Queens bid fond farewell as Dobbie joins Swansea City

Published on Wednesday 6 May 2009 22:41

QUEEN of the South striker Stephen Dobbie has completed his move to Championship League side Swansea City.

The 26-year-old, who had attracted the interest of clubs from both sides of the border, has signed a three-year deal with Swansea who finished eighth in the league this season.

Dobbie, a Palmerston Park favourite, said last night: "I'm sad to leave Queen of the South as I felt I'd struck up a good bond with the fans those past two and a half years. It's an offer I just could not refuse."

Several Championship clubs including QPR, Ipswich Town and Norwich City had joined Swansea in the bid to sign Dobbie, who has been a prolific scorer with the Doonhamers.

Kilmarnock and St Mirren were also rumoured to be interested in the striker, who has scored 24 times in all competitions for the Scottish Division One side this season.

Queens manager Gordon Chisholm had hoped to hold on to Dobbie but wished him well for the future. He said: "Stephen's fulfilled his ambition and will now be playing at a higher level.

"Naturally we're disappointed to lose him but delighted for Dobbs himself."

Dobbie is a former Rangers youngster and has also played with Hibernian, St Johnstone and Dumbarton.

He has scored 47 goals in his 83 appearances for Queens.