Wullie Gibson believes that Sunday’s SPFL Trust Trophy final is a “healthy distraction” from the Championship relegation battle.
Queens travel to the Excelsior to take on Raith Rovers looking to win the trophy for the third time in 20 years.
Gibson said: “It is a massive week for the club, I think it has been a healthy distraction.
“I have always said prior to the game I wasn’t too bothered about the cup final because we have bigger things at stake but now the week is here, we are excited for it. Hopefully we can go and win a trophy.”
Gibson has a storied past with the competition having been part of three successes in his career. But could it be his first trophy as a manager and last as a player?
He said: “I wasn’t part of the matchday squad as I had broken my ankle many moons ago when Queens picked it up at Broadwood in 2002. I’ve won it with Falkirk and Queens again. To win it again with Queens would be something special.
“It’s different as I’m now looking to win a trophy and medal as a manager. That aside it’s just important that we win the game. Whether it’s my last final as a player I don’t know. I’ve not made that decision.
“We’ll go there on Sunday, enjoy it and hopefully win it for the fans. Another medal would be nice to add to the collection.”
The management team has kept training the same so players don’t get too hyped up for the match and Gibson is leaning on his number two Grant Murray, who won the competition in 2014 with Raith. He said: “Grant is quiet and goes around with the boys and dropping little things and planting seeds into their heads. That’s a good thing.”
A cup win would be incredible for the supporters and players who have endured a tough year. But it may have added benefits for the squad in their survival battle. Gibson explained: “In terms of what it means to the fans, I think that’s a big one as they’ve not enjoyed a good season. It’s going to be a day for the fans where they’ll bring their inflatables and get behind the team. It will be a healthy support so we want to send them home happy. That would mean a lot.
“It’s the old saying that every game is a cup final so hopefully on Sunday we get the result we need and it will give us a lift to the Friday night game against Partick.”
