Director of Football Steve Gallen is delighted to have secured the services of goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray.
The 28-year-old, who has penned a two-year deal in SE7, becomes Nigel Adkins’ second acquisition of the summer following the arrival of Jayden Stockley, with Gallen admitting the Addicks have now got two decisive positions tied down.
On the capture of MacGillivray, Gallen said: “Very pleased, obviously. The manager was always saying to me all the way through this last four, five weeks - whatever it is since the season ended - get the centre forward and the goalkeeper right. Every day we speak he’s saying: ‘Let’s get them two positions right’. I agree with him completely, and so I think we’ve got them two positions right.”
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Gallen revealed he shared an exchange with his brother, Joe, who was mightily impressed by MacGillivray’s ability during his four-year spell as assistant manager at Fratton Park.
“I can speak to Joe a bit more now about it because, in a way, we were rivals before and we wouldn’t really speak too much about transfers and players,” acknowledged Charlton’s Director of Football. “But Joe’s gone with Kenny Jackett to Leyton Orient and so now maybe not as big a rivals, so of course I’ve been speaking to Joe about Craig, and he’s spoken very, very highly of him. I also spoke to Kenny, and he also spoke very highly of him.
“I think consistency is the main thing I’m thinking about with Craig. Also you’re thinking really about that position so someone who’s a consistent performer. Everyone I’ve spoken to has said that about him, and obviously we’ve been playing Portsmouth in the last couple of years and he’s always done well against us. I think in particular he makes big saves, we’ve all seen that. But just generally, consistent, mature, good goalkeeper so pleased to get it done.”
Gallen also spoke of the domino effect that can occur as a result of incoming transfers, admitting he anticipates plenty more to come where that is concerned.
“We need a few more as you know. Don’t worry, I know about it and I’m working on that every day. So I expect players to be coming in, I won’t put any timeline on it just yet, because I don’t want people to be disappointed, but it’s all in motion.”
“It has been a challenge. A lot of people talk about, in the Championship in particular it’s been a bit slow so all the representatives of players I’m talking to are saying Championship clubs are not moving, and in some ways if they’re not moving it filters down to us. So I’m pleased to get two important bits of business done before the start of pre-season - obviously we’re back in this morning training.
“There’s going to be some more happening now, and I thought this even a week or so ago. Once you get one or two then one or two more will start happening so it’s been a little bit frustrating of course, I’m sure also for the fans, but we’ll get it moving now.”
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