Queens Manager Wants Cup Run To Start At Excelsior Stadium

Nov 27 2009 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Friday

QUEENS gaffer Gordon Chisholm wants tomorrow’s clash with Airdrie to spark a strong Scottish Cup run.

Chisholm has been in two cup finals in the last five years, and is eager to make it three.

He told the Standard: “I definitely want us to go there looking for the win.

“We obviously really want to progress in the competition.

“It’s a massive benefit to the club having a good cup run. It lifts the club, the fans love it, and it helps with the finances.”

But Chisholm admits an away trip to a ground Queens have not won at in two years isn’t an ideal third round tie.

“I feel we’ve been dealt a pretty hard hand,” Chisholm said.

“Ideally at this stage you want a home tie against a team from a lower division. We’ve got an away game against a team in our league, so it’s not what you’re after.

“But they’ll be feeling the same way about getting us.”

Queens go into tomorrow’s clash as odds-on favourites, with every team in the first division separating the two sides.

But Chisholm is expecting a tough cup contest.

“Airdrie will be wanting to progress to the next round too, so we know it’ll be a hard game.

“It’s a one-off match, and I don’t think anyone is expecting an easy game.

“I’ve watched them play recently and they’ve a few players who can cause us problems, so we’ll need to be on form.”

Queens hitman David Weatherston is fully fit for tomorrow’s match, but Bob Harris and Craig Reid both remain doubtful.

While Queens prepare to do battle at the Excelsior Stadium, Chisholm has been on the look-out for potential signings.

The transfer window opens in just over a month’s time, and the Queens boss is hoping to strike a few deals in January.

“I’ve been watching out for players that I think will bring something to the club, and when the transfer window opens I want to be in the position that I know who I want.

“I’ve got one eye on the window, but right now the main focus has to be on getting the lads ready for the next game, and getting the right results.

“Our physio John Kerr has been the busiest man at the club recently, and he deserves a lot of credit for getting the players fit.”

Chisholm has told the Standard that he and Barry Wilson have not yet opened negotiations on a contract renewal.

The experienced midfielder’s deal expires at the end of December, and Chisholm insists no talk of contract extensions have yet taken place.

“With the squad the size it is, we want to keep the numbers as high as we can,” Chisholm said.

“It’s important to keep the lads together. Me and Barry will sit down before the end of his contract and discuss it then.

“He wants to play, and all credit to him. He’s a credit to himself, but to be honest, we haven’t discussed it yet.”