IT USED to be a cliche that when footballers hung up their boots and settled down after retiring they ran a pub.

That is certainly true of former Bradford City legend Barry Gallagher who played 71 games for the club between 1977 and 1983, scoring 22 goals.

Having come through the Bantams' youth system, the midfielder went onto play for Halifax Town, Scarborough and Maltese club Hamrun Spartans before becoming assistant manager at Scarborough for the 1988-89 season.

Now he is the landlord of the Dog & Gun in Wibsey with memorabilia decorating the walls and the St Enoch's Road local has definitely got a sporty outlook.

The pub opened early last week for the Cheltenham meeting so that regulars could catch the first race and at the end of the month it is holding its annual race night, this year with a Peaky Blinders theme.

Manager Sam Rayner said for 2019 the pub's chosen charities will be Marie Curie and Alzheimers Society.

He said: "The race night draws a lot of attention and we get lots of sponsors and donations.

"We've split it this time as a family friend with Alzheimer's and another with cancer passed away."

The Peaky Blinders theme was chosen as the TV show has a strong horse racing theme and is popular with the regulars.

It is hoped that many of those attend on Saturday, March 30, will wear period garb and get into the spirit of the event.

The pub is asking that anyone who would like to buy a horse, a jockey or sponsor a race for the charity night pop in or message them on Facebook for more information.

A couple of years ago the event raised about £5,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance after a local was involved in a car crash.

Sam said: "We're all about community and are a welcoming pub.

"We have a lot to offer and we see different faces now."

He said the pub benefits from having a refurbished interior with new bar and seating.

It hosts regular karaoke nights, has a quiz night on Wednesday and rock and roll bingo on a Sunday night to keep it quite busy.

There is also an open mic night on the last Tuesday of the month with Mick Brown, of Bradford band Psychoslinkys, which attracts a lot of singers.

They can whet their whistles with Tetley's cask and four real ale pumps featuring Ossett Brewery's Yorkshire Blonde as well as guest ales. The Star Pubs and Bars tied house also features lagers and ciders, different bottled ales and IPAs and a big range of soft drinks, including cuppas from a coffee machine.

Sam also said the pub boasts beer gardens front and back with the rear one in particular a sun trap which features live bands and a bouncy castle in the summer.

He added: "We're doing well on the weekends, it's a good environment here.

"We try to keep a strong clientele and have a good quality offer. How you portray yourself on the internet is vital."