Stephen Dobbie: Fans bid farewell to Queen of the South favourite

Stephen Dobbie made an emotional return to Dumfries on Sunday

Thousands of fans turned out to watch Queen of the South hero Stephen Dobbie in action at the club's Palmerston Park for the final time.

The Dumfries club held a testimonial game for the striker on Sunday afternoon.

Supporters could not attend his final competitive match with the Doonhamers due to Covid restrictions.

However, a crowd of about 2,000 watched him play in a game between Scotland legends and a Queen of the South XI.

An estimated 2,000 people turned out to see the striker in action one last time

Dobbie scored 166 goals in a couple of spells at the Dumfries club - including 43 in a single season.

He left in 2021, with his last game at Palmerston played out at an empty ground.

He returned on Sunday to captain a Queen of the South select which lost 6-2 to a Scottish legends side including Scott Brown, Colin Hendry and James McFadden.

Dobbie coolly converted a penalty during the game

"It was very emotional," Dobbie said.

"A great turnout from the fans, I couldn't have asked from anything more.

• Meet Europe's most prolific marksman

• Watch: Dobbie hits Scottish Cup hat-trick

"It was great to see old faces and it was much appreciated."

He said that walking off the pitch for one last time had probably been the best part of the day at a club which holds a special place in his heart.

Scott Brown was among the players involved with the Scotland side

"From the very first goal against Dundee to the last one, I loved every minute of it," he said.

"I wish I could replay it and rewind the time. A big thanks to the fans - they took to me straight from that first game.

"It is a great honour, I loved it - to walk back out on Palmerston and walk off, it has made my day."

Dobbie said he had been delighted to walk off the Palmerston pitch for one final time after the game