Peter Murphy set for Queen of the South appointment as Doonhamers move swiftly to replace Marvin Bartley

Peter Murphy is set to be named Queen of the South boss after seven years in charge of their local rivals Annan Athletic. The Irishman has worked wonders with the Galabank club, leading them to promotion from League Two via the play-offs last season and cementing their highest ever SPFL finish this time round.

Annan finished just two points behind Queens in eighth spot in League One and that achievement saw Murphy emerge as the top target to replace Marvin Bartley at Palmerston. The 43-year-old was given permission to hold talks with Doonhamers chiefs earlier this week and the two clubs are now in talks over a compensation package to complete the deal.

Former Hibs hero Bartley stepped down last weekend after a season-and-a-half in charge ended with Queens 12 points off the promotion play-off spots and just two ahead of Stirling Albion in the drop zone playoff. Former Carlisle United and Ayr defender Murphy will be tasked with rejuvenating the full-time Dumfries club who are set for a third year in the third tier of Scottish football. He is expected to be assisted by his Annan number two, former Dundee, Ross County and Queens striker Colin McMenamin at Palmerston.

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