One of Carlisle United's greatest ever goalkeepers has linked up with Peter Murphy in a new role at Queen of the South.
Dave McKellar, who starred for the Blues in the 1980s, has joined the Scottish League One club as loans manager.
The 68-year-old Scot will have a dual responsibility both in scouting new players for Queens as well as monitoring their own players out on loan.
Club bosses say McKellar's arrival is part of their work to grow the club.
Director Jim McLinden said: "This is the first step in our strategy as we put the building blocks in place to improve Queen of the South.
"David played at the top level as a player and brings a wealth of experience and contacts with him”.
“As part of his role David will be out at games looking for players that will strengthen the club as well as watching and monitoring our own young players as he keeps across their progress.
"We hope his knowledge and personality will help to build relationships with other clubs both sides of the border, which will give us access to some of the best young players.
"As well as placing our players at clubs where they can continue their development, he will be looking out for players that we can bring to the club on loan."
McKellar had two spells with United, from 1983 to 1985 and then 1988 to 90.
McKellar had two spells with United in the 1980s (Image: News & Star)
His performances were pivotal to Carlisle's impressive Second Division season under Bob Stokoe in 1983/84, when the Irvine-born player kept 19 clean sheets - a league record for the club until it was broken by Tomas Holy in 2022/23.
His second spell, meanwhile, saw McKellar help Clive Middlemass rebuild the Blues and mount a promotion push in 1989/90 - his departure late in that season felt to be a crucial moment in how United's bid ultimately fell away.
In his two spells he made 151 league appearances for the Brunton Park club. McKellar's other clubs included Derby County, Brentford, Hamilton Academical and Kilmarnock.
McKellar, speaking about his new loans role on the Queens website, added: "I think it's an important role in terms of people's employment.
"It’s a good pathway for young players and as we recognise and identify good relationships it opens up opportunities and eventually hopefully Peter will take them under his wing, and they will be available for first team selection."
He added: "I have always had an affiliation with the club. Many years ago, I was invited down for signing talks, but I chose Derby County.
"Although I didn’t sign, during my time at Carlisle and Hamilton I played against Queens so I’m familiar with Palmerston."
Queens, under Carlisle United legend Murphy, are fourth in Scottish League One. Their squad has other Blues links in players Brennan Dickenson, United loanee Taylor Charters and former Carlisle trainee Matty Douglas.
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