'From zero to hero' - Macaulay Gillesphey's rise

BBC News

2 days ago

From being vilified by some sections of the Charlton Athletic fanbase to becoming a play-off final goalscoring legend - catapulting the Addicks to the Championship after five years in the League One wilderness - Macauley Gillesphey has gone from zero to hero since his arrival in SE7.It's been a remarkable improvement considering at the start of the season he was perceived to be the weakest member of the Charlton defence, with the fear of a mistake in him at any time.However, as the season wore on his hard work paid off as he contributed to a defence that kept 22 clean sheets, while scoring six goals.Nathan Jones believes he has grown into the team. Demands have been put on him and he's responded magnificently. The Championship will be another challenge and he will need to step up another level, but he's been doing that since he entered the building.He has become a forceful and determined defender, whose composure and reading of the game have improved dramatically.The 29-year-old has settled well in the London area with his young family and his new two-year deal, with a club option for a further year, has come at the perfect time.Gillesphey only made four second-tier appearances after winning the League One title with Plymouth Argyle in the 2022-23 season, so the question now will be is he ready to make the step up?Well, he was born in Ashington - a breeding ground for winners like Jackie Milburn and the Charlton brothers [Jack and Sir Bobby]. Only time will tell.Paul Sullivan provides commentary on Charlton Athletic games for the visually impaired.