DAVID RAE IS APPOINTED QUEENS NEW CHAIRMAN
Last updated : 10 December 2003 By Duke Of Galloway
Queens vice-chairman Tommy Harkness opened the AGM in front of arond 82 shareholders at the Nith Hotel,Glencaple. The financial statements of the company were adopted and Directors Keith Houliston and Craig Paterson were re-elected. Carson and Trottter were also re-apponted as auditors. There was general approval as regards the Club's Financial situation which showed a marked improvement on recent years and all indications were that there would be further improvement for the current financial year. It was confirmed by Director Craig Paterson that Queens made a loss of £37,811 in 2003 compared with £88,536 in 2002, so we are heading in the right direction. There was some discussion as to the feasabilty of Queens operting a full-time team but Vice Chairman Tommy was fairly sceptical on such a venture and was of the opinion that crowds of around 5,500 would be needed to sustain a full-time team. Those figures were disputed by at least one shareholder from the floor. Mr Harkness did not rule out however the possiblilty of Queens employing at least some full-time players. A question was raised from the floor as regards the possibility of refurbishment of the Terregles Street terracing and Mr Harkness said around £100,000 would be neede to complete the job. The club however was actively exploring the possibility of local contractors perhaps completing the job as a sponsorship deal and also involving supporters offering their services free of charge. The Ross County Football Academy was discussed and it was revealed that the Dingwall club received £4M from various sources including their local authority to fund such a project. A shareholder suggested that perhapd Queens should approach our local council for similar assistance. Tommy Harkness then introduced David Rae as the new Queens Chairman and David gave a short address to the shareholders and stated that he was absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to lead Queens ahead. With the new man safely in the chair Queens manager John Connolly was invited to join the board and a lively forum involving shareholders took place.
Here is a brief resume of the various points raised:-
An upbeat and fit looking John Connolly gave absolutely no indication that he was contemplating leaving Queens and ensured the new Chairman that it would take a tremendous offer to move him from Dumfries where he is quite settled along with his wife. He also indicated he had just re-newed his golf club membership for next year. - Queens receive £50,000 per annum from Tesco for the lease of the supermarket and Queens are in active dialogue with them as to the future of the site - Queens have had an offer for Sean O'Connor but it was considered derisory - It was admitted that Morton got Weatherson for a knock-down price but Queens had only received one offer and the striker would have walked away from Palmy for nothing at the end of the season - JC admitted that he was not happy about the training facilities at Maxwelltown School and the club were looking at all possible alternatives - The King George V and Keswick facilities were not considered an option - JC stated that the recent run of injuries have been the cause of Queens lapse in form. The loss of Scott was a bad blow and he is adamant that Queens would still be top of the league if O'Connor and Scott had been available - JC was disappointed with the progress of Gary Wood as one of our main strikers and he may try him in a defensive role. There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that he is moving back to Berwick - Several ex Queens players have stated they would like to come back to Palmy but JC denied that John O'Neill was one of them - JC was delighted in the progress of young players Gibson and Burns but stated that they have a wee bit to go. - JC is hopeful that Derek Lyle can regain full fitness and play a more active role using his pace. - JC says Jaconelli produces the goods in the reserves and on the training ground but somehow disappoints when he turns out for the first team - A delightful female shareholder at the back of the room showered praise on John Connolly, stating she was delighted with the progress of the team and belted out that John simply was the best manger Queens had ever had. Few of the assembled company disagreed but retired chairman Ronnie Bardford, who also was at the meeting must take great credit for Queens recent success. The meeting was brought to a close around 2100 hours and Lord Palmerston wasted no time in setting up the first round for his croanies at the bar.
Vice-Chiarman Tommy Harkness opens the AGM
| Queens New Chairman - Mr David Rae |
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