Macaulay Gillesphey joined Charlton in January 2024, arriving from Plymouth Argyle for an undisclosed fee.

Born in Ashington, the centre-back began his career with Newcastle United where he progressed through the youth ranks to earn a professional contract.

He joined Carlisle United on loan in September 2015 and made his senior debut in the Cumbrians’ League Cup tie against Liverpool at Anfield, with the Premier League side progressing on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Gillesphey defender re-joined Carlisle on loan in the 2016/17 season before making the move permanent in the summer of 2018.

After featuring almost 100 times for Carlisle, the defender signed for Australian top-flight side Brisbane Roar in June 2019.

He collected the club’s 2019/20 Player of the Year award following an impressive debut campaign with the three-time A-League champions.

The Englishman made a further 23 appearances for the Roar during the 2020/21 season, scoring three goals and registering three assists.

Gillesphey returned to England in June 2021, joining then-League One outfit Plymouth.

He would go on to become a regular member of the Pilgrims’ backline in the two seasons that followed, culminating in promotion to the Sky Bet Championship after finishing the 2022/23 campaign top with 101 points.