Scottish international
goalkeeper Paul Gallacher signed for Norwich on 2nd June 2004
on a free transfer from Dundee United where he was out of contract.
He signed a two year contract with the option of an additional
year and will be challenging Robert Green
for the first choice keeper's position. Paul is Norwich's third
full Scottish international in the squad after Gary
Holt and Malky Mackay, both of whom
helped sell Norfolk to Gallacher.
Lacking in match practice due to Robert Green's form in the first
team and Darren Ward's occupation of the reserve team keeper role,
Nigel Worthington revealed that he would be willing to let Paul
go out on loan to get first team action, albeit on a clause that
he could be recalled at 24 hours notice.
In early December 2004, he joined Gillingham on loan, making
his debut in a 2-0 defeat to Wigan. He was recalled early from
this loan on December 27th when Darren Ward was injured leaving
Robert Green with only young Joe Lewis
as cover. Paul was loaned out again on 18th March 2005, joining
former manager Paul Sturrock at Sheffield Wednesday for a month.
This was extended until the end of the season
In June 2005, speculation linked Paul with a return to Dundee
United.
Paul made his debut for Norwich on 15th April 2005 in a 1-0 defeat
at Sheffield Wednesday following an injury to Robert Green during
the pre-match warm-up. He kept his place for the 3-2 win against
QPR two days later and the 1-0 win at Cardiff the following Saturday.
Although out of contract, Norwich offered him the opportunity
to stay at Carrow Road for another season as Darren Ward was leaving
the club. Former club Dundee United and Scottish side Dunfermline
have also been linked with signing him. He was then linked with
Aberdeen on 29th April 2006. In the end, he signed a new two year
contract on 12th June 2006 and vowed to be Norwich first choice
keper, aided by the fact that Robert Green is injured.
Although first choice keeper following Green's transfer to West
Ham United, Gallacher faced the indignity of being replaced by
loan signings (Jamie Ashdown, Lee
Camp, David Marshall and
Tony Warner) during the 2006/7 season.
There was in May 2007 speculation that Hibs would seek to bring
Gallacher back to Scotland. On 16th May, reports from Scotland
said that Rangers' manager Walter Smith was looking to add Gallacher
to the Rangers' squad. Smith is looking for experienced cover
for first choice Allan McGregor, with 35-year-old German 'keeper
Stefan Klos retiring and reserve team prospect Lee Robinson going
out on loan. City boss Peter Grant said
I haven't had any contact from Rangers, but I wouldn't
be surprised if they were interested because of the Scottish connection.
On 23rd July 2007, Gallacher and Lewis were linked with a loan
move to Brighton following Paul Crichton's
appointment as a coach with the Seagulls. On 17th August 2007,
Paul joined Scottish side Dunfermline on loan until 2nd January
2008.
Paul's contract with the Canaries was cancelled by mutual consent
on 31st December 2007. The following day, he signed for Dunfermline
until the end of the season. "I have enjoyed playing first
team football at Dunfermline and everyone at the club has made
me feel welcome. Dunfermline is a great club with a large fan
base."