Spiders’ signing spree is not any guarantee for Ray
Queen’s Park’s highprofile signing spree during the summer has brought a familiar feeling of pressure to head coach, Ray McKinnon.
However, the 50-yearold believes that being in charge of the Spiders is a joy.
Scotland’s oldest club will start their first-ever season in 153 years as a- full-time professional outfit next month.
Backed by Glasgow businessman, Lord Willie Haughey, McKinnon has made a string of experienced signings with Michael Doyle, Grant Gillespie, Lee Kilday, Stuart Morrison, Tommy Robson, Bob McHugh, Simon Murray and Ross McLean all joining the League 2 side.
With Cammy Bell, Peter Grant and Craig Slater all signed earlier this year, shortly after McKinnon took charge, Queen’s have a superstrong squad for the new campaign, and their boss is aware that expectations are rising on the south side of Glasgow.
McKinnon said: “We have built a decent squad, but we have to add more players as we are a bit light in numbers.
“There is a quality here, and it is a joy to work with these players. But I recognise that there is pressure as well.
“However, that is not unique as every management job I have had has had pressure attached.
“I started off at Brechin
City, and there was an expectation to get them into the play-offs for the Championship.
“I then moved on to Raith Rovers, and there was a pressure to get them into the play-offs for the top flight.
“At Dundee United, it was all about being top of the Championship, even though Hibs were in the league.
“At Morton, we had to be challenging for promotion, and then at Falkirk there was an immediate issue as they were bottom of the table when I went in.
“There is a pressure now at Queen’s Park, as it is a club going through massive changes and the changes have brought increased ambition.
“I would like to think that we will be at the top end of League 2 challenging, but I will not be taking anything for granted.
“We have a strong squad, but that does not guarantee anything.
“I took in a game recently between a fullstrength Sheffield United and Dundee United’s youngsters, and the score was 0-0 before it was abandoned at halftime due to the rain.
“In the Premiership already this season, Celtic have drawn at Kilmarnock and Rangers played out a goalless draw at Livingston.
“I am excited by the potential here, but we will only be successful if we work harder than every other team.”