Ringing the changes

Jan 2 2009 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Friday

QUEENS’ boss Gordon Chisholm is looking to revitalise his side by bringing in a number of players in the transfer window.

And Chisholm also plans to offload players who haven’t been performing to make way for new signings.

Chisholm signed veteran midfielder Barry Wilson (pictured right) on Tuesday and is also set to bring in Rangers reserve goal keeper Lee Robinson and welcome back loaned-out defender Gerry McLaughlan.

Wilson has signed for the rest of the season, after leaving Inverness earlier this week.

The 36-year-old signed a five-month contact with the club on Tuesday.

Wilson said: “The deciding factor for me was what the manager wants from me.

“He told me the impact he feels I can have.

“After a strong start, Queens have been on a poor run of late and we’ll hope to address that.

“At the moment, I just want to play my part in helping Queens rise up the table.”

And boss Chisholm said he feels what Wilson will bring to the club will be vital for the successes for the rest of the season.

He said: “He’s got a lot of experience, which I think we’ve been lacking a bit.

“He’s a good player, and his distribution is very good.

“He takes a good free kick, and that’s something we’ve been missing too.”

Rangers reserve goal keeper Lee Robinson is set to join the squad on loan when the January transfer window opens.

And Chisholm has effectively told Tom Parratt he can find another club.

Chisholm said: “I’m hoping the new faces will make a difference.

“I’ve decided not to renew Simmons’ contact, and I’ve told Tom Parratt I won’t stand in his way.

“And I’d have to think about it if someone came in for a number of our players.

“I’ve got to do what’s right for the club and I’d like to bring in some new faces.”

Both Cameron Bell and Stephen Simmons return to their Premier League sides, and Chisholm also seems set to send other players on their way.

Queens’ centre back Gerry McLauchlan will be returning from a five-month loan spell at Montrose.

Queen of the South take on Morton on Saturday only four points off bottom.

And Chisholm feels the addition of some young players is just what his flailing side needs.

He said: “We’re looking to change things around. The league doesn’t lie.

“I gave a chance to some of the fringe players and they just didn’t take it.

“A couple of wins could take us right back up the table, but a few more defeats and we’ll be right in the mire.”

Queens visit Morton with only a few injury concerns.

Paul Burns is still injured, and Bob Harris and Stevie Tosh remain doubtful.

But Craig Barr is back, and Neil Scally should be fit.

Queen of the South fans will have a chance to see the Scottish Cup, when its tour around Scotland starts in Dumfries on Monday.

Queens chairman Davie Rae will be with the famous trophy at Tesco from 11.30am on Monday.