Aldershot Town have signed England C international midfielder Jake Gallagher from Welling United.
The 22 year-old is a combative and dynamic central midfielder who was both Captain and, for three games, Joint-Caretaker Manager of The Wings last season. Beginning his career at Fulham, Gallagher earned his first professional contract with Millwall – where he had been named Young Player of the Year – and subsequently enjoyed loan spells at Staines Town and Met Police.
Released by The Lions in April 2012, he spent that summer with IBV Vestmannaeyja in Iceland before arriving at Park View Road. In three seasons at Welling United, Jake made 117 appearances and scored ten goals, forging a strong reputation for his workrate, tenacity and long-range shooting. His form saw him called up to the England C squad for the first time in February 2014 and to date Jake has won five caps.
“I had a fantastic time at Welling but I felt that it was the right time to move on and Aldershot Town is definitely a step in the right direction for me,” admitted Gallagher. “This is a big club that should be in the Football League, and that’s where I want to be playing. Barry wants to take the Club forward and I want to be part of that. The Club’s ambitions are the same as mine and that’s a big part of why I wanted to sign.”
“Everything I’ve seen about Jake is positive. He’s a winner,” explained manager Barry Smith “and I think the fans will grow to like him. He won’t shirk a challenge and he’ll do everything he can for this Club, and that’s the type of player I want here. I’m delighted to have Jake join us.”
