Queen's Park are potentially eight games away from the Scottish Premiership.
The Championship leaders currently hold a five point advantage over Dundee, although their rivals have a game-in-hand. It could cap a remarkable rise that could see them win consecutive promotions, coming all the way from League One. Owen Coyle’s side are certainly on the climb but they have done it without spending lavishly on big-names and overpaid players.
The Spiders have been backed by the finances of Sir Lord Haughey but he hasn’t been gung-ho with his spending on the team and the recruitment has been more organic and out-of-the box. It has not only brought success on the park but growing interest in Queen’s Park rising stars. Director of football Marijn Beuker has played a big role behind the scenes as Coyle gets them firing on the park, while former Hibs CEO Leeann Dempster leads from the boardroom, as well as putting a focus on strengthening the club's links with the local community.
Record Sport looks at how they have got themselves into this position.
Talent spotting in England's non-leagues
CHARLIE FOX
Wycombe Wanderers and Fleetwood Town are amongst a number of English League clubs who are watching Charlie Fox. There is also Scottish Premiership interest in the left-sided central defender. The 24-year-old has helped Queen’s Park take the step up from League One to the verge of the Premiership. Fox came through the ranks at Queen’s Park Rangers but before he headed north he had spells at Hampton and Richmond, Walton Casuals and Bromley.
Top flight talent shining on loan
MALACHI BOATENG
The young midfielder has impressed since coming up on-loan. So much so that several Scottish Premiership clubs have already asked Crystal Palace about him taking the step up next season. The Spiders will be hoping that if they can win promotion then they will be in the fight to keep Boateng. Motherwell’s. Motherwell’s Connor Shields and Marcel Oakley from Birmingham City are others who fall into that successful loan market.
Alternative pathway to first team football
JACK THOMSON
The midfielder has been a regular for Queen’s. The former Scotland youth international came through the ranks at Rangers but moved across Glasgow two years ago. The 23-year-old has been a standout and a big player in their recent rise.
Unearthing gems from Scotland's lower leagues
GRANT SAVOURY
The former Celtic kid is someone who has worked his way gradually back up the ranks. He impressed at Peterhead before Queen’s Park took him back into full-time football last season.
His attacking talents have already seen him net 12 times and produce five assists. That has the likes of Forest Green Rovers watching him closely.
Looking at the Juniors
AARON HEALY
The Spiders signed the young winger from junior side Arthurlie in January. He has since turned 20 but has made an instant impact in Scotland’s second tier. Healy has kept out on-loan Rangers youngster Josh McPake in recent weeks. Manager Owen Coyle believes the former St Mirren and Celtic youngster has the potential to really grow and prosper at Queen’s Park.
Scout outwith the usual markets
STEPHEN EZE
The Nigerian international is currently plying his trade for the Championship leaders. The defender has had spells in Bulgaria and Kazakhstan but boss Owen Coyle knew him from his time in India with Jamshedspur.
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