No approach for Chisholm

Oct 24 2008 by Doug Archibald, Dumfries Standard Friday

QUEENS boss Gordon Chisholm has said he will speak to Dundee about the manager’s job if an approach is made.

But, according to chairman Davie Rae, the boss has also said he wants to stay at Palmerston.

Speculation that the Queens manager, who recently signed a new two-year contract, was topping the Dens Park wish list in the wake of Alex Rae’s sacking, is dampening down.

And the chairman confirmed that, as of yesterday afternoon, there had been no approach to the club.

“I’ve spoken to Gordon,” said Mr Rae. “He said if he was approached he would want to speak to them although he says he is happy where he is.

“The club has not been approached as yet. I’m hoping, and I don’t really think, Gordon would go. Had it been a team from the premier league it might have been a different story but Dundee are struggling and have a lot of financial problems.

“The last thing we would want is the upheaval of losing a manager and having to replace him just when the team are doing so well.”

The Standard was unable to speak to Chisholm yesterday.

This week’s training, ahead of the important trip to Dingwall, has been hampered by the heavy rains.

And question marks are hanging over Bobby Harris, Gary Arbuckle and Andy Aitken.

Harris picked up a knock last week; Arbuckle has a hamstring problem; and Aitken missed training yesterday because of a sickness bug. Scott Robertson is still on crutches which Neil Scally and Jamie Adams are still out of the frame.

Chisholm told the club website: “I'm disappointed as I thought Gary and Bob would be OK for the trip to Dingwall. Their injuries are taking longer than expected to clear up but we’ll see how they are on Saturday morning.”

The aim is to get back on track following last week’s surprise defeat at the hands of an Airdrie side hungry for points.

Chisholm described Queens’ performance as the worst of the season although it is being seen as a temporary blip in the campaign.

Ross County, although they are lying sixth in the table, are only five points behind Queens who maintained their top spot courtesy of other results at the weekend.