Wullie Gibson’s first pre-season as a manager with Queen of the South has started well.
The 37-year-old is continuing to put his own stamp on this squad as preparations for the new campaign started on Monday.
It’s a remarkable difference from a year ago but it was one of the conditions Gibson laid out to the board when he took the job on.
While the business he’s done has gone down well with South fans, Gibson’s dedication to the role isn’t winning him many favours at home.
He said: “I was here last year and we had 42 trialists or something at this stage.
“It’s better having your own players in and having a foundation to start with and fingers crossed that leads to something positive.
“When you say about how busy I’ve been there’s been no down time whatsoever. You just need to ask my wife that.
“She’s not happy I’ve not had a day off. I’ve been on the phone constantly and meeting players but I’ve been enjoying it.
“I’ve settled in really well and I’ve went about my business quite early trying to get players in.
“You can see what we’re trying to do. Hopefully by the time the cup games come around you can see we’re in a better position than we were last year.”
The new season starts in three weeks’ time, with a League Cup tie against Annan, and Gibson has wasted absolutely no time in getting players brought in with four more players confirmed.
Lee Connelly and Euan East have signed one-year deals, Connor Murray returns to the club after a stint with Partick Thistle and former Aberdeen striker Michael Ruth completed a busy week for the new gaffer.
However, Gibson isn’t done in the transfer window for players or coaching staff with a goalkeeping coach due to be signed in the coming days. He explained: “I want to bring in another four or five because I want to run with a squad of about 18 or 19. I’ve got a few of the younger boys so that’s the number I want to work towards.
“With Euan East coming back we’ll need one defender, we need wide players for the way we want to play. We need wide attacking threats which is why Connor Murray is back.
“I’m still looking for another striker despite bringing in Michael Ruth.
“If we can top up in the midfield area as well and a goalkeeper.
“Hopefully in a couple more weeks we’ll see the final product of all of that.”
