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Charlton Athletic defender Macaulay Gillesphey ready for biggest game of his career – South London News
Charlton Athletic’s players are paying Wembley a visit before Sunday’s League One play-off final – and Macaulay Gillesphey reckons that will be huge positive ahead of taking to the famous turf against Leyton Orient.
The 29-year-old defender has played at the national stadium before but it was a far from happy experience as Plymouth Argyle lost 4-0 to Bolton Wanderers in the 2023 EFL Trophy final in April.
The blow of that reverse was softened by the Pilgrims winning the League One title.
Asked if his previous experience of playing at Wembley is a help going into the derby against the O’s, Gillesphey told the South London Press: “I’d say so. I was speaking to some of the lads on Wednesday and telling them we didn’t visit Wembley the day before last time.
“We just turned up on the day and that was a big shock to the system for the players. Whereas this time I have been to Wembley and we’re going the day before as well – which is good.
“I’ve never been involved in a play-off final before so this is probably the biggest game of my career so far, just because it means so much to the fans, all the players and the staff.
“Orient have had a brilliant second half to the season. I don’t think it really matters who you play in a final because it’s a totally different ball game – you have got to turn up on the day, try to get the result.”
Charlton need one more win to clinch Championship football.
Gillesphey dropped out of England’s second tier when he signed for the SE7 club in January 2024. Within weeks he had a change of boss – Nathan Jones replacing the sacked Michael Appleton – and it became a gritty grind under the Welshman to pull clear of relegation danger.
“When I first joined it was pretty much carnage,” said Gillesphey. “The gaffer was sacked and the new gaffer came in. It took us a little while to get going under the way he plays but once we got to grips with that I feel I’ve improved a lot under him.
“I’ve enjoyed it.
“Our defensive strength probably to do with the pressing side of things, from the front to the back – it’s the way the team works. As defenders we crave clean sheets, we do everything possible to keep the ball out of the net.
“The manager demands the best out of you every day.”
Jones has talked about Gillesphey, who came through the youth ranks at Newcastle, becoming more dominant defensively under his watch.
He has also described the centre-back as “low maintenance” and one of the technically best players on the ball at the level.
“I’ve always backed myself in possession. He has coaxed more out of me on the aggression side of things – front-footed whereas before I was probably a bit more lethargic or laid back.
“Now he has probably got me reading the game a bit quicker and being more aggressive in terms of my defending. He has added something else to my game.
“I don’t need pats on the back. I like to keep a low profile, crack on with things and do what I need to do.”
Gillesphey has around 15 family and friends coming to the Orient decider – but not his mum.
“Ever since I’ve been a kid she hasn’t been able to watch me play football live – no matter where I’m playing – due to the nerves,” he said. “So unfortunately she’ll have to stay at home.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been quite calm.”
PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS
