But today the big man got what he has been praying for for ages: another win. Despite being bottom of the table and without a home win to their name, Queen's knew that they couldn't take Shire lightly.
In the end, the two goal victory was a fair result and Queen's showed more determination in the middle of the park than Brannigan has seen so far in his term. The awful pitch didn't allow a great passing game, but the manager can be happy with the excellent aerial play of Gemmell, Agostini and Sinclair. I can't remember those guys losing out on a challenge all day.
It's a torrid time for East Stirling, however, and their hardcore fans were handing out leaflets which pretty much identified the root of their problems: corrupt chairman Alan Mackin. There was something sad about seeing the Spiders' opponents warming up before the game. There was a distinct lack of direction and no organisation and this is painful to see - even for an opposition fan. Steve Morrison and Alec Cleland have been given the task of pulling Shire away from this alarming slump, but I can't see them getting them very far unless their is either a huge financial input or some more honesty from the men upstairs. Turning Shire amateur may seem cruel, but in the long run, the players will know that they are getting paid nothing and won't face the disappointment of seeing another fluctuating pay-packet.
After 5 minutes of play, several Shire players became visibly frustrated and started to bicker amongst themselves. Tough times indeed for all who care about the club.
Anyway, Queen's came away with the victory, the goals coming from Davie Menelaws and Willie Martin, who came on as a sub. James Allan and Steven Canning were missing, but their absences didn't effect what was a very centralised Queen's attack.
Mark Cairns didn't have the busiest of afternoons, but did make a great stop when the game was still goalless and did well in the air in the second half too. 7
Danny Ferry needs to take his time more when playing. So often his play is rushed, which isn't a fair reflection of his true abilities. Sometimes pace is required, other times it isn't quite so essential. Today Danny could have had more luck had he taken his time and composed himself better. You can't fault him for effort, however, and hopefully he can calm his play down in future. 6 Replaced by an energetic Allan Dunning, eager to show Brannigan his talents. 6
David McCallum had another good game in the middle of the park, linking up well with Kettlewell and striking two excellent free-kicks - the first skimming the bar, the second well saved by the goalkeeper. 7
Richard Sinclair and Damiano Agostini won most balls in the air and defended well against a slightly erratic Shire attack. Both gain 7 ratings.
Steven Fallon was mostly untroubled as Shire rarely penetrated the wings. A great worker, Fallon should be in the running for Player of the Year. 7
Ross Clark had a very good game in the middle of the park, running for the full 90 and showing great effort. A player like Ross is essential, especially if you have to grind out results. 7
Johnny Whelan was his usual self for Queen's, passing, shooting, tackling and laughing with the ref. Such effort is recognised by myself and he has my vote for Player of the Year. 7 Replaced by Paddy Gallagher 5
John Gemmell put in a great shift for Queen's once again and was very unlucky not to score. I have the feeling John likes the roll-up-the-sleeves atmosphere of games like today. 7
Stuart Kettlewell had another good game for Queen's and is really looking to become one of Kenny Brannigan's permanent choices. It's good to see players like Stuart getting their chance and it was encouraging to see Michael Sweeney on the bench for the Strollers in mid-week. Sweeney is a talented 16 year-old who should be given his chance in coming seasons. 7
Davie Menelaws opened the scoring for Queen's, peeling of his marker and sending a header over the goalkeeper. Replaced by Willie Martin, who scored following an excellent turn and shot. Two great strikers, two great goals. Both gain 7 ratings.
Man of the Match: Ross Clark
Match Rating: ***