^Mark Gillespie

Boyhood Newcastle fan Gillespie rejoined the Magpies in the summer of 2020, having left the club as a youngster in 2008.

He was 16 years old when he was allowed to leave the Magpies' Little Benton Academy, and he subsequently linked up with Carlisle United.

After progressing through the ranks at Brunton Park, Gillespie became the youngster ever goalkeeper to represent the Cumbrians – at the age of 18 years and 42 days – when he came off the bench for his League One debut against Norwich City in May 2010.

Having enjoyed a spell on loan at Blyth Spartans in 2010/11, he returned to Carlisle and displaced former Newcastle youngster Adam Collin between the sticks, going on to make 180 appearances for the Blues before leaving for Walsall in 2017.

A year later, Gillespie moved on to Scottish Premiership side Motherwell, helping his new club finish third in the 2019/20 campaign.

And his impressive form saw him brought back to St. James' Park on a three-year contract, with his long-awaited debut for the club coming in a 1-0 League Cup win over Blackburn Rovers at St. James' Park in September 2020.

Full Name:

Mark Gillespie

Position:

Goalkeeper

Squad Number:

29

Nationality:

English

Date of birth:

27th March 1992

Place of birth:

Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Height:

192

Weight:

83

Date signed:

27th July 2020

Debut:

15th September 2020 v Blackburn Rovers (H)

Previous club:

Carlisle United, Blyth Spartans (loan), Walsall, Motherwell