Born in Johnstone, Scotland, Gallacher joined Aston Villa as a 16-year-old apprentice on leaving school in 1983.
He progressed through youth levels, signing a professional contract in March 1985, before making his first team debut on the final day of the 1986-87 season against Manchester United, at the end of a season where Villa were relegated from the First Division.
[3] Gallagher spent a loan spell at Blackburn before joining Doncaster Rovers and then Brighton.
In 1994 his career was ended by injury at the age of 27 following a short term as a non-contract player with Northampton Town.
Gallacher died in Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield, England on 28 August 2011, aged 44.