Queen of the South keeper Gordon Botterill is here to compete for the number one jersey.
The Swiss shot stopper featured three times for the Doonhamers at the end of last season before signing a one-year extension last month.
Botterill, 25, thanked manager Marvin Bartley for giving him an opportunity to impress at the end of the last campaign and said he’s loving every minute at Queens.
He will face a fight for the starting spot with Murray Johnson joining on loan from Hibs. He said: “It’s a competitive sport and I’m here to compete. Fortunately the manager gave me a chance at the end of the season.
“But I’ve always been ready whenever I’ve been in the squad and ready, fit and available to play and I’ve always had that in my mind. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I signed in January when the gaffer came in. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it with the team and the keepers and Gordon Marshall.
“It’s a great group to be a part of and it’s been good fun. We tried to progress as much as we could at the back end of last season and do our bit as keepers to make the results go our way. We put a good shift in. It’s been good to have been exposed to League One and I feel I can compete and give my all for the team.”
Botterill got his first taste of Palmerston in the final game of the season starting between the sticks in a 4-1 win over Kelty Hearts.
He said: “I was very happy to get out there in the last game of the season as well and hear the Queens faithful when we score which was a nice buzz as well.
“I was happy to contribute. It’s always nice to make a difference. You don’t want to be too busy so you try to have an impact on the game by communicating as much as you can and be in the right areas. But when you have to use your hands or your feet it’s nice to contribute by keeping the ball out of the net. The goal I conceded was a bit frustrating. He caught it quite well and took it early and hit it across me so it was a decent hit by the lad and fair play.”
Marvin Bartley said: “Gordon featured towards the end of the season and showed his ability to play at this level and challenge for the number one shirt. He is a fantastic professional and is valuable both on and off the pitch.”
Meanwhile Queens have confirmed they will reject the controversial Conference League plans at the Scottish FA AGM today. The move would see B teams, two Highland League clubs and four Lowland League teams introduced to a new fifth-tier of Scottish football with all 42 SPFL clubs invited to express an interest.
“In relation to this vote, we as a club have decided to vote against the proposed creation of a new tier.”
