BREAKING: Newcastle United Confirms New Contract Extension of 32-year-old Brilliant Star
It’s undeniable that Newcastle United’s team isn’t as robust as required, and it’s poised to become even weaker. With several players, including third-choice goalkeeper Loris Karius, departing as their contracts end, there’s already a gap in the squad. Moreover, it’s highly probable that Martin Dubravka will also leave as he’s expected to revert to second choice once Nick Pope recovers from injury.
Dubravka hasn’t performed exceptionally this season while deputizing for Pope. Thus, before the new season begins, there will likely be a need to fill two goalkeeper positions.
Newcastle have offered an extension to forgotten man Mark Gillespie
Don’t worry, because Craig Hope reports that the club has opted to prolong Mark Gillespie’s contract for another year.
📄 NUFC have exercised the option to extend goalkeeper Mark Gillespie’s contract by 12 months 👇 https://t.co/Hr5Sxxzwjj
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) April 26, 2024
And “who?” you ask. Well, Mark Gillespie, a 32-year-old Newcastle native, enjoys perhaps the ultimate dream job. As a lifelong fan of Newcastle United, he gets to train alongside his beloved team without the pressure of actually playing, all while receiving compensation for the honor.
Mark Gillespie has made just three appearances in four years
Gillespie has been part of Newcastle for nearly four years, but his game time has been limited to just three competitive appearances for the Magpies, all occurring in the Carabao Cup during the 2020/21 season against Blackburn, Morecambe, and Newport County.
Despite his sparse playing time, he seems to be well-liked among the players in the dressing room, which is a positive. Currently, it appears that Dan Ashworth is the only individual at the club who might be doing less and still getting paid.
There’s speculation about whether Gillespie might move up to become the third-choice goalkeeper next season instead of the club bringing in two new goalkeepers, which would potentially leave him at number four. It’s understandable if Gillespie is eager to showcase his skills and get some game time, and there’s curiosity among fans to see what he can offer. Some even wonder if he could outperform Dubravka.