Glad To Be Back - Gallagher
Posted on: Fri 01 Feb 2008
New signing Paul Gallagher has today revealed how he turned numerous offers from other clubs to return to Stoke City for a second time.
Gallagher yesterday completed a loan deal at the club until the end of the season and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's Coca-Cola Championship clash with Cardiff City.
Understandably there were a number of clubs interested in bringing in the Scottish forward, but as Paul explains, once he knew that the Potters were interested in him there was only one club he wanted to join.
"It's great to be back," Gallagher told stokecityfc.com
"There were a few other clubs interested - Preston wanted to buy me, as did others, but I knocked that on the head so I could come here.
"As soon as I was made aware of the interest from Stoke, I did everything I could to make sure this move happened.
"This is a club on the way up, aiming for the Premier League and that's what I want to be part of.
"I'm excited to be part of this club again.
"I really enjoyed my last spell at City, I scored lots of goals and the fans were great.
"I just hope I can have a similar sort of impact this season.
"Everyone here wants one thing and that's promotion to The Premiership.
"I want to play at the top level and I want to be in a side that share my ambitions."
Gallagher returned to the Britannia Stadium 20 months after his first loan spell ended and the Glasgow born attacking midfielder admits he hardly knew anyone on his return to the dressing room.
"Apart from Simmo, I don't know any of the lads that well.
"I do know Danny Pugh well from my time on loan at Preston and I've already seen him today which was nice.
"Obviously I've played against Glenn (Whelan) a lot over the last couple of years and he's a proven quality at this level and I think all Stoke fans should be very excited about his arrival."
"There have been a lot of changes at the club since the last time I was here, but there's still the same feel about the place."
Gallagher is able to play in a number of positions, with City fans fondly remembering him for his goals from centre forward, but the youngster is equally adept out wide and Paul is happy to play any role he can for City.
"I don't mind where I play to be honest," Paul said.
"Obviously I feel I can score goals at this level, but I'm just looking to establish myself in the team first and just see how it goes from there."
Although a new arrival at The Brit, Gallagher has already lined up against Saturday's opposition Cardiff City twice this season and anticipates a tough game for the Potters.
"They are a very good side.
"I've played against them twice this season for Preston; we drew won and lost the other.
"They are very well organised team and have quality all over the park.
"Hasselbaink is the obvious name, but Parry and Thompson have been class this season."
Finally Gallacher wanted all Stoke fans to understand his aims with the club, with automatic promotion a real possibility in his opinion.
"I think we can make a real push for automatic promotion.
"I think we've got the quality in the squad and I'm sure all the guys will be pushing for a top four finish."
