Happy returns at Palmerston

Mar 25 2009 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

QUEENS FANS were given a treat as former stars graced the pitch at Palmerston to celebrate the club’s 90th anniversary.

Former players from as far back as the 1950s were invited onto the pitch at half-time and enjoyed a rapturous reception from the Palmerston crowd.

It was a great day of nostalgia for the former players and Queens fans alike as some of the club’s favourite sons were applauded for their contribution over the years.

The club’s top three all-time goals scorers Bobby Black, Andy Thomson and Jim Patterson were among those present, as was late 50s and early 60s’ star Eddie Garrett who celebrated his 70th birthday last week and travelled from North Wales to celebrate the special occasion.

But it wasn’t just former players who attended the birthday bash – former player/manager Iain McChesney who began playing for the club in the 1970s and is still involved with the club today, also made an appearance.

McChesney, who scored 79 goals in 615 outings, walked onto the field with George ‘Chopper’ Dickson.

Many other former stars also attended the event, but many were unable to make it as they are still involved in the sport and had other commitments.

Current players Scott Robertson, Gerry McLaughlin and club captain Jim Thomson also joined them on the field.

The Doonhamer legends were treated to a day of glorious sunshine and a six-goal thriller at Palmerston.

Unfortunately Queens couldn’t deliver a win to mark the special occasion, but the day is likely to live long in the memory for everyone concerned.

The players who attended were: Jim Patterson, Bobby Black, Eddie Garrett, Allan Ball, Mike Barker, George Siddle, Billy Collings, Lex Law, Hugh McLean, Mike Jackson, Iain McChesney, George ('Chopper') Dickson, Crawford Boyd, Rab Thorburn, Jimmy Miller, Graeme Robertson, Billy Sim, Stewart Cochrane, Kevin Hetherington, Andy Thomson, Steven Leslie and Craig Flannigan.

Des McKeown and George Rowe were also at Palmerston, but in the press box.