McAusland plans to make his mark on Queens

Jun 26 2009 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Friday

QUEENS signed central defender Marc McAusland on a free transfer yesterday.

The 20-year-old former St Mirren player put pen to a two-year contract at Palmerston after a medical yesterday afternoon to become manager Gordon Chisholm’s fifth summer signing.

McAusland told the Standard: “I’m delighted to have signed for Queens, and hopefully I’ll be able to get some first team experience under my belt.

“I knew that Gordon wanted me and it’s a great move down here, so I’m really looking forward to starting the new season.

“I’ve heard that it’s a good club to be at, and that they’re a good set of boys down here. I’m looking forward to working with Gordon, the management and the other players – it should be good experience for me.”

McAusland spent four years at St Mirren, working his way up through the youth system and going on to captain the reserves.

He also make five first team appearances last season, each time coming off the bench, and has been in the Scotland U21 squad.

But despite being offered a two-year extension to stay with the Buddies, McAusland felt it was the right time to move on.

He added: “I’ve been there since I was 16 so it was a big decision to leave but I think it was time to move on and it’s a great opportunity to come here. Hopefully I’ll get a few games and learn the trade down here.

“I need competitive football. The club wanted me so I was really keen to come down.

“I think Gordon tried to get me out on loan in January, but the time wasn’t right so I knew that Queen of the South and Gordon were interested in me, so that was a big factor for me as well.”

Chisholm said: “He’s a good lad and I’m really pleased we’ve signed him.

“I think he’s realised he wants to play regularly and feels he’s got a better chance of that here.

“It’s important we get young fresh legs and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“Like (Derek) Holmes, he’s opted to come to us rather than play in the SPL, which is great for us.”

Since Chisholm off-loaded eight players in May, he has been working hard to get the numbers back up.

And he believes the tireless work of Chairman Davie Rae has been the secret to their transfer success.

Chisholm added: “I’m amazed by the chairman’s dedication and enthusiasm.

“He’s been up and down the road so often and it’s really refreshing to see such determination.

“He just wants the best for Queens, and his hard work and commitment has been a real eye-opener.”