Macaulay Gillesphey (born 24 November 1995) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for EFL League One club Bradford City.
Personal Information
- Full name: Macaulay Gillesphey
- Date of birth: 24 November 1995 (age 30)
- Place of birth: Ashington, England
- Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.87 m)
- Position: Defender
- Current team: Bradford City (number 5)
Club Career
Newcastle United
Gillesphey played for Cramlington Juniors before joining the Newcastle United youth academy. He signed a professional contract in March 2015 and made his professional debut on 24 September 2015 in a 1–1 draw away at Liverpool in the League Cup.
Carlisle United (loans and permanent)
He went on loan to Carlisle United in September 2015 alongside Newcastle teammate Alex Gilliead, and re-joined on loan in July 2016, later extended to the end of the 2016–17 season. Gillesphey joined Carlisle United permanently in June 2018 on a two-year contract. In May 2019, the club announced a mutual release.
Brisbane Roar
On 25 June 2019, Gillesphey signed for Brisbane Roar in the A-League under manager Robbie Fowler. He was named the Gary Wilkins Medalist (Brisbane Roar Player of the Year) for the 2019–20 season. He returned to England in June 2021 after turning down a new contract.
Plymouth Argyle
Gillesphey joined Plymouth Argyle on a two-year deal in June 2021. He scored his first goal for the club on 5 February 2022 against Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round at Stamford Bridge. He was part of the Plymouth side that won the EFL League One title in the 2022–23 season and finished as runner-up in the EFL Trophy.
Charlton Athletic
On 12 January 2024, Gillesphey joined Charlton Athletic on a two-and-a-half-year deal. On 25 May 2025, he scored from a free-kick in the 1–0 League One play-off final win over Leyton Orient at Wembley Stadium, securing promotion to the Championship. He signed a new two-year contract in July 2025.
Bradford City
On 1 July 2026, Gillesphey joined Bradford City on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Honours
Plymouth Argyle
- EFL League One: 2022–23
- EFL Trophy runner-up: 2022–23
Charlton Athletic
- EFL League One play-offs: 2025
Individual
- Gary Wilkins Medal (Brisbane Roar Player of the Year): 2019–20
