A Stevenage Borough veteran if ever there was one, Des Gallagher can claim to have seen it all during his career at Broadhall Way. From his debut in 1985 to his last game during the 1999-00 campaign, Dessie racked up nearly 400 outings for the club. He won three league titles at Boro’: 1985-6 Vauxhall Opel League Division Two North; 1993-4 Diadora League Premier Division; and 1995-6 GM Vauxhall Conference. Don’t forget the FA Cup escapades at Newcastle, Birmingham and Leyton Orient too.
And there was a relegation in there for good measure; Boro’ failing to beat the drop from Vauxhall Opel League Division One in 1988. Did we mention that he also takes his place on the list of all-time goalscorers; netting against Billericay during that campaign?
Of course, there were gaps in that 15-year period where Dessie moved onto pastures new; specifically Dunstable Town and even Down Under with North Perth. And it may be so different had he accepted Hitchin Town‘s approach for him too. But he didn’t go to Top Field (much to his credit); staying loyal to Boro’ and making sure of his place in the club’s folklore in the process. There’s no shortage of fans who remember at least one game in which Dessie took up his place between the sticks.
All things must come to an end, however, and Gallagher’s Broadhall Way career was to end at the turn of the millennium after being ousted by Chris Taylor in the number one stakes. With that, Des too the decision to move down to Australia for good.
