Why Mark Gillespie would be a good addition to Newcastle United
According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle United are poised to sign English goalkeeper Mark Gillespie, who is set to be a free agent at the end of this month.
After spending 8 years of his youth with Newcastle, the 28-year-old joined Carlisle United’s U18 squad in 2010. After making 180 appearances for Carlisle United, he moved to Walsall for a year before joining Motherwell FC in the summer of 2018.
Gillespie has been brilliant in the last two seasons for the Scottish outfit and has helped them to a third-place finish in the Premiership this term. However, his contract at Fir Park is set to come to an end in the summer. Thus, Newcastle should sign him on a free transfer.
Gillespie could add depth to the goalkeeping department
Apart from attacking reinforcements, the manager should also look to bring in new faces to other key areas. And Bruce should focus on strengthening the goalkeeping department. Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow are the only two shot-stoppers available at the manager’s disposal after Rob Elliot was released by the club.
Despite Newcastle’s poor performance, Dubravka has been in brilliant form this season. He has managed to keep 10 clean sheets in 31 games so far. However, Darlow has failed to be a tough competitor for the spot and has been used rarely. Thus, bringing in a goalkeeper would increase the strength depth.
In that regard, signing Gillespie would be a massive boost to the team. The Newcastle-born shot-stopper managed to keep 8 clean sheets last season for Motherwell in the league and has continued with the fine form this term. He kept 11 clean sheets in 30 league games for his side and seems to be in good nick.
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Verdict
At 28, Gillespie still has a few more years left at the highest level. He could be a useful player for the Magpies next season if he is able to replicate his recent form. He would also provide them with much-needed depth and signing him for free could be ideal for Newcastle.