Gordon Chisholm
Encyclopedia
Gordon Chisholm is a Scottish professional football former player and manager. Chisholm played as a central defender
for Sunderland
, Hibernian
, Dundee
and Partick Thistle
.
After retiring as a player, Chisholm became a coach
, working in some of his roles as assistant to Ian McCall
. Chisholm succeeded McCall as manager
of Dundee United
in 2005, and guided the club to the 2005 Scottish Cup Final
, which they lost 1–0 to Celtic
. He was sacked the following season, however, and was subsequently appointed manager of Scottish First Division club Queen of the South
. Chisholm guided the club to the 2008 Scottish Cup Final
, which they lost 3–2 to Rangers
. Chisholm left Queens in 2010 to manage Dundee
, but was made redundant when the club went into administration
in October 2010.
where he spent seven years and was a member of the side that reached the final of the Football League Cup
in March 1985, where they lost 1-0 to Norwich City
. Unfortunately for Chisholm, he deflected Asa Hartford
's shot into the net for Norwich's winning goal.
for a £60,000 fee. He scored a goal on his Hibs debut, a Scottish League Cup
semi-final win against Rangers
. This meant that Chisholm achieved the unusual feat of playing in League Cup Finals in the same calendar year in both England and Scotland. Unfortunately for Chisholm, both finals were lost, as Hibs lost 3–0 to Aberdeen
. He later had spells at Dundee
and Partick Thistle
before retiring in 1992. Chisholm was a "tall, commanding central defender
" who "could also play in the holding midfield role".
, Clydebank
, Ross County
, Airdrie
, Falkirk
and Dundee United
, primarily working with Ian McCall
.
. Chisholm suffered 3–2 defeats against both Celtic
and Hibernian
in his first two matches in charge. The following week, however, Chisholm's team triumphed over Hibernian, Rangers
and Hearts
. United then went on to end a run of eight games over three years without a win against neighbours Dundee, with goals by Mark Wilson and Jim McIntyre sealing a 2–1 win. These results meant that Chisholm won the SPL manager of the month award
in his first full month in charge of the team (April 2005). Chisholm's team then retained SPL status in dramatic style with a late Barry Robson
penalty at Inverness
on the final day of the season.
United's victory against Hibs meant that they reached the 2005 Scottish Cup Final
, which they lost 1–0 against Celtic. As Celtic had already qualified for the UEFA Champions League
, however, United qualified for the UEFA Cup
. Chisholm was given the position of manager on a permanent basis on 24 May 2005. Despite spending considerable money on players such as Lee Miller
, Dundee United were eliminated in the qualifying stage of the UEFA Cup
by Finnish team MyPa
. Poor league form and a 3–2 defeat against Aberdeen in the third round of the Scottish Cup
, after having led 2–0, led to Chisholm being sacked on 10 January 2006 by Dundee United chairman Eddie Thompson
.
Chisholm again became Ian McCall's assistant, this time at Dumfries
club Queen of the South
, until McCall's departure from the club at the end of the 2006–07 season
. Chisholm then accepted the role as manager, appointing Kenny Brannigan
as his assistant manager. Chairman Davie Rae
also announced that the club would become fully professional that season. In March 2008, Chisholm guided Queens to only their second ever Scottish Cup
semi-final appearance with a 2–0 quarter final victory against Dundee
, a game notable for a goal from 84 yards by Ryan McCann
. Queens followed this with a 4–3 win against Aberdeen in the semi-final, which meant that Chisholm had guided Queens to their first ever Scottish Cup Final appearance. Despite second half Queens goals by Steve Tosh
and Jim Thomson, Rangers ran out 3–2 winners in the Final
. Queens finished fourth in the Scottish First Division.
As Rangers had already qualified for the UEFA Champions League
qualifiers through their Scottish Premier League
position, Queens entered the 2008–09 UEFA Cup
competition, being drawn in a qualification round against Danish
club FC Nordsjælland
. The first leg, hosted at the ground
of Airdrie
, was played in a quagmire with the Danes running out 2–1 winners. Queens delivered a stronger performance in the return leg, controlling most of the game but with only one goal to show for their superiority. With a 1–0 victory of no value in an aggregate result due to the away goals rule
and Queens pushing all out for the second goal, the Danes took advantage to score two goals in the last five minutes. Chisholm's team selection for the UEFA Cup ties caused some surprise. With Stephen Dobbie
the most prolific striker at the club in a generation, Chisholm started with Dobbie on the bench for both ties instead preferring the workmanlike Stewart Kean
.
A strong start to the 2008–09 league campaign saw the club sitting top of the table in October. At the same time, Chisholm was linked with the vacant position at Dundee
, but Davie Rae
refused Chisholm permission to talk to the Dark Blues. This coincided with Queens losing form, as they gained only three draws from the next 12 games placing them only one place above bottom. Their form improved in the latter part of the season and the club finished in mid-table.
The 2009–10 season progressed in a similar fashion to the season before. Queens were top of the table, but poorer results followed that dragged the club into a mid table position. The club also suffered a 4-0 defeat in the Scottish Cup
against Airdrie
. Chisholm applied for the vacant managerial position at Kilmarnock
, but the job was taken by Jimmy Calderwood
. Two months later, Chisholm was offered the vacant position at Dundee
. Chisholm made the following comments after leaving QoS:
after going four games without a win. Chisholm said ahead of his first game in charge, ironically against his previous club, "It was an opportunity I just couldn't pass by at my time of life, but it will be a strange experience being on opposite sides tomorrow night." Chisholm was the first person to manage both major Dundee clubs. Billy Dodds
, who was the Queen of the South strikers coach under Chisholm, joined him at Dens Park as his assistant.
Dundee failed to win promotion at the end of the 2009–10 season and entered administration a few months later. The administrator made Chisholm and Dodds redundant the following day.
Defender (football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
for Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
, Hibernian
Hibernian F.C.
Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
, Dundee
Dundee F.C.
Dundee Football Club, founded in 1893, are a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their shirt colour is dark blue. Dundee currently play in the Scottish First Division, having been relegated from...
and Partick Thistle
Partick Thistle F.C.
Partick Thistle Football Club are a professional association football club from Glasgow. Despite their name, the club are based in the Maryhill area of the city, and have not played in Partick since 1908...
.
After retiring as a player, Chisholm became a coach
Coach (sport)
In sports, a coach is an individual involved in the direction, instruction and training of the operations of a sports team or of individual sportspeople.-Staff:...
, working in some of his roles as assistant to Ian McCall
Ian McCall
Ian Holland McCall is a Scottish former footballer and is currently without a job having resigned as the manager of First Division side Partick Thistle.-Playing career:...
. Chisholm succeeded McCall as manager
Head coach
A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
of Dundee United
Dundee United F.C.
Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, the club changed to the present name in 1923...
in 2005, and guided the club to the 2005 Scottish Cup Final
2005 Scottish Cup Final
The 2005 Scottish Cup Final was played on 28 May 2005 at Hampden Park in Glasgow and was the final of the 119th Scottish Cup. The final was contested by Celtic and Dundee United. Celtic won the match with an eleventh minute goal from Alan Thompson....
, which they lost 1–0 to Celtic
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
. He was sacked the following season, however, and was subsequently appointed manager of Scottish First Division club Queen of the South
Queen of the South F.C.
Queen of the South Football Club is a Scottish professional football club founded in 1919 and located in Dumfries. The club currently plays in the Scottish First Division, the second tier of Scottish football. They are officially nicknamed The Doonhamers, but usually referred to as Queens or QoS...
. Chisholm guided the club to the 2008 Scottish Cup Final
2008 Scottish Cup Final
The 2008 Scottish Cup Final was a football match which took place at Hampden Park in Glasgow on 24 May 2008. The match was the final of the 123rd Scottish Cup and was contested by Queen of the South and Rangers. Queen of the South beat Aberdeen 4–3 in their semi-final, Rangers beat St...
, which they lost 3–2 to Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
. Chisholm left Queens in 2010 to manage Dundee
Dundee F.C.
Dundee Football Club, founded in 1893, are a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their shirt colour is dark blue. Dundee currently play in the Scottish First Division, having been relegated from...
, but was made redundant when the club went into administration
Administration (British football)
Sports clubs in the United Kingdom, most often in football, sometimes choose to enter administration when they are unable to pay off outstanding debts. Under the Insolvency Act 1986 a business will face a winding up order bringing them to court and if it is shown that a business cannot pay debts as...
in October 2010.
In England
Chisholm started his career at SunderlandSunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
where he spent seven years and was a member of the side that reached the final of the Football League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
in March 1985, where they lost 1-0 to Norwich City
Norwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
. Unfortunately for Chisholm, he deflected Asa Hartford
Asa Hartford
Richard 'Asa' Hartford is a retired Scottish international midfielder and footballer who became famous for failing a medical examination due to the discovery of a heart condition which put paid to a high profile transfer to Leeds United in November 1971.-Early career:He first played for Drumchapel...
's shot into the net for Norwich's winning goal.
In Scotland
Chisholm moved back to Scotland later that year, when he joined HibernianHibernian F.C.
Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
for a £60,000 fee. He scored a goal on his Hibs debut, a Scottish League Cup
Scottish League Cup
The Scottish League Cup is a football competition open to all Scottish Football League and Scottish Premier League clubs. At present it is also known as the Scottish Communities League Cup owing to the sponsorship deal in place with the Scottish Government. In the past it has been sponsored by...
semi-final win against Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
. This meant that Chisholm achieved the unusual feat of playing in League Cup Finals in the same calendar year in both England and Scotland. Unfortunately for Chisholm, both finals were lost, as Hibs lost 3–0 to Aberdeen
Aberdeen F.C.
Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
. He later had spells at Dundee
Dundee F.C.
Dundee Football Club, founded in 1893, are a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their shirt colour is dark blue. Dundee currently play in the Scottish First Division, having been relegated from...
and Partick Thistle
Partick Thistle F.C.
Partick Thistle Football Club are a professional association football club from Glasgow. Despite their name, the club are based in the Maryhill area of the city, and have not played in Partick since 1908...
before retiring in 1992. Chisholm was a "tall, commanding central defender
Defender (football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
" who "could also play in the holding midfield role".
Early managerial career
Chisholm had assistant manager roles at Partick ThistlePartick Thistle F.C.
Partick Thistle Football Club are a professional association football club from Glasgow. Despite their name, the club are based in the Maryhill area of the city, and have not played in Partick since 1908...
, Clydebank
Clydebank F.C.
Clydebank Football Club are a Scottish football club based in the town of Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, near Yoker. The present club, formed in 2003, is a member of the Scottish Junior Football Association, and currently plays in West Super League Premier Division...
, Ross County
Ross County F.C.
Ross County Football Club are a Scottish professional football team from the town of Dingwall, Ross and Cromarty. Founded in 1929 they currently compete in the Scottish Football League First Division and play their home matches at Victoria Park. Prior to the 1994–95 season they played in the...
, Airdrie
Airdrieonians F.C.
Airdrieonians Football Club, more commonly known as Airdrie, were a Scottish professional football team from the town of Airdrie, in the Monklands area of Lanarkshire....
, Falkirk
Falkirk F.C.
Falkirk Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Falkirk. It is one of two professional football teams from the town, the other being East Stirlingshire...
and Dundee United
Dundee United F.C.
Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, the club changed to the present name in 1923...
, primarily working with Ian McCall
Ian McCall
Ian Holland McCall is a Scottish former footballer and is currently without a job having resigned as the manager of First Division side Partick Thistle.-Playing career:...
.
Dundee United
Chisholm was appointed as caretaker manager of Dundee United on 14 March 2005, following the sacking of Ian McCallIan McCall
Ian Holland McCall is a Scottish former footballer and is currently without a job having resigned as the manager of First Division side Partick Thistle.-Playing career:...
. Chisholm suffered 3–2 defeats against both Celtic
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
and Hibernian
Hibernian F.C.
Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
in his first two matches in charge. The following week, however, Chisholm's team triumphed over Hibernian, Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
and Hearts
Heart of Midlothian F.C.
Heart of Midlothian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Gorgie, in the west of Edinburgh. They currently play in the Scottish Premier League and are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian...
. United then went on to end a run of eight games over three years without a win against neighbours Dundee, with goals by Mark Wilson and Jim McIntyre sealing a 2–1 win. These results meant that Chisholm won the SPL manager of the month award
Scottish Premier League monthly awards
This article lists the winners of the Manager, Player and Young Player monthly awards in the Scottish Premier League since the2000–01 season. No Young Player of the Month were awarded in the 2000–01 season. Rising Star awards were issued most months in the 2007–08 season.The awards are currently...
in his first full month in charge of the team (April 2005). Chisholm's team then retained SPL status in dramatic style with a late Barry Robson
Barry Robson
Barry Gordon George Robson is a Scottish footballer who plays for Middlesbrough in the Football League Championship and for the Scotland national squad...
penalty at Inverness
Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club from Inverness who compete in the Scottish Premier League. They are currently managed by Terry Butcher and assistant manager Maurice Malpas...
on the final day of the season.
United's victory against Hibs meant that they reached the 2005 Scottish Cup Final
2005 Scottish Cup Final
The 2005 Scottish Cup Final was played on 28 May 2005 at Hampden Park in Glasgow and was the final of the 119th Scottish Cup. The final was contested by Celtic and Dundee United. Celtic won the match with an eleventh minute goal from Alan Thompson....
, which they lost 1–0 against Celtic. As Celtic had already qualified for the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
, however, United qualified for the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
. Chisholm was given the position of manager on a permanent basis on 24 May 2005. Despite spending considerable money on players such as Lee Miller
Lee Miller (footballer)
Lee John Miller is a Scottish footballer who currently plays as a striker for Football League One club Carlisle United.Miller was born in Lanark, Scotland and began his career at before moving to in 2003. After a poor first season at Bristol City, he joined on loan in 2005. That same year, he...
, Dundee United were eliminated in the qualifying stage of the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
by Finnish team MyPa
MyPa
Myllykosken Pallo –47 is a Finnish football club, based in the industrial town of Myllykoski, part of the city of Kouvola since January 2009. They currently play in the Finnish Premier Division...
. Poor league form and a 3–2 defeat against Aberdeen in the third round of the Scottish Cup
Scottish Cup
The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
, after having led 2–0, led to Chisholm being sacked on 10 January 2006 by Dundee United chairman Eddie Thompson
Eddie Thompson
Edward Henry "Eddie" Thompson, OBE was a Scottish businessman, he was the chairman of Scottish football club Dundee United and a well known figure in the Scottish retail industry....
.
Queen of the South
Dumfries
Dumfries is a market town and former royal burgh within the Dumfries and Galloway council area of Scotland. It is near the mouth of the River Nith into the Solway Firth. Dumfries was the county town of the former county of Dumfriesshire. Dumfries is nicknamed Queen of the South...
club Queen of the South
Queen of the South F.C.
Queen of the South Football Club is a Scottish professional football club founded in 1919 and located in Dumfries. The club currently plays in the Scottish First Division, the second tier of Scottish football. They are officially nicknamed The Doonhamers, but usually referred to as Queens or QoS...
, until McCall's departure from the club at the end of the 2006–07 season
2006-07 in Scottish football
The 2006–07 season was the 110th season of competitive football in Scotland.-2006:*9 July: Rangers defender Fernando Ricksen is banned for the club's pre-season trip to South Africa, following an incident on the outbound flight. Manager Paul Le Guen cited "wholly inappropriate and...
. Chisholm then accepted the role as manager, appointing Kenny Brannigan
Kenny Brannigan
Kenny Brannigan is a former Scottish association footballer.- Playing career :Kenny Brannigan was a journeyman professional with a career spanning 21 seasons. A centre back, he played for 14 senior clubs in his career, making over 100 appearances for each of Queens Park F.C., and...
as his assistant manager. Chairman Davie Rae
Davie Rae
David 'Davie' Rae is the Scottish Chairman of Queen of the South in Dumfries. Rae is the third of three chairman to rebuild and revitalise the Dumfries club from the mid 1990s, replacing the previous regime under which the club had gone into stagnation and decline from the late 1960s.-Queens pre...
also announced that the club would become fully professional that season. In March 2008, Chisholm guided Queens to only their second ever Scottish Cup
Scottish Cup
The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
semi-final appearance with a 2–0 quarter final victory against Dundee
Dundee F.C.
Dundee Football Club, founded in 1893, are a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their shirt colour is dark blue. Dundee currently play in the Scottish First Division, having been relegated from...
, a game notable for a goal from 84 yards by Ryan McCann
Ryan McCann
Ryan McCann is a Scottish professional association footballer who plays in either midfield or at right back and who is currently at Stockport County...
. Queens followed this with a 4–3 win against Aberdeen in the semi-final, which meant that Chisholm had guided Queens to their first ever Scottish Cup Final appearance. Despite second half Queens goals by Steve Tosh
Steve Tosh
Steven William Tosh is a professional association footballer. A midfielder journeyman of many clubs, Tosh is currently with Cove Rangers.-Early career:...
and Jim Thomson, Rangers ran out 3–2 winners in the Final
2008 Scottish Cup Final
The 2008 Scottish Cup Final was a football match which took place at Hampden Park in Glasgow on 24 May 2008. The match was the final of the 123rd Scottish Cup and was contested by Queen of the South and Rangers. Queen of the South beat Aberdeen 4–3 in their semi-final, Rangers beat St...
. Queens finished fourth in the Scottish First Division.
As Rangers had already qualified for the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
qualifiers through their Scottish Premier League
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
position, Queens entered the 2008–09 UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
competition, being drawn in a qualification round against Danish
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
club FC Nordsjælland
FC Nordsjælland
Football Club Nordsjælland is a professional Danish football team from the North Zealand town of Farum, Denmark. Founded as Farum Boldklub from the merger of the town's two football clubs Farum IK and Stavnsholt BK in 1991, the club changed its name to F.C...
. The first leg, hosted at the ground
Excelsior Stadium
The Excelsior Stadium is the home of Airdrie United F.C. of the Scottish Football League Second Division. It was built in 1998 to house Airdrieonians F.C., and when Airdrieonians went into liquidation four years later, Airdrie United began playing their home games there.When the stadium first...
of Airdrie
Airdrie United F.C.
Airdrie United Football Club are a Scottish professional football team based in the town of Airdrie, North Lanarkshire. They are currently managed by ex-Airdrieonians player and former Airdrie United Under 19s coach Jimmy Boyle. They are members of the Scottish Football League and play in the...
, was played in a quagmire with the Danes running out 2–1 winners. Queens delivered a stronger performance in the return leg, controlling most of the game but with only one goal to show for their superiority. With a 1–0 victory of no value in an aggregate result due to the away goals rule
Away goals rule
The away goals rule is a method of breaking ties in association football and other sports when teams play each other twice, once at each team's home ground. By the away goals rule, the team that has scored more goals "away from home" will win if scores are otherwise equal...
and Queens pushing all out for the second goal, the Danes took advantage to score two goals in the last five minutes. Chisholm's team selection for the UEFA Cup ties caused some surprise. With Stephen Dobbie
Stephen Dobbie
Stephen Dobbie is a Scottish professional footballer who plays for Swansea City.Dobbie began his career with Rangers in 2002, but did not play in a first team match. He had more opportunities at Hibernian, whom he joined in 2003 and then St. Johnstone whom he joined, initially on loan, in 2005....
the most prolific striker at the club in a generation, Chisholm started with Dobbie on the bench for both ties instead preferring the workmanlike Stewart Kean
Stewart Kean
Stewart Kean is a Scottish professional footballer currently playing for Stenhousemuir.-Ayr United:Kean signed for Ayr United at the start of the 2001–02 season to begin his senior football career. Kean made 93 league appearances and scored 29 league goals for the club.-St Mirren:Kean signed for St...
.
A strong start to the 2008–09 league campaign saw the club sitting top of the table in October. At the same time, Chisholm was linked with the vacant position at Dundee
Dundee F.C.
Dundee Football Club, founded in 1893, are a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their shirt colour is dark blue. Dundee currently play in the Scottish First Division, having been relegated from...
, but Davie Rae
Davie Rae
David 'Davie' Rae is the Scottish Chairman of Queen of the South in Dumfries. Rae is the third of three chairman to rebuild and revitalise the Dumfries club from the mid 1990s, replacing the previous regime under which the club had gone into stagnation and decline from the late 1960s.-Queens pre...
refused Chisholm permission to talk to the Dark Blues. This coincided with Queens losing form, as they gained only three draws from the next 12 games placing them only one place above bottom. Their form improved in the latter part of the season and the club finished in mid-table.
The 2009–10 season progressed in a similar fashion to the season before. Queens were top of the table, but poorer results followed that dragged the club into a mid table position. The club also suffered a 4-0 defeat in the Scottish Cup
Scottish Cup
The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
against Airdrie
Airdrie United F.C.
Airdrie United Football Club are a Scottish professional football team based in the town of Airdrie, North Lanarkshire. They are currently managed by ex-Airdrieonians player and former Airdrie United Under 19s coach Jimmy Boyle. They are members of the Scottish Football League and play in the...
. Chisholm applied for the vacant managerial position at Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock F.C.
Kilmarnock Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Founded in 1869, "Killie" is the oldest club currently in the Scottish Premier League. Home matches are played at Rugby Park...
, but the job was taken by Jimmy Calderwood
Jimmy Calderwood
James "Jimmy" Calderwood is a Scottish former footballer and currently without a club having recently been manager of Ross County. Calderwood played for English clubs Birmingham City and Cambridge United and Dutch clubs Sparta Rotterdam, Willem II Tilburg, Roda JC and Heracles Almelo...
. Two months later, Chisholm was offered the vacant position at Dundee
Dundee F.C.
Dundee Football Club, founded in 1893, are a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their shirt colour is dark blue. Dundee currently play in the Scottish First Division, having been relegated from...
. Chisholm made the following comments after leaving QoS:
Dundee
Chisholm took the Dundee job while they were top of the First Division, although the club had just sacked Jocky ScottJocky Scott
John Alexander Scott is a Scottish football coach and former player probably best known for his playing career, and three managerial spells with Dundee. Scott is currently the manager of Scottish Football League club Stirling Albion.- Club career :Scott played for Scotland, Dundee and Aberdeen...
after going four games without a win. Chisholm said ahead of his first game in charge, ironically against his previous club, "It was an opportunity I just couldn't pass by at my time of life, but it will be a strange experience being on opposite sides tomorrow night." Chisholm was the first person to manage both major Dundee clubs. Billy Dodds
Billy Dodds
William "Billy" Dodds is a Scottish former professional footballer, he was assistant manager at Dundee, but was made redundant when the club went into administration in October 2010, one of his former clubs...
, who was the Queen of the South strikers coach under Chisholm, joined him at Dens Park as his assistant.
Dundee failed to win promotion at the end of the 2009–10 season and entered administration a few months later. The administrator made Chisholm and Dodds redundant the following day.