The departure of Chisholm and strikers' coach Billy Dodds from Queens on 22 March 2010, along with the promotion of Kenny Brannigan to the manager's position, coincided with the beginning of a surge in form from McLaren. McLaren's second goal for Queens was at Palmerston on 27 March 2010 against Dunfermline in another 2–0 home win, when he scored in first half injury time. David Weatherston scored Queens second goal of the match in the second half. McLaren's third goal for Queens was at Palmerston Park on 10 April 2010 against Inverness Caley Thistle, when he gave Queens the lead after 10 minutes. McLaren's fourth goal for Queens was at the Excelsior Stadium on 12 April 2010 against Airdrie United, when he scored the only goal of the match after 88 minutes to give Queens a 1–0 win. McLaren's fifth goal for Queens was in the 3–0 home win against Raith Rovers on 17 April 2010. McLaren scored in the 80th minute and also crossed for Derek Holmes (22 mins) and Paul Burns (25 mins) to score and was rewarded with the man of the match award.