All gone Pete Tong!

QUEEN of the South manager Peter Murphy will leave the club after the board of directors opted against renewing his contract. The decision follows the Doonhamers’ failure to secure promotion back to the Scottish Championship. Murphy and his backroom staff were tasked with returning the Dumfries outfit to the second tier. However, both of his campaigns at the helm ended at the identical semi-final play-off hurdle. The latest exit proved particularly painful. Queen of the South were eliminated in a dramatic penalty shootout against Stenhousemuir. After the match, Murphy remained uncertain of his future, stating he had held no prior talks with chairman Billy Hewitson. He offered a final message of gratitude to the Palmerston faithful. Murphy said: “The message to the Queens fans is thanks for the unbelievable support that we’ve had, especially during the play-off matches. “It’s just unfortunate we couldn’t produce for them and get through to the final and get into the Championship. “I want to say thanks very much for everything. The support has been incredible over the last couple of seasons. Hopefully there’s another season or two maybe, but we’ll wait and see.” Following the interview, Murphy sat on the Ochilview bench alongside assistant manager Colin McMenamin for half an hour to process the defeat. [caption id="attachment_68530" align="alignnone" width="248"]

IT'S OVER . . . Peter Murphy with captain Matty Douglas[/caption] The devastated players slowly exited the dressing room and walked across the pitch, leaving serious questions over the future shape of the squad. The club’s hierarchy acted swiftly following the play-off exit. Mr Hewitson confirmed the departure of the former Annan Athletic manager and his staff, citing financial and sporting pressures. He said: “Football is a results business and financially we need to be in the Championship. “Having been knocked out of the promotion play-off semi-finals on penalties, we have taken some time to reflect and have reached the decision that we need to take the club in a different direction. “Therefore, we will not be renewing the manager’s contract along with his management team. We would like to thank all three for their efforts and wish them all the best for the future.” Queen of the South confirmed that the recruitment process for a new manager is underway. An appointment will be announced in due course. A major squad overhaul looks imminent at Palmerston. Influential midfielder Reece Lyon has already signalled his exit. He posted a farewell message on social media thanking fans for his two seasons at the club. Lyon is strongly rumoured to be securing a move to a Championship side.