Paul Gallagher’s time as a Preston player is over.
North End announced on Monday that Gallagher has retired from football, hanging up his boots after a 20-year career.
Gallagher will now focus on his coaching duties, taking on a key role under new permanent head coach Frankie McAvoy.
The 36-year-old has gradually moved towards that route, and after 313 appearances for Preston, his time on the pitch with North End has come to an end.
Maybe Preston are grooming Gallagher to become manager down the line, and learning from experienced coaches like McAvoy and Steve Thompson has to be a great help.
North End fans have been leading the praise for Gallagher, but a number of notable players have also been sending him messages on Instagram after confirming his retirement.
Leicester City star Kasper Schmeichel, Crystal Palace’s Jeffrey Schlupp, West Brom’s Robert Snodgrass, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Benni McCarthy and Sol Bamba all sent their well wishes to Gallagher on Instagram.
Ex-Preston boss Simon Grayson joined in, as did the likes of Andy King, Neil Mellor, Charlie Adam, Scott Laird, Bradley Wiggins, Martyn Waghorn, Jay Spearing, Will Keane, Kevin McDonald, Lee Peltier, Jon Walters and Andy Lonergan all taking the time to congratulate Gallagher on a great career.
Gallagher has clearly been a popular figure in his career, and not just with fans; it’s clear that his former teammates and other pro’s around the game also love and respect one of Preston’s finest.