A pre-war Derby County footballer has been honoured at Pride Park Stadium this week.
Hughie Gallacher, a centre forward who served the Rams between 1934-36, was permanently remembered on Monday as a commemorative brick was laid in front of the East Stand to mark his life.
Gallacher sadly took his own life at the age of 54 in 1957, but his legacy will now continue as he has been etched into the brickwork at the Rams’ home.
A small ceremony took place outside Pride Park Stadium on Monday 13th December and Hughie’s son and grandson were in attendance, as was Rams supporter Kalwinder Singh Dhindsa who led the campaign. Club Ambassador Roy McFarland was also present at the event.
Hughie Junior, Hughie’s son, said: “It means almost everything to me. Nothing has ever happened in the past. I was content to just sit back and leave his name to the record books and be proud of that, but this is extra special.
“As far as I know, it’s the first tribute anywhere, from any club, but that has never bothered me. It’s special for me and special for all of us.”
Kalwinder, who has contributed to several tributes at Pride Park Stadium including the Steve Bloomer bust, the Brian Clough and Peter Taylor statue, as well as the Dave Mackay statue, was pleased to help honour Hughie with a foundation stone.
The Rams fan, author and local historian explained: “The thing I share with Hughie Gallacher Junior is that we were both born in Derby and both our fathers died by suicide. I have always found that suicide stops people from talking. It stops their loved ones from talking as well and the same applies in football too.
“Anybody else who had not died as tragically as Hughie did, in the manner that he did, would have statues everywhere but people are uncomfortable and awkward at times to reflect that.
“They are worried about upsetting and offending people. I thought ‘no’. Whilst Hughie Gallacher Junior and his brother are still alive, on my watch, I’m going to make sure we get the first tribute in the land here at Derby where Hughie Gallacher Junior was born - and we’ve done it.
“That what has been laid is effectively the foundation stone for the Hughie Gallacher statue in Newcastle, in Derby. We have laid the foundation stone for Hughie Gallacher.”
Former Rams defender McFarland added: “Like a lot of the players from that era, it feels a long time ago - but his record still stands. The short time Hughie had here at Derby County and the number of goals he scored in that time is an unbelievable record.”
Gallacher, born in Bellshire, Scotland in 1903, was a renowned goalscorer for club and country. After starting his career with Queen of the South as a 17-year-old in 1921, his undoubted quality was evident straight away as he transferred to Airdrieonians later that year.
He would enjoy four seasons back in Lanarkshire as the striker helped Airdrie win the Scottish Cup in 1924 and claim their first senior trophy. In 129 games for the Diamonds, he scored 100 goals.
A number of English clubs took interest in Gallacher but Newcastle United would become his permanent home in December 1925. He signed for £6,500 an made an immediate impact, scoring a brace on his debut.
He scored 15 goals in his first nine games for the Magpies and endeared himself to the supporters in the North East. His form led to an international call up for Scotland and he was part of one of their finest ever victories as they beat England 5-1 at Wembley Stadium in 1928.
Gallacher captained Newcastle and led from the front as he regularly notched 20 goals plus a season. He would play at St James’ Park for five seasons, scoring 143 goals in 174 appearances in all competitions. His strike rate of 82% is the most prolific in the club’s history.
But, he swapped the north east for west London as Chelsea splashed out £25,000 for his signature in 1930. Gallacher’s impressive strike-rate continued, however. He was Chelsea’s top goalscorer in each of his four seasons, but unfortunately trophies were elusive.
After a further 81 goals in 144 games for Chelsea, Gallacher left Stamford Bridge and joined Derby County. He was reunited with former Newcastle United player Jimmy Boyd and with fellow Scotsman Dally Duncan in the Rams’ squad, he felt at home.
Gallacher hit 40 goals in 55 games for Derby and almost guided George Jobey’s side to the league title in 1936 but they fell just short as Sunderland were crowned champions.
After his two-year spell with the Rams came to an end, he went on to represent Notts County and Grimsby Town before making his way back to his adopted home in the north east as he signed for Gateshead before retiring in 1939.
Gallacher sadly took his own life on 11th June 1957, but has this week been remembered at Derby County Football Club.
Derby County And Wathall's
Football plays a major role in many people’s lives, so it’s only
natural that some families choose to incorporate a football theme into a
loved one’s funeral service.
Derby County Football Club have partnered with Wathall’s to offer Derby County themed services for the club's most avid fans.
By choosing a Derby County themed funeral, you can honour the lifelong support your loved one had for their favourite Football Club. Wathall’s provide a variety of services to Derby County supporters and their families.
Wathall’s offer pictorial coffins, bespoke Derby County themed service sheets, scarves and ties for the coffin bearers. Floral tributes can also be themed in club colours.
There is also the option to have a funeral cortege drive past Pride Park Stadium and stop at the main entrance if you wish.
After the funeral, catering packages within Pride Park Stadium are available for wakes and gatherings.
Family members can also have a memorial brick and option of interring ashes along with the memorial brick at Pride Park Stadium as well.
If you wish, Wathall’s can write your loved one’s name and a special message in the Pride Park ‘Book of Remembrance’ too.
Another service that Wathall’s offer is ‘Rams Remember’. A touching tribute where the name of your loved one can appear on the LED advertising boards surrounding the pitch at selected games.
For further information on the services Wathall’s provide please visit wathall.co.uk or call 01332 345628.
