Tony Gallagher (footballer)


Tony Gallagher is a Scottish former professional footballer, who played for Albion Rovers and Stranraer. Born in Bellshill, South Lanarkshire, he grew up in East Kilbride, and was a boyhood Celtic supporter.

Playing career

Early career

Gallagher played for Celtic Boys Club, becoming captain at under-13 level. He was the first captain to win the Scottish Cup at the under-13 level. He was injured at Celtic, and decided to move on, playing for junior team East Kilbride Thistle. East Kilbride Thistle won the Scottish Junior Cup in May 1983 when they beat Bo'ness United at Ibrox Stadium.

Stranraer

Gallagher played with Stranraer for 10 years, during which time he captained the team and helped them win the Second Division title and the League Challenge Cup in 1996. He was awarded a testimonial match, which was against Rangers at Stair Park on 20 July 1997. Rangers won the match.

Coaching

After dropping back into playing in Junior football, Gallagher went on to have spells coaching at Cumnock, Bailleston and Auchinleck Talbot. He then joined East Kilbride YM in 2002. Gallagher spent over eight years there before becoming assistant manager at East Kilbride Thistle in 2010, the club he had played for in the 1980s. Gallagher resigned in June 2012, along with manager Jimmy Kerr, after the club were relegated from the Junior Super League first division.