Heart of Midlothian has announced the death of their former player, Mike Galloway.
Galloway, who also played for Celtic, was a popular figure during his two seasons at Tynecastle.
Early career and Hearts
Born in Oswestry, Shropshire, on 30 May 1965, Galloway’s father was a soldier with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. Both he and his dad considered themselves to be Scotsmen. Mike learned his football in diverse places, including Holywood Star (Belfast), Tynecastle Boys Club and then Elphinstone Primrose.
After a spell with Berwick Rangers, Mike signed for Mansfield Town in July 1983. Two years later, he moved to Halifax Town. A £60,000 fee brought Mike to Hearts in November 1987.
Galloway brought steel to the midfield, as well as his scoring ability. He netted 22 goals in 86 appearances. He helped Hearts to runners-up position in the Premier Division and also the Scottish Cup Semi-Finals in 1987-88.
Hearts earned a place in the UEFA Cup, where Mike scored in both legs against St. Patrick’s Athletic and Velez Mostar. He also scored the only goal of the victory against FK Austria in Vienna. Hearts subsequently played Bayern in the Quarter-Finals and narrowly lost 2-1 on aggregate.
Move to Celtic and Later Life
His performances attracted Celtic and he joined the Glasgow club in June 1989 for a fee of £560,000. Mike played 160 games for Celtic. He also had a brief spell on loan to Leicester City in February 1995.
In August 1995, a near-fatal car crash ended his playing career. He overcame his difficulties and was able to move into coaching with Tranent Juniors and later Wooler, Coldstream, Berwick United, Eyemouth United.
Galloway played one game for Scotland, in October 1991 against Romania.
Tributes Paid
Galloway was described as always carrying a powerful presence in central defence, midfield, or even in the attack. He was known as an aggressive tackler, strong in the air and always full of purpose and energy.
- Mike played one game for Scotland
- He joined Celtic in June 1989 for a fee of £560,000.
- A car crash in August 1995 ended his playing career.
Our sincere condolences are extended to his family and friends at this sad time.