Both Paul Martin and David Hunter have left their coaching positions at Queen's Park. The duo had done a fine job recently in holding the team together after John McCormack's switch to Morton, and indeed a case could be made for them achieving more than McCormack managed this term. However, Paul had always stated that his commitment to running and expanding his business concerns would prevent him from being able to take up the position of first-team coach on a permanent basis, and for these same reasons he feels that even coaching the reserves is something he can no longer devote his time to. Davie Hunter, son of Eddie, has also elected to leave, after a three and a half year spell on the backroom staff.
16 Jan Decision on new coach finally announced
Kenny Brannigan has been appointed as the new coach at Queen's Park Football Club. Paul Martin's last training session with the first team was this evening, and he has subsequently, according to several sources, left the club altogether. I can't officially clarify this, but it does seem likely to be the case. Could the reason be that Brannigan wishes to bring in his own staff - Eddie Hunter has been mooted as his assistant, as the two get on well - and Martin was not needed? Or - more likely - Martin's business commitments, which must have taken something of a back seat while in charge of the first team, have meant that he can no longer give any more of his time to coaching, even at reserve level? Whatever the reason is, it's a shame to see Paul go, but he will not be forgotten, largely down to his crucial role in our Championship winning season- he was captain of the team- and of course his brief spell as manager.
As for Brannigan, you can read a full profile of him here.
15 Jan Suspense to continue over our Third Round opponents
Hamilton and East Fife this evening drew 1-1 at Douglas Park, with the Third Division leaders equalising in the last minute. The replay will take place at Bayview on Monday evening, with the winners of course playing Queen's at Hampden 5 days later.
15 Jan Albion Rovers 0 Queen's Park 2 - chances taken and a vast improvement
For the second time in the space of a month, high-flying Rovers found themselves humbled at home by a Queen's team prepared to run themselves into the ground to win a place in the next round of the Scottish Cup. That hey succeeded is a fitting tribute to caretaker coaches Paul Martin and David Hunter, in charge of the first team for probably the final time last night. Their ability to motivate their players for the big matches has been most marked - the question would have to be why, in recent weeks, Queen's have performed better when playing away from Hampden. Every player fought for every single ball, in a performance to make you feel most proud of the club. No doubt it was an emotional night for Martin and Hunter especially. Held in high regard by fans and, presumably, commitee, they will hopefully resume their former roles as coaches to the second XI. For certain, no-one at the club will forget their brief spell in charge. As to the game itself, Rovers certainly created chances, and at times in the second half Queen's backs were against the wall. Tony Mitchell, though, made some fine saves, and the defence held firm against whatever Albion could throw at them. James Allan 19th minute strike gave Queen's the all-important opening goal, and the lead was cemented by a Danny Ferry- inspired-and-Willie Martin-finished breakaway move after 83 minutes. Queen's opponents in the third round will be Hamilton or East Fife ( who play tonight ) at Hampden on 25 January. Coincidentally enough, Queen's have played East Fife in the last two seasons in the Cup ( being eliminated both times ), and when they last played a third round tie at Hampden, East Fife were the visitors ( and winners, 3-1 ) in 1997. Matches against Hamilton are much rarer - last meeting was way back in 1920, when Queen's won 2-0 at Hampden.
13 Jan Brannigan now likely to take over, say Evening Times
Today's Evening Times quoted a club insider ( a member of the committee who works for that paper, by some accounts ) who stated that Kenny Brannigan was "almost 100% certain" to take over as the new first team coach at Hampden. It seems the appointment will be made prior to Saturday's game with East Stirlingshire. Brannigan is currently a registered player-coach with Airdrie United, and as you are no doubt aware, a former QP player: he made a total of 117 league starts, plus 7 sub appearances, between 1983 and 1986, at the beginning of his career. It would seem likely that there is a possible split within the committee over the appointment: Gardner Spiers, recently sacked Aberdeen assistant, was reportedly in talks with Queen's but no agreement was reached, and Brannigan is now the likely appointee. Brannigan's name was first linked with the post several weeks ago, even though he had not applied at that stage. Hopefully, whatever the final announcement is ( and there is no point in jumping the gun: that has already been done for us ), Paul Martin will be in full charge for tomorrow night's cup-tie replay at Cliftonhill. That game is almost certain to take place, with kick-off at 7.30 pm.
A full assessment of the Commitee's final decision will be made on this site only after an official announcement from Queen's Park Football Club.
12 Jan Scotsport feature Queen's Park match
Due to the dearth of matches taking place in Scotland yesterday, Scotsport chose to show highlights of the Gretna match yesterday, following on from the BBC's covering of the Albion Rovers cup-tie last week. The film of the game proved that Gretna should not have been awarded a penalty when Hore clearly dived with Sinclair close by, and allowed us to see Johnny Whelan's header again. Even a crowd shot, though I failed to pick myself out. Inept reporter David McKinney predictably referred to the "eerie" atmosphere generated by less than a thousand souls inside Hampden's vast stands. Honestly, David, if you had been present at Raydale Park on 2nd November you would know what an "eerie" atmosphere felt like. See a past edition of "Oh Hampden In The Sun" for this site's views on Scotsport.
11 Jan Queen's Park 1 Gretna 2 - simply not good enough
Queen's Park decent run of just 1 defeat in 11 matches ended this afternoon, as a usually reliable defence was found wanting in a torrid first half for the home side. A blunder by Tony Mitchell gifted Mark Dobie the first goal, and the impressive striker was on hand again to score from the spot after Hore was adjudged to have been fouled by Richard Sinclair. The second half saw little improvement, despite the introduction of all 3 attacking substitutes, until Johnny Whelan scored with a powerful header 11 minutes from time. Queen's pushed more men forward, but they had left it far too late in truth. The fact that Queen's seem to save their best form for away matches is some comfort ahead of the cup replay against Albion Rovers, but it's only a small crumb after this, at times shambolic display. Far too many errors were made by both sides, with Gretna looking comfortable on the ball one minute, unsure of what it was the next. The sad thing was that their defence looked as uncertain as Queen's's did. But we lacked penetration.
Further January 2003 news