Photo via BBC Sport

Spiders still climbing - watch Queen's Park v Ayr on BBC

Following fears that Queen's Park would tumble down the divisions after Lord William Haughey halted his backing, manager Sean Crighton guided the club to a sixth-place Championship finish last year while pushing near the promotion play-offs. Although their traditional academy has closed, both the under-17 and under-19 squads claimed league titles last term, and Haughey's City Charitable Trust continues to aid renovations at Glasgow's Lochinch facility in Pollok Park.

With high-grade surfaces at Lochinch and Lesser Hampden, the historic side is executing Craig Mulholland's Scottish FA blueprint of refining domestic prospects to sustain operations financially.

Building on a legacy that launched international stars Andy Robertson and Lawrence Shankland, recent departures have seen Josh Fowler join St Johnstone, Seb Drozd excel at Partick Thistle, and Henry Fieldson sign with St Mirren. Crighton continues to rely on emerging talent such as versatile player Ross McLean and Tyrece McDonnell, who made 26 outings last season.

Experienced 29-year-old midfielder Scott Martin has also commended the contribution of Rangers loan signings Aiden McCallion and Lewis Stewart as they adjust to senior Championship competition.