davieG Posted 4 May 2011 Posted 4 May 2011 Merc The Bruno Berner Column: Gallagher has huge part to play in City's future Wednesday, May 04, 2011, 09:30 He was one of the first players I met when I joined Blackburn Rovers in January 2007. There he was, preparing himself for the training session. He tied his boots, looked up quickly and with a warm Scottish smile said 'Hi' as he welcomed me. In that split second, I could see a sharpness and determination in his eyes. Paul Gallagher was one of the hardest working young guns at Blackburn. He was desperate to get more Premier League appearances on a regular basis but, unfortunately for him, Mark Hughes thought otherwise. Now we are team-mates at Leicester City and this season he has shown he will become a key player in the club's future. I will not mention his left one, but his right foot is exceptional. Gally's crosses and delivery on set pieces are top quality. Curved or driven, using the inside or outside of his foot, Gally has that wide array of crosses and passes. What I also like is his desire on free-kicks and from the penalty spot. He wants to take responsibility where and whenever he can and, with his talented right foot, he is capable of deciding the game from a set piece. Gally's bizarre penalty technique is his own secret, but it works and it is efficient. You do not always get the right contribution from an attacking player regarding defensive work, but with Paul you get it. He tracks back and passes on players, and he is keen to fill in the gap when he has to. More often last season than this, we paired up on the left hand side. I could always rely on his defensive work, which affected me positively as a fullback. As a player, you become more assertive by communicating with your team-mates. Before a game, Gally encourages every player in the dressing room before we go out. Even if he is on the bench, he remains positive in the dressing room. He runs a lot in every game and he always tries to make things happen. Gally has the most shots on goal and no-one else in the blue shirt has crossed the ball more often this season than him. Ten league goals and one in the FA Cup speaks for itself. But a good manager looks not only for the right contribution on the pitch. A lot of things happen off the pitch. You need water carriers, what I consider myself to be, you need creative and versatile players who are able to make football look like art, and you need one or two players who are able to bring the dressing room alive. Paul is not only our 'jester', he is a little bit of everything. He carries the water for his team-mates when he has to but, with the ball, we also see sparks of genius. Out of the blue he makes jokes and banter, and roaring laughter is guaranteed, and he spares no one, not even our masseuse. Regardless of the focus in our work, we are always ready for a good laugh and Gally loves to entertain the team. Football is not always about being serious and Gally reminds us from time to time. I think the best of Paul Gallagher is yet to come. With his growing confidence from this season I expect him to do even better next season. I am sure he has the huge desire inside to gain promotion with Leicester City and the contract extension he signed a few weeks ago proved that the club is planning with him. Bravo Gally. Keep entertaining us, on and off the pitch.
hackneyfox Posted 4 May 2011 Posted 4 May 2011 I like these columns of Berner's, I wonder if Sven could find a role for him as a coach at the club.
Simo86 Posted 4 May 2011 Posted 4 May 2011 I like these columns of Berner's, I wonder if Sven could find a role for him as a coach at the club. That would be fantastic but he still has the desire and ability to play at least mid table championship football so i doubt it would happen
shen Posted 4 May 2011 Posted 4 May 2011 That's bordering on man love! Slightly off topic, but does someone know when we'll see another instalment of Bevan's Blog?
Trav Le Bleu Posted 4 May 2011 Posted 4 May 2011 I like these columns of Berner's, I wonder if Sven could find a role for him as a coach at the club. Was saying in the thread about Bruno potentially leaving that I would love to keep him as a player/coach. Depends if he's willing to play only 9-10 games next season. Love his articles and when he is a great TV and radio interviewee. Knows his stuff and how to put it across.
Les-TA-Jon Posted 4 May 2011 Posted 4 May 2011 Gally would get my vote for most improved player this season
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.