Queen of the South raid neighbours for new manager as SPFL's third longest-serving boss jumps ship

Lure of full-time football proved too strong for Irishman after long stint at Galabank

Queen of the South have confirmed the appointment of Peter Murphy as their new manager.

The Doonhamers have moved swiftly to replace Marvin Bartley, who parted company with the Dumfries-based outfit last weekend, by landing Murphy from fellow League One rivals and near neighbours Annan Athletic. The 43-year-old Irishman ends a seven-year tenure at Galabank and his last act was to retain their status in the third tier of Scottish football last weekend by drawing with Stirling Albion.

Murphy has signed a two year deal at Palmerston Park and on the appointment, director Jim McLinden said: “With Marvin leaving it was important that we moved quickly to find a replacement. By bringing Peter in it gives him the summer to build and prepare for the next campaign. He has achieved success at Annan guiding them to league one, the highest in their history. We are delighted to have Peter on board, kick starting the preparations for next season."

Peter Murphy has left Annan Athletic for Queen of the South.

Murphy, who had been the third longest-serving manager in the league behind Spartans’ Dougie Samuel and Montrose’s Stewart Petrie, added: “I am delighted to get an opportunity to work in full-time football. It has been a dream of mine since moving into management. I would like to say a big thank you to Annan Athletic in the way they have handled everything in both my time at Galabank and since the decision that I will be moving to their football neighbours.

"It’s been a bit of a whirlwind with the season just finishing on Saturday to now getting ready to build a squad that will represent my style of football on the park. And to meet my ambitions, the ambition of the club and supporters. It’s an exciting time for everyone and a challenge that I’m relishing."