gilmour
Dobbie O'Connor
Subs: Grindley Robertson Whorlow Bingham Sloan
My biggest concern for the match will Daal who when with Dundee last season gave Jim Thomson a torrid time in the air. We will have to be at our best to get anything from this game, and will be happy with a point. My prediction is Queens 1-1 St Johnstone.
I can't wait!
Martin
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