Mark Gillespie has reportedly penned a new one-year contract at Newcastle United, despite not playing for almost three seasons.
The 32-year-old last featured for the Magpies on September 30, 2020 during a penalty shootout win away to Newport County in the Carabao Cup. In total, he has made just three senior appearances since joining as a free agent from Scottish side Motherwell.
United triggered an option to extend Gillespie’s contract by 12 months last summer and according to Daily Mail, have exercised the same option again.
Gillespie is understood to be a popular figure in the dressing room and among the backroom staff. As a lifelong Newcastle fan, having previously played for the club as an academy player, he is also content to remain as fourth-choice goalie rather than push for a starting role.
Eddie Howe previously described Gillespie and close pal Dummett as unsung heroes.
The United boss said: “I think whenever you see a squad, the manager will always say there are unsung heroes, ones that maybe don’t get the acclaim and praise maybe nationally, media-wise, even among our supporters but when you see the value of them behind the scenes... I think we’ve got a number of those.
“I think of Mark Gillespie, Paul Dummett - local lads who have come through and know how much the club means to them but also how much they mean to us. They’re just incredible guys who love their football club and we’re lucky to have them here. I’m picking two but I could probably pick more. They are just the two that immediately spring to mind.”
Although the former Carlisle United goalkeeper’s future is sorted, five players are still on course to leave Newcastle at the end of their contract at the end of the season. Here, NewcastleWorld takes a look at when every Newcastle player’s contract expires:
1. Elliot Anderson - N/A
Signed a ‘long-term’ deal in September 2022.
2. Anthony Gordon - N/A
Newcastle didn’t disclose the length of Gordon's contract when he signed from Everton just over 12 months ago.
3. Harrison Ashby - N/A
Similar to Gordon, the club didn’t reveal Ashby's contract length. Currently on loan at Swansea City.
4. Lewis Hall - TBC
Newcastle have triggered a permanent deal for Hall - currently on loan from Chelsea - after meeting the performance related criteria. He will sign a long-term contract this summer.