Preston North End midfielder Paul Gallagher has signed an extension to his contract until at least the summer of 2020.
The PNE No.12, who could make his 250th appearance for the club against former employer Stoke City this weekend, has agreed a new deal adding a further 12 months to the contract he signed last summer.
‘Gally’ joined the club for the first time back in 2007/08, playing 19 games in a six-month loan spell and returned - on loan again - under Simon Grayson in 2013, going on to become the player to make the most on loan appearances in the club’s history.
He signed a permanent deal at Deepdale in the summer of 2015 and has become a vital member of the dressing room, scoring 36 goals and making 62 assists in his 249 games so far, as well as being sat on 98 career goals.
Speaking about committing to the club once again, the 34-year-old believes he still has a big part of play at the club.
“It has always been at my ambition to stay at this football club as long as I possibly can. It drives me on each day to try and get better and I feel with age I am doing that and I still have a lot to give on and off the pitch.
“Over the last few months, I have really enjoyed being part of the team and earning a new contract is pleasing. I have always had it in me that I want to strive hard and do the best I can. I will know when my time comes to hang up my boots, but right now I feel I have plenty to give to this team.”
Manager Alex Neil feels that with a young squad at the club, the influence of Gally's experience and professionalism is vital to the development of the group.
He said: "Gally influences a lot of games, with both his set pieces and his quality. With having him around the young lads that we have got, his experience and calmness is really important to us. He can pass on a lot to our younger players and we are delighted he has extended his stay."