Versatile attacker Josh Walker penned a permanent deal this week after a successful trial at the Dumfries outfit. The 22-year-old impressed whilst at Galabank under Peter Murphy last season.
Walker said: “I came in a couple of weeks ago and played a couple of games. I’m delighted to put pen to paper and get started properly.
“The manager was really good for myself last season and I enjoy the way he works.
“I know Matty Douglas, Benji Luissint and Harry Cochrane so it’s good to see familiar faces.
“I’m looking to play as much as possible but as a team we are one of three full time sides so we should be looking to finish in the play-offs at least.”
Oscar MacIntyre has returned to Dumfries for a second loan spell from top flight outfit Hibs.
The 19-year-old left back made a handful of appearances for the Doonhamers but left in January to link up with Murphy at Annan for first team football.
“It’s good to be back,” MacIntyre said. “I had a great time during my first spell but I wanted to play more games so I joined Annan.
“I can’t wait to get started. The ambition is to go up this season, especially because of the size of club Queens is. We should never have been in that position last season.
“Training on the pitch once a week will help us. It definitely gives us a better chance.”
Keeper Jay Hogarth also joins on loan from Premiership runners-up Rangers until January. A number of clubs were in for the shotshopper’s signature.
The 20-year-old tasted promotion success whilst on loan at Dumbarton last season.
He said: “I decided to come here because of the size of club. Being full time was a big pull for me too. It’s an opportunity to come and play games.
“I met Ross Stewart and he’s a really good guy. He trains well but we’re both going for the same spot but whoever plays we’ll support each other.
“Promotions and championships are what footballers want. I got to experience a promotion with Dumbarton last season so hopefully I can get two in two seasons.”
Meanwhile, Saturday is the last chance for Queen of the South fans to see their new-look side in action before the real stuff starts.
The Doonhamers will host recently relegated Stirling Albion at Palmerston this weekend with a 3 pm kick off.
The friendly was supposed to take place up the road but Stirling announced that their Forthbank grass pitch isn’t ready to play on.
This has now opened the chance for the Palmy faithful to get one last look at Murphy’s side before next Saturday’s League Cup group televised match against top flight Aberdeen.
Queens assistant Colin McMenamin said: “Stirling’s pitch isn’t ready. It would’ve been handy to have played on a grass pitch before the season starts but to have them here is good for us. It lets the fans see the team before the season starts.
“We had a right good training session on the Palmerston pitch on Tuesday. With the rain coming down it was good so the players know what it’s like with water on it.
“I thought we played well in our last friendly against Morton (Queens lost 1-0) but maybe lacked that cutting edge up top but that’ll come with sharpness.
“It was a great workout and we maybe lost our shape later on but that can happen in friendlies with the amount of subs you make. We’re very pleased with the boys.”
New midfielder Reece Lyon has been back training, whilst Daniel Church and Jack Brydon are getting closer to returning from their latest respective injuries.
Two trialists were spotted training at Palmerston on Tuesday but the Queens no2 was tightlipped whether the pair would be signing for the club.
But McMenamin was thrilled with the triple signings – Josh Walker, Oscar MacIntyre and Jay Hogarth – the club made this week.
He said: “We know Oscar really well and have been in dialogue for a few weeks about him. Once we knew he was available, he had a lot of interest from other clubs.
“I think with his relationship with the manager and the staff, he decided to come to us. It’s a really good signing.
“Josh gives us different options in a number of areas. He’s very versatile, but he’s probably best in ten position and tries to pick wee holes. But he can wide and wingback. We trust him in any position. He’s fit as a fiddle and works really hard.
“It’s great to get Jay in too. Charlie Cowie is still a couple of a couple of months away from being fit so it’s important to have the two keepers in. It puts pressure on both keepers and we’re delighted to have this great standard. We thank Rangers for helping us out.
“It’s going to take Charlie time to get back up to speed and regain match fitness so we’ll leave him with Gav. He’s been great about the club and he’s itching to get back on the field.”
Queens’ friendly with Stirling kicks off at 3 pm this Saturday.
