ueens finished in mid-table which after considering the extremes of their season, seems about right. Gavin Skelton was in charge at the start of the season as they set the early pace with Hibs. Their signing of former striker Stephen Dobbie seemed vindicated as he was scoring for fun with another veteran striker, Derek Lyle, also readily finding the net. A strong start was followed by an equally strong dip and Skelton departed. New manager, Gary Naismith, brought stability but another tilt at the promotion play-offs proved elusive.
Their season started well and an unbeaten run of eight games that included five consecutive wins had them installed as unexpected title contenders. Then form evaporated totally with a run of 13 games without a win, including seven consecutive defeats. They also went five consecutive games without scoring a goal as their confidence crumbled. From title contenders, Queens had become relegation fodder. Skelton stepped down in November and Gary Naismith took charge after departing from East Fife. Changes were made in the winter transfer window with the midfield being totally changes. Former Dundee United and Falkirk player, John Rankin, was a key signing and he steadied Queens. Form turned around again in the third quarter of the season and the promotion play-offs were a possibility again. However, a poor finish to the season with only one point from their last four games meant Queens had to settle for 6th place. Home form was unusually poor for Queens with the 9th worst record in the Championship. Before the season Queens were thought to be a team possibly on the slide. Unless they find more consistency that slide may yet happen.
