Jack's back!

IT’S another week and another tremendous bit of business completed by Queen of the South. Centre back Jack Hannah signed a two-year deal after a successful loan spell from English Championship outfit Middlesbrough last campaign. The 22-year-old became a regular and valuable member of the Palmerston squad. And when Hannah’s home town side released him last week, Queens boss Peter Murphy quickly moved to get his man – to the delight of the Palmy faithful. Hannah – who will become a dad during the close season – admits his previous spell had made him grow into a man and he just knew he had to return to Dumfries. He said: “I have loved my season at Queens. It’s a fantastic club with so much potential. I feel I have really grown and learned so much having had the chance to play regular first team football. “I came here as a boy in the summer and a year on I have grown into a man. “When I knew I was leaving Middlesborough, I knew my future was at Queens’ but I wanted to get the play-offs out the way and sort a few things. “My partner and I are expecting a baby in July so to get my future sorted is great, we can enjoy the summer and really hit the ground running when the new season comes around.” And gaffer Murphy – who has already tied down Liam Smith, Ross Stewart, Jordan Allan to new deals already this month – knows how big a signing Hannah will be for the team. Murphy added: “When Jack joined last summer, we knew he was very good technically and tactically. We also knew he would be aggressive, physical and would dominate in the air and what a fantastic signing he has proven to be. “It has been a pleasure for us to watch him develop and get stronger as the season progressed. “His contribution was recognised by the supporters a few weeks ago when he picked up a player of the year award. “When we knew he was leaving Middlesbrough we knew we wanted to make him a Queens’ player so we are delighted to have agreed a two-year deal.” Meanwhile, long-serving midfielder Harry Cochrane has revealed he will be departing Palmerston Park. [caption id="attachment_59721" align="alignnone" width="520"]

DEPARTING . . . Harry Cochrane will leave Palmerston after four years[/caption] Although the Dumfries side haven’t officially announced his exit, Cochrane posted on his social media accounts, saying: “Four years, 131 appearances. Thank you Queen of the South.” And after his post, he thanked several Doonhamers who wished him all the best for the future. Also leaving the club are Josh Walker, Kyle Doherty and Dan Church. Walker signed last summer but struggled to break into the starting XI but did impress when subbed on, including a wonder goal against Alloa Athletic after only being on the field for less than a minute. Doherty had been a regular in Murphy’s side until he picked up an injury in the latter stages of the season, whilst Church was plagued by several injuries and only made a handful of appearances during his two-year Palmy stint. And now Queens supporters will have to wait and see if any other players from last season – including Adam Brooks, Kai Kennedy and Mikey Hewitt – will decide whether to remain with the team. The SPFL has confirmed that the draw for the group stage of the 2025/26 Premier Sports Cup will take place on Wednesday, May 28 at 1 pm.