|
Chairman David Rae addressed the company and expressed the disappointing Accounts for the financial year which ended in April 2006. Mr Rae explained this was down to a number of reasons namely falling attendances and an early exit from Cup competitions. There was also an increase in Administrative expenses with Queens contribution to the upgrade of the King George V pitch a factor. Mr Rae however insisted that the club were still in the black and attendances are increasing this year and with a bumper attendance expected against Hibs coming up things were looking bright. The two large attendances against Gretna were also very encouraging.
The Chairman then invited questions from the floor and a number of issues were raised and dealt with by the board details of which will be avaialable in the Official Minutes. Questions were asked about the Teasco lease situation and Mr Hewitson stated that a settlement is no nearer but is confident of some development soon. Mr Hewitson was also re-elected as a director. Mr Blount an ex-Chairman of Queens was given the opportunity to propose that the club should start talking to Gretna about the possibilty of a groundshare scheme at Palmy with Gretna in return developing the Terregles Street end at Palmerston making the ground SPL compliant. This received a mixed reception from the floor with perhaps support for the proposal being in the minority. Mr Rae certainly did not approve of the proposal and stated that such an arrangemnt could damage Queens and poach our valuable support.
Manager Ian McCall conluded the meeting with a lively debate on Football matters. He admitted some of his early season signings didn't work out but he was having difficulty attracting players to Queens. He was confident however he now has the players to stay in the division although he has reservations about the lack of pace in defence and the loss of Andy Aitken so early in the season was a big blow. He also indicated that former Captain Steve Bowey would like to return to the club but travelling difficulties may preclude this. On the subject of Stevie Tosh, he said Queens were very fortunate to have signed the big man as no fewer than nine clubs had tabled bids some of which were much higher than Queens. The quality of life in Dumfries was the deciding factor. In conclusion Mr McCall has every confidence that Queens will survive in Division 1 and we have every chance of beating Hibs in the next round of the cup.