'Delighted' - Newcastle United training ground boost as 'unsung hero' reacts to 2027 deal
Newcastle United contracts: Mark Gillespie has reacted to his new deal at the club.
Mark Gillespie has signed more contracts for Newcastle United than he has made competitive first-team appearances, as he continues to prove his value behind the scenes.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper has not featured in a competitive game for Newcastle since Eddie Howe’s appointment as head coach almost five years ago. All three of his competitive appearances for the club came in the EFL Cup in 2020.
But his importance to Newcastle comes on the day-to-day training ground work with his fellow goalkeepers, knowing full well he will not be in serious contention to play for the first team.
His value to Howe and the Newcastle squad was proven once again by his annual one-year contract extension being confirmed earlier this week.
NUFC goalkeeper reacts to contract extension
Following the announcement of his extension, Gillespie took to Instagram to issue a statement expressing his delight.
"Delighted to be staying another year," he wrote. "Big shout to the GKs leaving, it was a pleasure working with you every day and I wish you all the best for whatever comes next.
"It is a privilege to work behind the scenes with the staff and group of players here, who no matter what always give their absolute all, day in and day out, to bring success to the club and the city.
"Looking forward to another season of hard work, development, and doing everything I can to contribute to the team’s success.
"We will be back fully focused and ready to have a big season next year which is what the incredible supporters that continue to back us home and away deserve. Howay The Lads."
Gillespie’s popularity with his fellow goalkeepers was evident as his now former Newcastle teammate Aaron Ramsdale commented: “Some fella, some goalie! Loved it.”
John Ruddy, who will leave Newcastle when his contract expires at the end of the month, said: “Some man! Was a pleasure to work alongside you mate.”
Eddie Howe on Mark Gillespie’s role
While news of another extension for Gillespie may raise eyebrows among certain sections of the fan base, the Newcastle head coach believes the goalkeeper has a valuable role to play having previously described him as an ‘unsung hero’ in his squad.
Following a Gillespie-inspired post-season penalty shoot-out friendly win over Tottenham Hotspur in Australia, Howe interrupted an interview with the goalkeeper to say: “I just wanted to step in, if I may. The work this guy has put in has just been incredible and too often we'll always talk about the players who are playing but never enough about the players who aren't playing who contribute so much and Mark is one of those. His attitude to training is ridiculous every day.
“You're on the end of a lot of shots aren't you? Day in, day out, he's always there for the players to help them get better and you need a goalkeeper who is going to be there and train every day and be as consistent as Mark is.
“Those experiences for Mark, I'm so pleased for him because of what he gives every day. There are a lot of players like Mark in the squad that characterise our success. I just wanted to say that to Mark and share that moment with him."