Football Season Guide

Although they stumbled into 4th place and the play-offs, Queen’s Park took their chance and are now in the Championship. Laurie Ellis was dumped as manager in mid-season, with director of football, Marjin Beuker, taking charge and now Owen Coyle has been appointed. Although they only recorded 3 wins in their final 15 matches of the regular season, they sneaked past Dunfermline and then Airdrie in the play-offs. Influential defender Michael Doyle has left along with Peter Grant and Stuart Morrison – so their defence needs rebuilding. Grant Gillespie is away to Morton with Jai Quitongo. Highly experienced striker Bob McHugh has dropped down the leagues to East Kilbride. Right-back Jason Naismith has signed after failing to make an impact at Kilmarnock last season. Midfield is boosted by the talented Dom Thomas who did not want to drop down a division with Dunfermline. Another midfielder, Grant Savoury, has signed from Peterhead. Adding to their attacking options is Partick Jarrett who came through the academies at Stoke City. Owen Coyle has a wealth of experience and is clearly expected to make things happen at Queen’s Park. He has many contacts, but so far has resisted the temptation to flood his squad with new signings. Some loan signings are expected. Remember this is Queen’s Park who only turned professional in 2020 and were in League Two. They have come a long way very quickly.