Elgin City Football Club make eighth new signing of summer by bringing in midfielder Mark Gallagher from Cove Rangers
A loan star at Borough Briggs last season has completed a permanent transfer to Elgin City.
The Black and Whites have signed midfielder Mark Gallagher on a two-year deal after agreeing a fee with League 1 Cove Rangers.
Gallagher (23) becomes City’s eighth signing of the close season and comes straight into their squad for Saturday’s League 2 opener against East Fife.
Elgin manager Allan Hale described the impact made by the central midfield player on loan last term, and said he made it his mission to bring Gallagher in permanently.
Watch video interview with Mark Gallagher (below) during his loan spell at Elgin.
Hale said the City fans were equally impressed by Gallagher’s talents and will recognise the value of his return to the club.
“Mark was outstanding for us, I don't think there’s any other way to describe it,” Hale said. “He was extremely consistent for us.
“He was someone that took responsibility on the pitch even when he wasn’t having strong performances. He was someone that still wanted to take the ball and try to make things happen for the team.
“He’s got so many qualities to his game. He can sit deeper if he needs to and dictate play from deep but equally he has the ability to go box-to-box. It’s good that he can be adaptable in terms of the role that we need him to play from week to week.”
Hale admitted he was beginning to doubt that the deal could happen.
“He was a real driving force and played an integral role in the team’s good form since he came in January. It was something we always hoped would be a possibility, but equally Cove wanted to have him within pre-season.
“I was at the point where it was beginning to feel like we had maybe lost the chance to get him. He started pre-season games but we got informed that there was the possibility of something that could happen and thankfully we have been able to agree a fee with Cove and subsequently agree terms with Mark.
“Now he’s coming back on a permanent deal on a two-year contract, he will continue to play an integral part.
“It’s a real positive step. Having seen the games so far and in pre-season, I still felt it was an area where we needed one more body in there and for me I don't think we could have got a better signing for that position.
I’m delighted with Mark’s show of faith as well, in terms of what we are trying to do. I’m sure he had other options and I’m glad that he put that faith in Elgin and what we are trying to do here.
“I think it reflects well in terms of how enjoyable his time was last season and how he wants to be part of what we are doing.
“I’m sure the supporters recognise it’s a big signing for us and we certainly feel that as a group so I'm delighted to get it concluded.”
Hale and his assistant Stefan Laird have also brought in defenders Jack Murray from Buckie Thistle and Kyle Girvan from Stranraer, and midfielder Lewis Hyde from Caley Thistle.
City have signed a quartet of new forwards in Dajon Golding - who was also on loan from Cove last season - Ryan Sargent from Fraserburgh, Olly McDonald from Edinburgh City and former Charlton Athletic attacker Dylan Gavin.
