In an extended 20 minute interview, Paul Gallagher sits down and reflects on his career and his next step in coaching.
You can click on the full interview above to watch as he talks about all his former clubs, the players, playing for Scotland, all his spells at Deepdale and his move into the management team at the club.
And when he sat down to discuss all of this, which at times was emotion-filled, he had just agreed his new role with the Lilywhites and admitted he hadn’t had a lot of time to think about the fact he was hanging up his boots.
“I’ve really not had time to think about it,” he told iFollow PNE. “It has been a whirlwind and I am looking forward to and am passionate about the next step of my career.
“To look back on my career over 20 years, it has been one hell of a ride, I have played for some fantastic football clubs, had some really goods time and been successful and I don’t know where it has gone.
“Looking ahead, we are looking to continue what we have done in the last eight games as a coaching staff and I would like to thank Preston North End for giving us this opportunity.”
One thing he was keen to talk about was how his final season has been being closed doors: “It is strange times in life,” he continued. “Over my 20-year career I have played in front of supporters apart from the last 16 months, which has been difficult.
“When you retire, like I am now, usually you have time to go home and reflect and have time out of football, but the best thing for me is that I am staying in football.
“I go straight into coaching, which I have done for the last eight games in the first team environment, but I was also fortunate enough for the club to give me time with the U16s for the last 18 to 24 months and I have enjoyed that.
“I am looking forward to the next stage in my career which is working with these players, who I respect and have played with for many years, to try and get better and take the club forward.”
The 36-year-old, former North End No.12 was also keen to talk about the support he has received from the terraces and how he will make sure, going forward, the players know what the badge means to the fans.
“Ever since I have come back, the fans have been fantastic to me and my family. All the people you come across and meet are fantastic. It is a community club, everyone is in it together – we all want to be on the same journey going forward.
“My time here has been successful as a player and I hope it remains successful as a coach. What I can say, is that I will give 100 per cent, as I did on the pitch.
“I always wore the badge with pride and I will make sure all the players understand how much it means to play for Preston North End.
“This football club has been fantastic for me over the nine years and I am forever grateful of that.”
Make sure you watch the full and extended interview by clicking on the video at the top of the page, as Gally recollects some key moments and games and much, much more.