Queens are to stay full-time next season in their bid to bounce back to the Championship.
Manager Wullie Gibson is plotting a rapid return but warned that it will be a tough task.
The new Queen of the South boss has been working to sign new players for the League One challenge and said: “It is not going to be easy in League One that’s for sure.
“We are staying full-time but there are quite a few clubs who will be full-time too in that division such as Falkirk, Dunfermline, Airdrie plus you have Kelty Hearts who are part-time but have a lot of quality players in their squad.”
Gibson told the Standard that he is planning to go with a smaller squad next season but with more quality players in the mix.
He also disclosed that Queens will be playing higher division sides in their pre-season friendlies.
Gibson added: “I felt last year that the standard of opposition could have been a little bit better for our friendlies.
“We played local teams like Dalbeattie Star and Annan which is good for community links.
“But we didn’t have any teams from higher up and I felt we should have played stronger opposition.
“So that is my aim and I have fixed up two games away from home against higher division teams but we will announce them soon.
“My opinion is that a stronger opponent tests the players and sets us up going into the Betfred Cup and of course the league campaign.
“I want us to be playing decent opposition and be ready from the get-go for the new season.”
Gibson also told how he wants a top team for a home friendly to allow Doonhamers supporters to have a look at their new signings.
