On this day in 1909, Patsy Gallacher was born. The Scottish striker played for Linwood St Georges and Bridge of Weir before moving to Sunderland in 1929.
He made his debut in a 1-0 loss to Arsenal at Roker Park, and became a fan favourite on Wearside. Gallacher scored 108 goals in 309 appearances in all competitions. He was also part of the FA Cup winning side in 1937, being heavily involved in the third and final red and white goal which was scored by Eddie Burbanks.
As well as his influence on the final, Patsy scored the winner in the semi-final against Milwall at Leeds Road, Huddersfield.
'The Might Atom' was famous for his fine ball control and dribbling skills, as well as clinical finishing. Gallacher would often switch positions with SAFC legend Raich Carter, with the pair both playing out wide on the left and right.
Sunderland won the First Division in the 1935/36 season, with Gallacher helping the lads to the title. He scored 20 goals that season which was his best goalscoring season, continuing his prolific form. His goal tally, which included six hat-tricks, reached double figures in six successive seasons between 1931/32 and 1936/37.A year after our FA Cup win, Gallacher moved to Stoke City. However, due to injuries the forward only played four games before leaving the club just before the breakout of World War II.
Gallacher scored in his only ever international appearance for Scotland, in a 2-1 defeat to Ireland in 1934. The striker was still playing for Sunderland at the time. Patsy passed away on January 4th 1992, aged 82.
