MACAULAY GILLESPHEY

Born: 24 November 1995

Came from: Brisbane Roar, Australia   Went to: Charlton Athletic

First game: 07 August 2021   Last game: 26 December 2023

Appearances: 91 (78/13)   Goals: 4

Gillesphey became Ryan Lowe's third signing of the 2021 close season and the third defender to arrive that summer, returning to English football at the age of 25 after two years in Australia.

Ashington-born Gillesphey began his career with Cramlington Juniors before progressing through Newcastle United's academy and signing his first professional contract with the Magpies in March 2015. Six months later he joined Carlisle United on a season-long loan and marked his senior debut in memorable fashion, coming on as a 73rd-minute substitute in a 1-1 League Cup draw with Premier League giants Liverpool at Anfield. Carlisle ultimately bowed out on penalties.

Gillesphey returned to Brunton Park the following summer for a second season-long loan before returning to Newcastle for the 2017-18 campaign, during which he made three appearances for the club's under-21 side in the Football League Trophy. After his contract at St James' Park expired in the summer of 2018, he returned to Carlisle for a third spell, this time on a permanent deal, and added a further 30 appearances to an eventual total of 93 for the Cumbrians.

In August 2019, Gillesphey moved to Australia to sign for Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler at Brisbane Roar. Over two seasons in Queensland, the left-sided defender became a rock at the heart of the Roar's defence and a threat from set pieces, helping the club to top-four finishes in both A-League campaigns. He was also named Brisbane Roar's Player of the Year for the coronavirus-impacted 2020-21 season.

Gillesphey's arrival at Home Park in the summer of 2021 formed another important part of Ryan Lowe's defensive rebuild. He was the third centre-back to join within a month, following James Wilson and Dan Scarr.

He became a regular in the Pilgrims' defence over the next two seasons, culminating in promotion to the Championship as Steven Schumacher's side finished champions with 101 points. During his time at Home Park, he made 91 appearances and scored four goals. He will perhaps be best remembered for that goal against Chelsea, giving Argyle an eighth-minute lead at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup Fourth Round in February 2022 before the European champions eventually prevailed 2-1 after extra time.

Injury restricted his involvement during the early months of Argyle's return to the Championship in 2023-24 and, after making only three starts before Christmas, he joined League One side Charlton Athletic during the January transfer window, signing a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

He went on to make 109 appearances and score eight goals for Charlton, including a superb free-kick in the 1-0 League One Play-off Final victory over Leyton Orient at Wembley, which secured promotion back to the Championship.

In July 2025, he signed a new two-year contract, with the club holding an option for a further year. However, just twelve months later he elected to return to the north, joining League One side Bradford City on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.