The 68-year-old former goalkeeper enjoyed a long career at teams both in Scotland and England before moving into management in the Scottish juniors.
Born in Ayrshire, David played for junior sides before his big break came in 1978 when he moved to Derby County. In a career that spanned nearly two decades he was also involved at clubs such as Manchester City, Newcastle United, Rangers, Kilmarnock, Dundee United, Hamilton and Brentford.
But he will be best known for two spells, at Carlisle United where he made nearly a third of his 350 professional appearances.
Speaking of the appointment, Palmy director, Jim McLinden said: “This is the first step in our strategy as we put the building blocks in place, to improve Queen of the South. David played at the top level as a player and brings a wealth of experience and contacts with him”.
“As part of his role David will be out at games looking for players that will strengthen the club as well as watching and monitoring our own young players as he keeps across their progress.
“We hope his knowledge and personality will help to build relationships with other clubs both sides of the Border, which will give us access to some of the best young players.
“As well as placing our players at clubs where they can continue their development, he will be looking out for players that we can bring to the club on loan.”
David added: “I think it’s an important role in terms of people’s employment.
“It’s a good pathway for young players and as we recognise and identify good relationships it opens up opportunities and eventually hopefully Peter Murphy will take them under his wing, and they will be available for first team selection.
“As well as youth being financially beneficial to clubs, we want players to be really professional and we see this as a way that we can move the club forward.
“It is a more professional approach to bring on youngsters by finding the right pathway for them. There will be some variations, but the initial plan is to work with teams in the Premier League and at Championship level in Scotland and we will duck into the Lowland League too, but it depends on the needs of the individual player.”
David is looking forward to the challenge and believes Queens is a good place to cut his teeth in a new adventure.
He added: “I have always had an affiliation with the club. Many years ago, I was invited down for signing talks, but I chose Derby County. Although I didn’t sign, during my time at Carlisle and Hamilton, I played against Queens so I’m familiar with Palmerston”.
Learning a lot from his playing days, David now hopes to use “bits and bobs” to help the next generation of players.
He said: “Over the years, I picked up things and learned a lot, particularly from different managers. I had some good mentors, in people like Walter Smith up at Rangers and Tony Docherty.
“I will be looking at 17- or 18-year-olds and aim to progress and develop them. As a role it will take a wee bit of time but in time, we will hopefully grow the product and get one or two boys that would be useful for the first team.
“I will ease myself in, but we currently have two or three out on loan, so it gives me the opportunity to go and see how they’re doing and get feedback. And build the relationship with these clubs as well because it’s vitally important.”
