Paul Gallacher Interview

Match Programme Interview: "I've played the First Division before with Dunfermline and it's a tough league.

1. What's it like to play at a local derby - must be a great atmosphere?

It's a fantastic atmosphere - in the week leading up to a derby, there is a real build-up with lots of banter and energy, so it great for the players and fantastic for the fans too as hopefully we'll get big crowds attending. There are so many great derbies lined up this season and these kinds of matches are definitely something I look forward to personally.

2. Is there one local team that you're particularly looking forward to playing against?

Every derby will be great, but the Falkirk and Raith matches are always massive games, especially playing against Falkirk, who beat us 2-0 in the semi final of the Scottish cup at Hamden so it would be great if we could win this time! So far we've done well this season, and that's thanks to our big fan base too. The Raith Rovers game today will be brilliant as they are tough competitors so the atmosphere should be amazing!

3. How do you feel about playing in First Division after being relegated last season?

I've played the First Division before with Dunfermline and it's a tough league. But relegation was hard to take especially since I was injured too, so it was a double blow. But we're going to do our best in the First Division and aim for promotion again.

4. So far it's been a great start to the season - how do you feel the new team is shaping up?

There's been lot of changes with regards to boys leaving and new boys coming in, but the new boys are making an impact, and I think it was a good decision made by Jim Jefferies to bring these young guys in who have done well so far and are hungry for success. Boys like Wallace and Falkingham have made a good impact and they are all working hard for each other and the results are starting to show. Like Jim says, the fans have got to be patient and give us time to gel, but it helps having the fans behind us and now we're getting good results and progressing.

5. You're one of the older team members these days! What's it like playing with a whole bunch of new and much younger team mates?

It's a bit worrying how young some of them are, makes you feel old yourself! But it's a real breath of fresh air, and these younger team players are really willing to learn, and if we all stick together I'm sure we can achieve our goals.

6. You've had such varied experiences during your football career, what advice would you give to the younger guys coming up through the ranks?

Well I think we've got a wealth of experience to help us with the Manager and his background, and Gerry McCabe who has played at the highest level too. Neil McCann is great too and is so involved in all the training and I just hope I can pass on any advice and experience I have had too.

7. You come from a family with another famous goal keeper - what advice has your Dad passed on to you?

I was never pressurised to become a goalie or get into football by my Dad, but once I'd made the decision myself he has always been there for me with constructive criticism as well as support. He had a great football career and is now goalkeeping coach at Dumbarton so he is training our competitors!

8. You had quite a long time out of playing football; it must be great to have put that injury behind you and to be back out there again?

Yes, that was 7 and a half months altogether from injury to getting back to playing a game, and it was tough going getting back to match fitness. When it initially happened, I thought it was just stretched ligaments and would be better in 6-8 weeks. But then it came up that I needed surgery and was off for much longer - in the end I've had three anchors put in my shoulder, which act as pins, and by the wonders of modern science they evolve over years and I'll get increased movement in my shoulder. But I also ruptured all the ligaments that hold the shoulder in, so what I thought was a short term situation ended up being 7 months.

It was very depressing sitting at the sidelines not being able to do anything, it was a very testing time for me being out of the game and watching relegation happen. But these kinds of things also make you stronger mentally. I still don't have 100% full range in my shoulder but the more I train and play, the stronger it gets. It could have hindered my career, but medical science has come on so far, it's amazing what they can do. And I'd like to say a big thank you to Kenny Murray, our physio - he was there for me, and was supportive and got me back playing because there are a lot of highs and lows during rehab when you are out that length of time with an injury so I can't praise him enough..

9. But you were kept busy while you were injured giving great insight from the commentary box for the Dunfermline Media Centre and then working with the BBC and ESPN?

It all came from Chris Kane of the Dunfermline Media Centre who was looking for a fresh pair of eyes so he got me on board commentating from the player's perspective. Then I also did some commentary on the radio and TV. It was a fantastic experience to see it from the other side, but if I'm honest, my hearts is with being a football player and I'd rather be fit and playing than being a commentator. But you never know, maybe later on a long time down the line, I might step into coaching or go back to commentating, you've always got to think about the future.

10. You've got a list of awards and accolades as long as your arm for your achievements in football and you've played for your country - I'm guessing you would love to do that again sometime?

I would love to but I am realistic enough to know that it won't happen again, but there are some great young goalies coming through the ranks so Scotland is in a strong position in terms of goal keeping. But no one can take my eight caps in the past away from me, and it was definitely the pinnacle of my career, so it's great to say I've been there, done that.

This interview first appeared in The Game - matchday programme v Raith Rovers 1st September 2012