Queen Margaret University: Champions!

Scotland under-21 manager Billy Stark has paid tribute to Queen Margaret University mens football side boss Gary Cardle following their victory in the Scottish Conference 7A division.

The former Aberdeen and Celtic star was one of a number of coaches and managers who passed on their experience to Cardle when he was taking his sports science degree at Edinburgh Napier University. On learning of the team’s success, Stark told The Journal: “Please pass on my congratulations to Gary. That’s a terrific achievement. I am delighted to see his hard work and ambition to succeed is paying off.”

Cardle has overseen a rise in the sides fortunes since taking over last year. Typically modest, he is quick to point out that the credit should go to the players, who defied the odds to win promotion to the 6th division, beating teams from Glasgow Caledonian, Napier, Dundee and St Andrews. Speaking exclusively to The Journal, Cardle gave his views on the season:

"Firstly, the players deserve all the credit. When I came here, I knew it would be difficult as the majority of students at Queen Margaret are female, but 40 turned up at the trials and I managed to trim that down to make a squad of 18. We started the season with a 4-1 win against Napier who had been relegated, but then received a wake up call against St Andrews when we had two players sent off in a 1-4 defeat. Looking back that was probably what we needed.

"I would say our best performance was against Dundee at home. We were 2-0 down at half time but fought back to win 4-2. They were our nearest challengers, so the league could have been different had they beaten us that day. Normally I don’t like to single out players, but our goalkeeper Robbie Howe has pulled off some great saves and has been a big player for us. Captain Greg Duncan weighed in with 10 goals, and Frank Kenny added experience to our midfield. Having said that, the whole squad deserved credit.”

Cardle also wanted to thank the committee of the club who organise the logistics surrounding the fixtures, and Newcraighall FC who allow the team to use their pitch and facilities.

Although clearly enjoying the university game—Cardle coached teams at Edinburgh Napier and Heriot-Watt before moving to QMU— one aspect annoys of playing at this level annoys him. “I won’t name names, but certain university teams gain advantage by using first team players in other teams. This is frustrating and I feel sorry for the players who don’t get a game to accommodate this.”

A veteran of the university football scene, Cardle has previously spoken of his desire to take his QMU side to the heights of the university tables, as he did with Napier. Despite the season being barely over, he is already planning for next year. “Most of the squad will still be here so we only need six or seven additions. I am already looking forward to pre-season in September. Last year we sacrificed a cup run to work on formations, and didn’t progress because of that. Next season we want to establish ourselves in Division 6 and have a good cup run.”

If Cardle's previous success is anything to go by, QMU should be in for another exciting season. Ever passionate about his team, Caardle is keen to do as much as he can with his players. “I am enjoying myself here so I don’t feel the need for a change. I enjoy working with the players and hopefully we can be successful in the years to come, but one thing I have learned is that you can never say never in football.”