Paul Gallacher

Paul James Gallacher (born 16 August 1979) is a Scottish professional football coach and former player. Gallacher made eight appearances for the Scotland national team between 2002 and 2004. He started his career at Dundee United and made 127 appearances for them over a seven-year period, and has also played for Airdrieonians, Norwich City, Gillingham, Sheffield Wednesday, Dunfermline Athletic, St Mirren, Ross County and Partick Thistle.

He is the son of Jim Gallacher, a goalkeeper who played in the Scottish Football League for 22 years, and the cousin of full-back Tony Gallacher, who was previously on the books of Liverpool.

Career Dundee United Gallacher was born in Glasgow, and started his career with Gleniffer Thistle Boys Club. He signed S Form with Dundee United after he left school in 1996 and spent eight years with the club. He had a short loan spell at Lochee United and Airdrieonians in 1999 but became first choice with Dundee United at the start of 2001, replacing Alan Combe in the team. Gallacher was a regular for Berti Vogts' Scotland squads, winning eight international caps between 2002 and 2004. He helped them earn valuable points with stunning penalty saves against Dundee and Queen of the South. On 31 December 2007, Gallacher's contract with Norwich City was terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect. One day later, it was officially announced that Gallacher had joined Dunfermline Athletic until the end of the season. After being arguably the best keeper in the division for most of the season, Gallacher signed a new contract with the Pars.

St Mirren St Mirren signed Gallacher on a two-year deal in 2009, which allowed Gallacher to play in the Scottish Premier League. Following an excellent start to the 2009–10 season, Gallacher was called up to the Scotland squad for the friendly match against Wales. He went on to make 77 appearances in all competitions for St Mirren.

Dunfermline Athletic (return) On 9 June 2011 Gallacher signed a 2-year contract with Dunfermline Athletic. Gallacher had a very good start to the 2011–12 season, saving penalty kicks against St Mirren and St Johnstone, which earned him the SPL player of the month award for July / August 2011. He continued to play regularly for Dunfermline until a shoulder injury suffered in December, which has ruled him out for the rest of the season. As Dunfermline entered administration in March 2013, Gallacher was one of several players made redundant by the club.

Ross County Gallacher signed a short-term deal with Ross County shortly after leaving Dunfermline. He would make his debut on the final day of the season, keeping a clean sheet in the highland derby against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Partick Thistle Paul Gallacher signed for Scottish Premiership side Partick Thistle in May 2013, on a one-year deal with the offer of a further extension. He made his competitive debut for Thistle on 28 September 2013, during a 1–1 draw at St Johnstone. He had to wait a further four months to make his home debut, during a 1–1 draw with Kilmarnock on 18 January 2014. He saved a penalty kick from Barry Robson whilst playing against Aberdeen, which was crucial for Thistle's first home win of the campaign. Gallacher became a regular at Firhill following an ankle injury of fellow goalkeeper Scott Fox.

Gallacher signed a new one-year contract with Thistle in May 2014. He made his first appearance of the 2014–15 Scottish Premiership season on 16 August, coming on as a replacement for the sent-off goalkeeper Scott Fox against Dundee. He went on to save the subsequent Gary Harkins penalty. After 3 years with Thistle, Gallacher rejected a new contract and left the club in June 2016.

Hearts On 16 June 2016, Gallacher signed for Scottish Premiership side Hearts on a free transfer. He joined Hearts in a player-coach capacity.

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