Queens boss Gary Naysmith has moved quickly to add John Rankin to the squad following his release from Falkirk this morning. The experienced midfielder has signed a contract to the end of next season.
The 33 year old arrives with plenty of experience having played over one hundred games for Ross County, during which time he gained a Scotland B cap against Turkey in 2006. After three years at County he moved to Highland neighbours Inverness Caledonian Thistle before he headed south to the Capital to Hibernian. On leaving the Easter Road side, John headed back north where he spent five years at Tannadice, playing over two hundred games for Dundee United. Following their relegation to the Championship, he joined Peter Houston at Falkirk.
Commenting on signing Gary Naysmith says " I am delighted to have been able to bring John on board. He wasn't a player that I thought I would get, but when I was speaking to Peter Houston about the availability of other players he mentioned that John might be available and allowed us to speak to him which is great. I haven't worked with him before but after doing some homework it's clear that he is highly thought of, the feedback has been good and anyone who has worked with him all say the same, that he is one of the best professionals they've worked with"
"Once I spoke to John I can tell he is going to be a big help to me when it comes to bringing the young players on. He is a fitness fanatic who takes care of himself, so age isn't a concern to me as he is probably one of if not the most fittest player in the division. He is exactly what I'm looking for to help us get results but he also has the standards that I am looking to set on and off the pitch".
"He has taken a cut in wages to join us, so that says a lot about the player and his willingness to join us. He has signed an 18 month contract and will be an integral part of what I'm trying to build. We have Joe and Dom in on short term deals but I think it's important that we also have players signed up as part of our longer term plans. So with Stephen Dobbie and now John signed on until the end of next season, it's good to have senior players around to set an example".