Queen of the South directors 'would stand aside'

The board of the Dumfries side said it would stand aside if new investors wished them to do so

Queen of the South's board of directors has said it would be ready to stand aside to make way for anyone prepared to boost the team's finances.

A club statement said it was no secret the Dumfries side had faced "extremely difficult trading conditions".

It said that as a result there was no option but to "significantly" reduce the budget for players.

However, the directors said they would make way for anyone prepared to improve the club's financial situation.

The Scottish first division side has reported significant losses over the past two years, and are expected to reach a six-figure sum again this year.

Directors said that left them with no option but to offer reduced wages to players for next season.

They added that "in the absence of additional investors or extra sponsors" they would have to aim for a break even position.

Some criticism 'deserved'

"We have not at any time obstructed any offer to join the board of directors and would happily stand aside if anyone else felt that they could offer the finance or expertise that would allow the club to continue operating at present levels, and considered the existing board an obstacle to this," the statement said.

The board added that it could not rule out part-time football next season and said it accepted some criticism of its handling of the club had "perhaps been deserved".

It urged everyone to work together to get a more "positive feel" about the Palmerston Park side.

"Every Queen of the South supporter is more crucial now than ever before," the statement added.

"The last few seasons have seen the name of Queen of the South at a level of respect in Scottish football that it hasn't seen in decades before that.

"Let's all work together to keep it that way."