Football Season Guide

Which Queen of the South team will turn up for the start of this season? Last term, they started on fire and looked like title contenders in an eight-match unbeaten run. Then, just as quickly, they went 13 games without a win and seemed like relegation contenders. They steadied the ship and finished 6th but after some successful seasons, it seems Queens are moving sideways at best. Gary Naismith's summer signings have included goalkeeper, Alan Martin, who impressed while at Dumbarton. Defender, Callum Fordyce, arrived from Dunfermline but, after serious knee damage, his fitness is still in doubt. Heading out are defensive stalwarts, Andy Dowie and Chris Higgins, along with several others. That leaves a big gap in the centre of the Queens defence. Again it seems likely Queens will supplement their squad with promising youngsters from the Premiership. On paper the Queens squad seems thinner than last season. If either or both of their veteran strikers, Stephen Dobbie and Derek Lyle, are injured then Queens are destined for serious trouble. Queens ended last season in a slump with three defeats and a draw. Overall, they were happy to avoid a late scrape with the relegation play-offs. Queens' pre-season was steady if unspectacular with little indication they can make the same splash as they did last season. Stephen Dobbie has been scoring again and Queens need him in top form if they are to make an impact on the Championship. In what is sure to be a highly competitive Championship, Queens are certainly not one of the favourites. Recent seasons had seen dominant Queens form at home but last term they struggled at home, losing nine games. If that poor home form continues then they could be in trouble. Queens have done well in recent times to become a force in the Championship. However, there is little indication they will make an impact this season.