Sam Gallagher said goodbye to fans with a message on Instagram yesterday. The 22-year-old has returned to Southampton after finishing his season-long loan spell at the club.
The striker thanked everyone for the support he has received throughout his time at St Andrews:
“A massive thanks to all of the staff, coaches, players and fans of @bcfcofficial for the opportunity and support this season! I’ve loved my time at the club and wish them every bit of success in the future KRO.”
On Twitter, reaction to Sam’s departure was mixed, with some wanting him to stay for another year, while others happier to see him go:
The Southampton win, and subsequent survival could well be good news for Blues, should Monk (and of course Southampton) wish to do another loan deal for Sam Gallagher. #bcfc
— Adam Hennessey (@9_Hendo) May 8, 2018
I wouldn’t want him. Fresh start with Monk’s own players. #bcfc
— Gary J. Richards (@TheGJRichards) May 9, 2018
Hasn't done enough for me,high earner too
— Craig (@CraigDHoare) May 9, 2018
Sorry to see Sam Gallagher leave to return to Southampton. He has always given 100% for us. (Fred)
— Fred (@fleeson713) May 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/MarkMcc1875/status/993930961934053377
https://twitter.com/dpj94/status/993929246874664961
Be intresting to see how much the club is saving now the combined wages of Gallagher, Jenkinson, Boga and Bramell have stopped. #BCFC #kro
— JW (@joewatson24) May 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/liam06786164/status/994126852645060608
Verdict:
Seven goals in 34 appearances is not exactly what we were hoping for from the forward when he arrived last summer, although he wasn’t always played up top. His 12 for a struggling Blackburn team had indicated he could be able to hit 20 in this league.
Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out that way. He is still relatively young and could be a talent to watch, but Garry Monk will have his own plans to strengthen up front in the summer, and we’ll see what the manager has up his sleeve.