Football Season Guide

Can Queen of the South do more than tread water in the forthcoming season? Being full-time they should avoid the fate of automatic relegation that seems reserved for the part-timers Alloa. However, it’s hard not to view them as a one-man team. If Stephen Dobbie is injured or out of form, it’s difficult to see where their goals will come from. Dobbie is now 35 years old and in the veteran stage of his career. He’s still one of the best in the Championship, but surely age will begin to catch up with him? Despite a good start to last season, Queens struggled for consistency and fell away in the second half of the season. They had surprisingly good away form, but at home they were poor. They scored plenty of goals but also conceded a lot. Defenders Shaun Rooney and Jordan Marshall have departed along with highly experienced duo, Derek Lyle and John Rankin. Queens also heavily relied on loan signings and appear set for this route again. Talented midfielder, Gary Harkins, has arrived at Palmerston Park. After a season at Ayr, followed by one at Morton he is looking to establish himself again. Harkins has ability and an eye for goal – he just lacks mobility. If Queens can accommodate that flaw and find a solution, then a fruitful partnership with Stephen Dobbie is possible. Also joining is midfielder Josh Todd from St Mirren. Todd has talent but was unable to break into a settled and successful St Mirren midfield last season. Ex-Morton right-back, Michael Doyle, is another notable signing. Queens are finding it difficult to operate on a full-time basis and the majority of their budget goes towards Stephen Dobbie. If he’s scoring and Queens are in the hunt for the play-offs that is not a problem. However, should Dobbie’s goals dry up then their strategy falls apart. It seems Queens’ squad will once again be fleshed out by loan signings. Should these players fail to gel then Queens could be in for a difficult season.