Gord: Cup Cash Can Take Us Up

Mar 9 2008 By Euan Mclean

BEAMING Queen of the South boss Gordon Chisholm reckons their money-spinning cup semi-final could fund them all the way to SPL promotion next season.

Chisholm hailed his stars for booking the club's first semi-final spot in 58 years but feels there could be more success to come next year thanks to the income from their Hampden tie against either Celtic or Aberdeen.

He smiled: "Historically for the club this was big - but financially it is crucial.

"We've gone full-time this season and the chairman keeps a budget and does things well.

"But our cup run may allow him to release the purse strings just a wee bit more next year if we are competing for a player of better quality. So this is really important for our challenge."

Chisholm (right) added: "It's fantastic, what an achievement.

"I'm delighted for the boys for all their effort, I'm delighted for the town, the support and my wee chairman. It's been 58 years since we've been to a semi-final and now we'll go and enjoy the occasion.

"We went full-time to take steps forward like this. We got to the quarter-finals last year and it was so important for the club that we've gone that step further again."

Gutted Dundee boss Alex Rae cursed a crucial miss by his striker Jan Zemlik minutes before Queens' opening goal turned the tie.

He groaned: "Just before they scored we had a gilt-edged chance and I don't know how we didn't score it.

"Then their first goal was the turning point. The ball travelled 60 yards to Stephen Dobbie and it was poor defending from us to say the least.

"This was a good chance to progress but we just had too many key players missing."