Pat Gallocher


Patrick Gallocher was a Scottish professional association footballer who played as an inside forward. Born in Johnston, a suburb of Glasgow, his football career started in 1883 when he signed for Padiham, one of the foremost clubs in Lancashire at the time. In 1886, he moved to nearby Burnley and played almost every first-team match for the following three years.

1888-1889

Pat Gallocher was part of Burnley's 1st ever Football League team. He was described as a very quick and tricky player with wonderful close ball control, and, his nickname was "The Artful Dodger".
Pat Gallocher made his League debut on 8 September 1888, playing as a forward, at Deepdale the home of Preston North End. Preston North End beat Burnley 5–2 and Pat Gallocher also scored his debut League goal in this match scoring the first of Burnley' two goals.
Gallocher appeared in 20 of the 22 League matches played by Burnley in season 1888-89 and scored six League goals. As a forward he played in Burnley' forward-line that scored three-or-more-League-goals in a match on five separate occasions. Pat Gallocher' six League goals included two-in-a-match on one occasion.
Despite having played a full season for Burnley he signed for Accrington in March 1889 and played in their last League game of the season at inside right. The match was played on 20-Apr-1889 at Thorneyholme Road, Accrington and the visitors were Stoke. With the wind at their backs Accrington dominated the 1st half and Gallocher, on his debut finished off some fine passing play by scoring his 1st League goal for his new club. He scored 7 that season. Stoke were more in the game in the 2nd half but, Accrington scored early in the 2nd half and the match finished 2-0 to the home side. Accrington finished 7th in the League.

1889 onwards

Pat Gallocher played 40 league matches for the side before leaving the club in 1892. He then returned to Scotland to sign for Vale of Leven. Shortly afterwards, Gallocher retired from professional football and joined the British Army, for whom he fought with distinction in South Africa during the Boer War. Gallocher died on 1 December 1916, aged 52.