Queen of the South Football Club AGM was held on the 28th March 2011 at the Nith Hotel,Glencaple.
Chairman Dave Rae opened the meeting at 1930 and addressed the shareholders which numbered well over 100.
The Financial statements for the year ended 31st May were considered and adopted together with the reports of the directors and auditors theron.
Mr David Rae along with Mr Thomas Harkness were re-elected as directors.
Mr Rae thanked the supporters but reflected on a disappointing 2010 season in financial terms mainly due to an early exit from the Scottish Cup at Airdrie, disappointing attendances and underachievement of players on high wages. Due to the losses sustained in 2010 measures were taken to cut costs which included a reduction in playing staff and an increase in admission charges. The decision to increase admission charges was also influenced by the abuse of concessions by visiting fans.
Mr Rae then invited questions from the floor and here are the main highlights :-
Losses of around £250,000 anticipated for year ending May 2011 mainly due to a dip in attendances,another early Cup exit to Brechin and a lack of football income for two and a half months due to bad weather. There were even hopes of almost breaking even this year - Average gates 2010 were 2,300 but 2011 has dipped to 1597 with a low of 900 - Partnership with DGHP is still ongoing with 80% of the funding reputedly in place - A revenue stream of around £250,000 per year to Queens is forecast and the land would still remain under Palmy ownership - Close relationship with Queens Trust but no immediate decision of Trust member being appointed to th Board of Directors - Mr Rae stated there is already a Trust member on the Board of Directors -
Delay in AGM due to audited accounts not available until Feb 2010 - Future of Kenny Brannigan will not be decided until after the ALBA Cup Final - The Gordon Chisolm reign was costly in financial terms to Queens - Directors have had to inject some of their own money into the club - Anticipate that club will break even in season 2011/2012 and will operate a system on a mixture of part-time and full-time players with a large input from youth players. - The club owe money to the Inland Revenue but discussions are ongoing with Queens assuring that funds will become available to settle the bill - Speculation that Paul Burns is about to leave Queens have been denied.
Kenny Brannigan arrived at the top table to a rousing reception and then opened up a lively Football Forum the highlights of which follows:-
Kenny would like to remain as Queens manager and enjoys coaching - Doesn't enjoy meeting the press and prefers working with players - Would like to keep a full-time squad - One of the few managers in Scotland who has not been given a budget - Chisolm gambled with choice of players and high wages which unfortunately did not come off - Exit from cup by Brechin was big heartbreak to Kenny - We must go full-time or end up in 3rd Division - Only reason we existed in Division 1 with John Connolly was that there were other part-time teams in the league at the time - Sticking with youth is the way ahead for Queens and very pleased at the progress Carmicheal and Orsi have made - Morale in the Dressing room is very high but some are looking for other jobs next season due to the uncertainty at the club - Brannigan apprantly packed in his business to concentrate on Queens - If Queens train in Dumfries then any Manager will not be able to attend games in the central belt which is essential to the club's development - Special praise for Paul BURNS who is a real pro and like other players often plays carrying an injury - Hopes to get Quinn and Johnston patched up for the ALBA Cup Final - HOLMES is a great target man for Queens and brings other people into play - Willie McLAREN and Steve McKENNA also get special praise with the latter classed as an unsung hero - Long discussion on David Weatherston who Kenny describes as having no passion but admits has tremendous talent - Worth remembering it was Kenny who signed Weatherston at Queens Park - 6 points off last year's league total - Brannigan praised his players, many of whom have played carrying injuries - Kenny also defended his 3-5-2 formation which he claims is difficult to match - Kenny rates Football Facilites in Dumfries and Galloway as disgraceful - 42 grade A astro turf pitches available in Glasgow compared to 0 in Dumfries and Galloway.
Another impressive performance from Kenny Brannigan and his future will decided after the ALBA Cup Final. It's not clear whether he will be offered a new contract or someone else is being lined up.
As there was no further business to be discussed Mr Rae concluded the meeting around 2130.