Keith Gillespie

[groo]

KEITH GILLESPIE



Full Name: Keith Robert Gillespie

Date of Birth: 18th February 1975, Larne

Height: 5ft 10.25in

Weight: 11.07 st

Position Played: Winger

Current Club: Glentoran

Previous Clubs: Manchester United, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, Wigan Athletic (loan), Leicester City, Sheffield United, Charlton Athletic (loan), Bradford City (loan).

Honours:
Northern Ireland: 86 caps, 2 goals, Youth Int'l (various levels),
Manchester United: FA Youth Cup (1992)
Blackburn: Worthington Cup (2002)

Blackburn Rovers Career.
Date Signed: 16th December 1998.
Squad No’s: 34,28,18
Debut: 19th December 1998, vs Nottingham Forest (a) 2-2
Appearances n/a
Goals: n/a

Profile:
Gillespie was at Ewood Park for 5 seasons and after a fall-out with then manager Graeme Souness, he moved onto Leicester City on a free transfer playing 48 games and scoring two goals in two seasons.

[groo]

GILLESPIE WINGS IT TO LONDON.

Keith Gillespie has made the move South to the Capital in order to get first-team football. The former Rovers winger has left Sheffield United to join Charlton Athletic in a loan deal which expire on 3rd January 2009.

Northern Ireland international went straight into Parkinson's line-up for Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road. The third round of the FA Cup takes place on January 3rd, but discussions as to whether 33-year-old Gillespie will play in the game will take place with the Blades nearer to the time.

Gillespie, who can be recalled by the Blades after 28 days, did not feature as Charlton lost 5-2 at home to United on Saturday, but could play when the Addicks made the return trip to Bramall Lane on Saturday, December 28th.

Unlike Premier League rules, on-loan players can feature against their parent clubs in The Football League, although this will also be discussed with the Blades closer to the time. Gillespie, who scored a screaming last-minute winner against Les Reed's Addicks in early December 2006, has made just one substitute appearance for United this term, as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw with Coventry City at Bramall Lane in September.

However, he played the full 90 minutes for his country last Wednesday as Nigel Worthington's men slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Hungary. He said: "I didn't want to go out of the Championship. It was nice that this chance came along for me. It will help my fitness and I know that Nigel (Worthington) wants us all playing regular first-team football."

Right-winger Gillespie had been a regular in United's line-up for two seasons and was handed a new deal by boss Kevin Blackwell in the summer, only to fall down the pecking order once the season started. Capped 86 times by Northern Ireland, Gillespie, who turns 34 in February, still believes he has plenty to offer.

"I have been around for a while now and some may look at me and think at 33 years old that I am getting on a bit,” he said recently. "I don't think that I am past it and it is up to me to go out and show that I am not past it. I still think that there are a few years left in me yet before I finish playing. I still feel fit and I want to go out and show that I have plenty of years still to offer.”

[groo]

GILLESPIE CONTRACT CANCELLED.

Keith Gillespie returned back to Sheffield United at the end of last month after his loan spell with Charlton Athletic ended. However, his remaining contract with the Blades has now been cancelled by mutual consent.



Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has since excluded him from his squad which will face San Marino this week.

[groo]

GILLESPIE JOINS BANTAMS UNTIL END OF THE SEASON.

After a trial at Leeds United, winger and former NIBRSA President, Keith Gillespie joined Bradford City two weeks ago on loan until the end of the season.

Whilst training with City, Gillespie done enough to impress Bantams' boss Stuart McCall and earn a contract until the end of the season. The Northern Ireland International put pen to paper on a short contract on Wednesday 11th March 2009 and is expected to expire in June 2009 when the season ends.

Have previously coached Gillespie, when he was a coach at Sheffield United McCall added, "Looking at the bigger picture we have ten games to go which will be a tense, nervous time and Keith has had experience at the highest level."

"He has fantastic ability and will be a big addition to the squad. He initially just came in for training and had no pressure put on him but is desperate to play, putting himself in the shop window. Being a free agent helped after he was released in January by Sheffield United."


Gillespie in action during the World Cup Qualifers against San Marino

Having not played in League Two before, Gillespie stated that motivation would not be a problem instead focusing about the task at hand, "You play for the love of the game and you want to do well. When I was at Blackburn, I went on loan to Wigan in the old Second Division and coming away to places like Luton on cold wet nights, you've still got to enjoy your game."

"Certainly if I'm called upon I will be ready to play and hopefully I can add a little bit to what's gone on. I played four in a row at Charlton and then came off the bench for three. I know I can still play at a good level; I've played in the Championship this season and in World Cup qualifiers for Northern Ireland, so I know I'm still capable." The 34-year old has already represented Bradford since arriving at the Coral Windows Stadium.

[groo]

GILLESPIE MOVES BACK TO BELFAST

Keith Gillespie made a shock move to the east Belfast club, Glentoran on Tuesday 14th August 2009.


(Gillespie lining out in the Glentoran kit after signing a 12 month contract)

The 34-year-old winger left Bradford in the summer after a short-term deal following his release from Sheffield United. Gillespie has decided to return home to Northern Ireland in order to restart his career. He has agreed a 12-month contract with Glentoran who won the Irish League last season.

Gillespie made his debut for Glentoran against Bohemians in the Setanta Cup on 29th August 2009, before making his league debut against Coleraine on 1st September 2009. He scored his first goal at The Oval against Institute in a 1-1 draw on 22nd September.


(Gillespie celebrating his 1st goal for Glentoran against Institute)

However, the move could well signal the end of Gillespie's 15-year international career. When asked on Tuesday about the player's rumoured move to the Irish League side, Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington said it would not enhance his international prospects.

[groo]

KEITH GILLESPIE
(updated February 2010)

To date Gillespie has been featuring regularly for Glentoran appearing 29 times for the club scoring 3 goals. The East Belfast side are pushing hard to retain the league title they won last season and currently lie 3rd, just 1 point behind leaders Linfield.


Keith Gillespie, mobbed by ex-Rover Hamilton after scoring against Ballymena United at the Oval

Gillespie's contract is up at the end of this season and as he hasn't ruled out a return to the International set-up, it remains a doubt as to where he will end up next season. When he signed for the Glens, Gillespie commented, “You never know what the future holds but as it stands now, I want to play as long as I can and come the end of the season I’d like to maybe stay longer if things go well,” said the 86-capped international. “I can only hope that we have a successful season and if I’m playing well then hopefully I will stay longer.”