Mckinnon ‘buzzing’ as Queens take the

Queen’s Park’s transition to professional football is under way.

But Ray Mckinnon isn’t kidding himself about what’s in store when his new side face Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup.

Mckinnon’s Spiders are heading towards becoming peers in professionalism with their opponents in next week’s fourth round tie.

But in reality, the Hampden outfit, who only voted to cast off their long-held amateur status two months ago, are still a club in transition.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity to go and play against Premiership opposition,” said Mckinnon, who is buzzing to be back in management after departing Falkirk.

“It’s players who are playing as amateurs against a group of long-term professionals, so it’s a chance for my players to learn and experience what it’s like to play against that level of opponent.

“It will be a test for the boys in the dressing room. There’s no point hiding from that.

“But it’s great too. It’s a wee escape from the week-to-week stuff of the league.

“And, to be honest, it works for me because it gives me an extra week to go, have a look around, and try to bring a few players in.”

That’s a luxury few Queen’s Park managers have enjoyed over the years.

But things are different now that the club’s 152 years of proud amateurism have been confined to the history books. In November, a vote amongst members of Scotland’s oldest club saw 91% back proposals to turn professional. With funding available thanks to the backing of multi-millionaire ex-celtic director, Lord Willie Haughey, the Spiders are striding forward into a new era.

They will play at a redeveloped Lesser Hampden from next season after selling the national stadium to the SFA.

And the club’s ambition was a huge factor in drawing Mckinnon, who has twice taken teams to the verge of promotion to the Premiership, to Glasgow’s south side.

“There are lots of big positives about this job,” said the former Raith Rovers, Dundee United and Falkirk gaffer.

“There are managers out there – at teams in higher leagues too, by the way – that want to go out this month and bring players in.

“A lot of those guys’ hands will be tied. But there’s a bit of leeway here, so I’m happy to have the opportunity to

Sir Alex Ferguson, who began his playing career with the Spiders, alongside Queens’ benefactor Lord Willie Haughey