THERE could be some fresh faces arriving at Queen of the South ahead of the start of pre-season.
Gaffer Peter Murphy and his Queens troops will assemble next week to begin their prep for the upcoming League One campaign.
And Palmy director Jim McLinden says they are working tirelessly behind the scenes to add to the squad.
McLinden said: “We are working hard on some more signings before pre-season next week and will update everyone as soon as we can.”
The Dumfries outfit have already signed up a large chunk of last campaign’s side who were tremendous since the turn of the year but in the end missed out on promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.
The latest to pen a new deal is local midfielder Ben Johnstone.
The Moffat lad has committed himself to the club for a further year.
Johnstone progressed through the Doonhamers academy – and following the signing of his first professional contract in 2020 – has featured in numerous first-team fixtures, delivering confident performances at the heart of midfield.
NEW DEAL . . . Ben Johnstone PIC: QOSFC
In January of this year, Johnstone joined Cumbernauld Colts on loan where he started 11 matches in the Lowland League, scoring one goal.
That comes off the back of Kai Kennedy, Jordan Allan, Ross Stewart, Taylor Charters, Mikey Hewitt, Niall Rogerson, Jack Hannah and Liam Smith agreeing terms.
They will join already contracted Brennan Dickenson, skipper Matty Douglas, Reece Lyon, Benji Luissint, Euan Ross, Harry McLinden and Mark Thomson at the first day of pre-season.
The club stated last month that they are in talks with out of contract duo Adam Brooks and Jack Brydon. Long-serving centre mid
Harry Cochrane has already said his goodbyes to the Palmy faithful on social media.
Meanwhile, the club has announced a pre-season friendly with Glenafton Athletic.
The Doonhamers will travel to Loch Park on Tuesday June 24 with a kick-off time of 7.30 pm.
Also, there is a friendly game this Saturday, between QoS staff/volunteers and former players against Carlisle United staff/volunteers and former players.
Kick-off is at 2 pm at Palmerston with all funds, via donation at the gate, to go to the Queens Community Trust.
Across the A75, Annan Athletic manager Wullie Gibson has managed to secure a number of players from last season.
Ryan Muir, Max Kilsby, Dan Carmichael and Paul McGowan have all signed up during the past week.
They join Dumfries-born Aidan Smith who signed a two-year deal. There had been rumours that Smith was going to link back up with his former side Queens and manager Murphy.
But the street talk was put to bed when Aidan committed his future to the Galabank club.