John McCormack has, as you will no doubt be aware, left Queen's to join fellow Third Division club Morton. The Greenock side were poor in their recent match with Queen's at Hampden, and shortly after that game their board decided to dispense with the services of Dave McPherson. In a very real sense then, Queen's own fine display that day has cost them their manager. Most would agree that, in the end, it was inevitable that a bigger club would show interest in McCormack's undoubted coaching talents, and that eventually he would be unable to resist another challenge. He has certainly gained that in moving west, as the supporters of Morton expect promotion, and yet have seen little form to suggest that the end to their season will be a successful one. Personally, I certainly wouldn't bet against the Greenock side being elevated this term, now that they have found a genuine winner of a manager.
Cowboy's days at Hampden will be remembered as those that brought some excitement and drama back to a stagnating club, as well as tangible rewards. I was not a Queen's Park follower at the time of the 2000 championship success at Central Park, so can't honestly comment on how good it was, but well remember more recent events such as being top of Division Two before sliding, and battling without success to avoid the drop on the final day of that season. Then the late rally to try and prevent finishing bottom of the entire league for the first time in the club's history earlier this year, in Dumbarton. Such last day butterflies as McCormack brought would not have been present for any Queen's fan for 20 years, and then suddenly they were around 3 years in a row.
And how about this season? A thrilling Bell's Cup semi-final against Brechin City, which was lost very narrowly 4-3, as Queen's had their first attempt at reaching a national final in 74 years? Changed days from a few years back indeed.
While the McCormack era had its ups ( very high ones ) and lows ( very deep ones ), it regularly produced thrills. Not to mention the sight, and sound, of John roaring on his side in that rasping voice from the extreme edge of the technical area. Those days have left us now: it's up to Paul Martin and David Hunter to be the torchbearers tomorrow, and for an unknown to do it in the weeks and months ahead.
As far as tomorrow's match goes, Taggart, Sinclair, Fisher and John Gallagher are all still not match fit. No word on Darren Magee and David Menelaws, but the latter must be edging ever closer to that long-awaited debut. Suddenly though, we've got something a shade bigger to wait for.
16 Nov Queen's thrash East Stirling
In what was hardly a hotly contested battle, Queen's ran out 4-0 winners over bottom-placed East Stirling. 315 saw the one sided affair and a Queen's win lifts the Hoops off the bottom away from the Falkirk men. It was a case, at times, of men against boys as Queen's totally destroyed Danny Diver's side. John McCormack appears to have created a solid team, with Allan Dunning and John Gemmell continuing to play up-front together. The defence is rock solid and the midfield is strong too. Peterhead are next and a draw against the third placed team would have to be considered a fine result. Check back later next week for more news, team updates and match previews. Martin Kelly's match report for the East Stirling match is on the site.
15 Nov Match Preview: East Stirlingshire v. Queen's Park
Going to Falkirk may not be on top of your social events calendar, but it is a trip that Queen's have to make if they want to hoist themselves away from East Stirling at the foot of the table. The basement boys will collide in tommorow's match, which will take place at Firs park. In the 1999/2000 championship season, the final encounter between the two sides saw Queen's pick up a vital 1-0 away win. That victory set QP on track for the Third Division silverware. 497 witnessed Mark Gallagher scoring on 8 minutes. Johnny Whelan and Danny Ferry both started that match and they should run out for the Spiders on Saturday. John McCormack will probably field the same eleven that has drawn the last two league matches with no apparent injuries to that team obstructing his selection. A win is vital for the hoops and hopefully they can give the travelling fans the result they so richly deserve.
Following the sacking of Morton boss Dave McPherson, it has been rumoured that Cowboy McCormack may be leaving to join the Greenock side. Hopefully this is only speculation.
13 Nov Date switch for Cappielow game
Queen's Park's match against Morton at Cappielow, scheduled for New Year's Day, will now go ahead on Saturday 7th December. Neither club were drawn to play in the First Round of the Scottish Cup, which is due to take place on the new date, hence the change. Understandably, the clubs felt it was best to avoid a match only a few hours after the Hogmanay festivities.
9 Nov Queen's Park 1 Morton 1 - so close to a famous victory
A fine tussle between the amateurs and the full-time professionals in the Third Division ended in a draw, in front of a large crowd at Hampden. Queen's were only prevented from victory, though, by an excellent performance from Craig Coyle in the Morton goal. John Gemmell had particular reason to feel frustrated, having a couple of free-kicks, an overhead kick, and a late header all saved by the Ton custodian. Only a late goal though, in the midst of a flurry of chances and a spell of intense attack from Queen's, was able to salvage anything from the game for the home side. Steven Canning drilled home a low shot from 10 yards following a corner kick, and the delight was obvious as Canning removed his shirt gleefully and the fans ( in all honesty, probably a minority of the crowd thanks to a large travelling support ) celebrated a key goal. The goal was as much unexpected as it was joyful, with another defeat looking on the cards for the Spiders despite a large amount of possession and several chances. Thankfully, we got the goal our play so richly deserved.
As far as Morton are concerned, the pressure mounts on Dave McPherson as they can't seem to get a consistent run of results together, and their play today was patchy at best, with Alex Williams well-marshalled by an extremely composed and solid Queen's back three. Really , you would never have guessed that Morton are the pros, while our boys play only for the game's sake, but that's part of the beauty of football.
There are many positives for John McCormack to take from this game, not least the battling spirit of his side in coming back from a goal down and the improved performance of the attack, where John Gemmell had several notable efforts. He will also be quietly satisfied with his decision to bring on Clark and Crozier for Allan and Quinn with 15 minutes left, as Queen's noticeably bucked up their ideas following this pair's introduction. But again, we're looking here at a moral victory, not a tangible one. Queen's need to start gaining a few of the latter, and extending our unbeaten run by a few more matches in order to isolate the Shire at the bottom of the table and get back in touch with the teams ( Montrose, Elgin, Gretna ) that bit further ahead of us.
Queen's Park v. Morton - match report
More November 2002 news