The Doonhamers – who announced the club has sold over 800 season tickets so far – take on Danny Lennon’s Bully Wee at Palmerston Park as they look to get back to the second tier at the first time of asking.
Gibson has said on multiple occasions that the Dumfries outfit must improve their home form if they are to have any success this season.
He said: “For us it’s massive to get off to a good start. We need to improve on our previous home record and we’ll be looking to do that from the start on Saturday. Clyde, who I’ve faced plenty of times, will be a tough test. They are well organised and have a good manager in Danny Lennon who I have a lot of respect for.
“We’ve had a good support during the cup stage and a good number of season tickets sold so it’s important we reward that with good performances but most importantly success, which means gaining promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.
“The fans have been terrific since I’ve been in charge and hopefully they’ll come out in numbers on Saturday and back the team.
“I’ve heard a lot of people talking about our fixtures. They say the first four or five we’ve avoided the big teams and if we win them, it sets you up for when they come around.
“But I look at it from both sides if you don’t start with a flyer, you’ve got those big games. But I think every game in this league is going to be tough this year.
“We saw it with Annan: they came to us, were well organised, hard to beat and beat us on the day.
“I’ve told the boys we need to win more games at home if we’re going to win the league.”
Queens go into the new campaign on the back of a 2-0 victory against League Two side Elgin City, and a three-game unbeaten run, which secured their place in the League Cup last 16 draw.
Making the knockout rounds netted Queens a cool £50,000 and after being drawn away to Gio van Bronckhorst’s Rangers they will receive an extra cash boost as the tie will be shown live on Premier Sports on Tuesday August 30.
Gibson added: “To qualify after the poor result against Annan was a boost and obviously getting Rangers is a great draw for the club, so overall it’s been very pleasing.
“I feel the cup group stages have given us plenty to think about regarding players and the formation we start with. It’s been good to have a look at both systems and players in different positions.”
Gibson – who featured on the field for an hour against Elgin – also revealed that captain Josh Todd hasn’t broken his toe after having to come off on Saturday.
Todd left Borough Briggs in a moon boot but after an x-ray it is good news for the midfielder, although he is a doubt for the Clyde match. Injured trio Gavin Reilly, Michael Ruth and Iain Wilson will miss out but are expected to be in full training by Monday.
The manager added: “It’s good news for the captain as an x-ray showed there is no broken toe as a result of his injury at Elgin. He is still feeling the effects of the impact though and therefore remains a doubt for this weekend’s match against Clyde.
“Gav has been working hard in the gym with a strengthening programme and has also been on the pitch with both our temporary physio, Chris Wicks, and our sports scientist, Rab Kielty. He is working towards rejoining the boys in full training from Monday.
“Again, Mikey has been doing gym and pitch work towards his conditioning and we hope he will be able to join training next week also.
“Shug (Iain Wilson) has some swelling in his knee post St Johnstone. It has since gone down and he’s doing well with his individual programme. Like Gavin and Mikey, he will hopefully rejoin the boys in full training next week.”
Gibson admits he’s still on the hunt for more players to add to the squad.
He added: “I’m still looking at adding one or two but I’ll not be rushing into anything. I get players put at me most days but it has to be the right player and the right quality of player I’m looking for.”
Ticket prices for Queen of the South’s opening match against Clyde are priced at adults £18, concession/student/16-21 £10, under 16 £5. Tickets are on sale online and on the day at the Queens Arena ticket office only.
