The club are this evening delighted to announce a major addition to the playing squad for the season ahead as fans favourite Stephen Dobbie makes a return to Palmerston.

After leaving Championship side Bolton Wanderers the 33 year old striker who has most recently been playing as an attacking midfielder left the club in 2009 to further his career down south, he makes the move back to Dumfries with a wealth of experience under his belt. 

Stephen who began his career with Rangers first joined Queens in 2007 where he scored just short of 50 goals in just over 80 league appearances.  As well as a proven goal-scoring record in league matches, Stephen also enjoyed cup success with the club, when he was part of the squad that made history by reaching the Scottish Cup Final in 2008. 

Wanting to further is own career, Stephen choose to make the move down south where he helped both Swansea City and Blackpool gain promotion to the Premier league via the play-offs.

In his time in England Dobbie has also played for Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Bolton.

After signing the paperwork, Dobbie admitted he was buzzing to be back and said "I had a really positive meeting with the manager this afternoon and I can't wait to get started.  It's good to get back to something familiar and somewhere where I had a good relationship with the fans".

"I had a few things in the pipeline but as soon as I knew Queens were interested it was just a matter of getting it done. I know what the club is about and  hopefully the fans will be happy I've returned.  I'm here to try to finish something that didn't happen the last time and get Queens up.  I love scoring goals and playing football, I've not come here to be fifth or sixth in the Championship, I'm coming here to help try to get the club to the play offs or higher".

Football development manager, Jim Thomson added "It's fantastic for the club, I didn't think we'd be able to get someone of his quality.  I'm in regular contact with him so when he became available, we pulled out all the stops to secure him and we're over the moon, it's a big boost for the club.  It shows everybody where we want to be - the top end of the championship"'

"We're still in shock that we've been able to acquire his services, given last season he was playing in the English Championship, but credit to the Board for releasing the funds.  He comes with a wealth of experience and hopefully he will pass that on, especially to the younger players.  It's not just his ability we'll benefit from we are now also able to tap into that experience and we're over joyed".

"We still hope to bring another couple of quality players to the club".