Tributes paid as ex-Berwick Rangers, Hearts, and Celtic star Mike Galloway passes away aged 60

Tributes have been paid to former Berwick Rangers player Mike Galloway, who has passed away at the age of 60.

Born in Oswestry, Shropshire, Galloway and his family would eventually settle in Berwick after his father’s military career took them from Berlin to Belfast and then on to Glasgow and Edinburgh. The promising talent would begin his senior career with Rangers in 1983 before spending spells with Mansfield Town and Halifax Town. Four years after departing Shielfield Park, he would return to the Scottish game to sign for Hearts.

During his stint at Tynecastle, Galloway scored 22 goals in 86 appearances, helping them to a second-placed finish in the top flight and a Scottish Cup semi-final in 1987/88. From there, Hearts would compete in the UEFA Cup, with Galloway producing memorable goal-scoring turns against St. Patrick’s Athletic, Velez Mostar, and FK Austria.

In June 1989, the versatile presence - capable of playing in midfield or at the back - signed for Celtic for a fee of £560,000, and over the course of a seven-year stint in Glasgow, would amass 160 first team appearances, as well as earning his one senior Scotland cap. Despite being born in England, his father was a soldier with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, and both he and his dad considered themselves to be Scotsmen.

While on the books at Celtic, Galloway would spend a brief loan spell with Leicester City, but was involved in a near-fatal car crash in August 1995 that brought an end to his playing career. Galloway remained in football, however, moving into coaching roles with the likes of Tranent Juniors, Wooler, Coldstream, Berwick United, and Eyemouth United.

In a statement to Hearts’ official website, club historian David Speed described Galloway as “a popular figure during his two seasons at Tynecastle” who “always carried a powerful presence in central defence, midfield, or even in the attack”. He went on to suggest that Galloway was “an aggressive tackler, strong in the air and always full of purpose and energy”.

Speed added: “Our sincere condolences are extended to his family and friends at this sad time.”