Paul Gallagher (footballer)

Gallagher made his debut performance as a substitute in a 2–0 win over the 2001–02 Premier League champions Arsenal on 15 March 2003, as a replacement for Dwight Yorke.[4] He scored his first goal in a 4–0 win over Birmingham City in the 2003–04 season. On 21 February 2004, in an away game against Charlton Athletic, Gallagher assisted goalkeeper Brad Friedel to his only career goal from open play in the 90th minute. Friedel's goal equalised the game at 2–2, but seconds later Charlton scored again through Claus Jensen and went on to win the match 3–2.

He spent almost all of the 2005–06 season on loan to Stoke City. He played most of his 36 games on the left or right wing, scoring 12 goals. Against Southampton on 15 April 2006, he exchanged a one-two on the edge of the area with Adam Rooney before drilling home a thunderous thirty yard drive into the far top corner of the net. He was recalled by Blackburn in April 2006 with three games remaining in the Premier League season,[5] coming on as a late substitute in the final game of the season, being involved in the creation of the final goal of the game.

On transfer deadline day 31 August 2007, Gallagher signed a six-month loan deal with Championship side Preston North End, after being linked with a return to Stoke.[6] He scored once during his spell at Preston, scoring the winner in a 1–0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.[7] The following January, he moved from Blackburn back to Stoke City on loan again until summer of 2008.[8] Then-manager Tony Pulis however, was not impressed with Gallagher, remarking he "hasn't done as well as the other players."[9]

On 30 August 2008, Gallagher signed on loan for the rest of the 2008–09 season with Plymouth Argyle,[10] making his debut that same day at Turf Moor against Burnley. Although Blackburn Rovers appointed Sam Allardyce as their new manager in December 2008,[11] Plymouth was allowed to keep Gallagher for the remainder of his loan.[12] He was a huge impact for the club, scoring 13 goals in 40 league games. Gallagher was hopeful that he would secure a permanent deal with Plymouth after resigning himself to the fact that he was not wanted at Blackburn.[13] Seeing his return to Blackburn as a fresh start,[14] Gallagher was informed by Sam Allardyce he could yet have a future at the club.[15]

Gallagher playing for Leicester City in 2010

On 21 August 2009, Gallagher signed a three-year deal with Leicester City for an undisclosed fee.[16] Handed the number 24 shirt, Gallagher was "delighted to be here and can't wait to get started."[17] He scored his first two goals for Leicester in a 2–0 win over Crystal Palace on 20 October 2009, coming on as a half-time substitute for Lloyd Dyer.[18] Gallagher failed to score for 17 games before bagging a hat-trick and assisting a goal in a 5–1 win over Scunthorpe United on 13 February 2010.[19] Leaving the field to a standing ovation 7 minutes from the final whistle,[20] it was his first ever professional hat-trick.[21] On 27 February, Gallagher scored from a free-kick in a 3–0 win over Nottingham Forest.[22] His fine form earned him the Championship Player of the Month award for February.[23]

On 12 March 2011, Gallagher provided three assists as Leicester beat Scunthorpe 3–0 at Glanford Park,[24] earning praise from manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, who believed "he is not far from Beckham in terms of his delivery of set-pieces."[25] He signed a contract extension with the club on 15 March 2011, which would last until the summer of 2015.[26] Gallagher scored two goals in Leicester's 3–0 win over Crystal Palace at the King Power Stadium on 20 November 2011.[27]

In September 2012, Gallagher joined Sheffield United on a month-long loan.[28] He made six appearances for the South Yorkshire club, scoring once during a 2–1 win at Hartlepool United.[29] Despite United seeking to extend his temporary deal, Gallagher returned to his parent club in October.[29]

On 30 October 2013, Gallagher re-joined former club Preston North End on loan until 2 January 2014. Gallagher made his début on 2 November against Tranmere Rovers and then scored a hat-trick in his next game against Barnet in the FA Cup.[30] On 21 April, Gallagher scored another hat-trick, this time against Shrewsbury Town.[31] On 5 July 2014, Gallagher again joined Preston North End on loan for the 2014–15 season.[32] He played 59 times for North End in 2014–15 scoring 13 goals as they gained promotion after beating Swindon Town 4–0 in the play-off final.[33]

After three loan spells at Preston, Gallagher completed a permanent move in June 2015, signing a two-year contract.[34]

A notable appearance took place on Saturday 3 November 2018. Whilst playing away at Ipswich, Gallagher came on as a 72nd minute substitute. With his first touch, he scored a free kick. In the 75th minute, he was forced to play in goal following the sending off of goalkeeper Chris Maxwell. He made a save in the 88th minute as Preston drew the match 1–1.

Gallagher was voted Preston North End's player of the decade (2010–2019) by fans in January 2020.[35]