24-01-2019, 16:34
Paul Gallagher Extends His Contract Until 2020
Preston North End midfielder Paul Gallagher has signed an extension to his contract until at least the summer of 2020.
The PNE No.12, who could make his 250th appearance for the club against former employer Stoke City this weekend, has agreed a new deal adding a further 12 months to the contract he signed last summer.
‘Gally’ joined the club for the first time back in 2007/08, playing 19 games in a six-month loan spell and returned - on loan again - under Simon Grayson in 2013, going on to become the player to make the most on loan appearances in the club’s history.
He signed a permanent deal at Deepdale in the summer of 2015 and has become a vital member of the dressing room, scoring 36 goals and making 62 assists in his 249 games so far, as well as being sat on 98 career goals.
Speaking about committing to the club once again, the 34-year-old believes he still has a big part of play at the club.
“It has always been at my ambition to stay at this football club as long as I possibly can. It drives me on each day to try and get better and I feel with age I am doing that and I still have a lot to give on and off the pitch.
“Over the last few months, I have really enjoyed being part of the team and earning a new contract is pleasing. I have always had it in me that I want to strive hard and do the best I can. I will know when my time comes to hang up my boots, but right now I feel I have plenty to give to this team.”
Manager Alex Neil feels that with a young squad at the club, the influence of Gally's experience and professionalism is vital to the development of the group.
He said: "Gally influences a lot of games, with both his set pieces and his quality. With having him around the young lads that we have got, his experience and calmness is really important to us. He can pass on a lot to our younger players and we are delighted he has extended his stay."
Preston North End have completed their fifth permanent signing of the January transfer window with the signing of Rochdale full back Joe Rafferty.
The Liverpool-born defender has agreed a three-and-half-year deal at Deepdale and joins from the Spotland club for an undisclosed fee.
Joe, 25, came through the Academy at Liverpool and was with the Reds from nine-year-old until 18, after which he joined Dale and has played over 250 appearances in six-and-a-half years with Keith Hill’s side.
He takes the No.15 shirt vacated by fellow full back Calum Woods and after putting pen to paper he spoke to his excitement at getting started.
“Once I knew there was interest from Preston North End, I couldn’t wait to get the deal over the line; this is a massive club,” he said.
“I have been at Rochdale for six years, played a lot of games and I think I can bring some experience into the club. I had a good chat with the manager and he came across very well. I understand what he wants and I hope I can do well for him and the club.”
Manager Alex Neil, who adds Joe to previous signings Josh Ginnelly, Jayden Stockley, Brad Potts and Connor Ripley, feels the new man will add further versatility to his squad.
He said: “Joe is flexible. He played left back and right back in his last game! He is a really good character, with good qualities – he will get up and down the pitch – and he will add good competition in that area.
“I think it will be a really good challenge for Joe, to come up and show what he can do and it is a challenge he should relish. He has been at a big club, taken a step back to play games and hopefully now he is ready to kick on and show his abilities at a higher level and we are very hopeful he can go on and do well.”
Preston North End midfielder Paul Gallagher has signed an extension to his contract until at least the summer of 2020.
The PNE No.12, who could make his 250th appearance for the club against former employer Stoke City this weekend, has agreed a new deal adding a further 12 months to the contract he signed last summer.
‘Gally’ joined the club for the first time back in 2007/08, playing 19 games in a six-month loan spell and returned - on loan again - under Simon Grayson in 2013, going on to become the player to make the most on loan appearances in the club’s history.
He signed a permanent deal at Deepdale in the summer of 2015 and has become a vital member of the dressing room, scoring 36 goals and making 62 assists in his 249 games so far, as well as being sat on 98 career goals.
Speaking about committing to the club once again, the 34-year-old believes he still has a big part of play at the club.
“It has always been at my ambition to stay at this football club as long as I possibly can. It drives me on each day to try and get better and I feel with age I am doing that and I still have a lot to give on and off the pitch.
“Over the last few months, I have really enjoyed being part of the team and earning a new contract is pleasing. I have always had it in me that I want to strive hard and do the best I can. I will know when my time comes to hang up my boots, but right now I feel I have plenty to give to this team.”
Manager Alex Neil feels that with a young squad at the club, the influence of Gally's experience and professionalism is vital to the development of the group.
He said: "Gally influences a lot of games, with both his set pieces and his quality. With having him around the young lads that we have got, his experience and calmness is really important to us. He can pass on a lot to our younger players and we are delighted he has extended his stay."
Preston North End have completed their fifth permanent signing of the January transfer window with the signing of Rochdale full back Joe Rafferty.
The Liverpool-born defender has agreed a three-and-half-year deal at Deepdale and joins from the Spotland club for an undisclosed fee.
Joe, 25, came through the Academy at Liverpool and was with the Reds from nine-year-old until 18, after which he joined Dale and has played over 250 appearances in six-and-a-half years with Keith Hill’s side.
He takes the No.15 shirt vacated by fellow full back Calum Woods and after putting pen to paper he spoke to his excitement at getting started.
“Once I knew there was interest from Preston North End, I couldn’t wait to get the deal over the line; this is a massive club,” he said.
“I have been at Rochdale for six years, played a lot of games and I think I can bring some experience into the club. I had a good chat with the manager and he came across very well. I understand what he wants and I hope I can do well for him and the club.”
Manager Alex Neil, who adds Joe to previous signings Josh Ginnelly, Jayden Stockley, Brad Potts and Connor Ripley, feels the new man will add further versatility to his squad.
He said: “Joe is flexible. He played left back and right back in his last game! He is a really good character, with good qualities – he will get up and down the pitch – and he will add good competition in that area.
“I think it will be a really good challenge for Joe, to come up and show what he can do and it is a challenge he should relish. He has been at a big club, taken a step back to play games and hopefully now he is ready to kick on and show his abilities at a higher level and we are very hopeful he can go on and do well.”
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