Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that defender Macaulay Gillesphey has today been released from his contract by mutual consent.
“I’m not sure what I’m going to do next, but I’ve spoken to David [Holdsworth] and Steven [Pressley] about the fact that I’m at a stage and an age where I feel I need a different kind of challenge,” Gillesphey said. “The club has been great, so there are a couple of things I’m looking at now as I decide what to do next.
“It does feel sad to be driving away from Brunton Park for the last time because I’ve played all of my football here. The fans have been superb with me from the first day I arrived, just under four years ago, so I’ll definitely miss the place.
“I’ve learned a heck of a lot because I’ve been a wing back, a left back, a centre back, and I’ve played a few other positions on top of that, and I suppose the only disappointment is that we didn’t manage to make the step up to the next level during my time here, even though we came close a couple of times.
“I’d like to thank everybody for the support they’ve given me these past few years and I hope to see the club getting the success it deserves next season.”
Gillesphey, 23, initially joined the Cumbrians on a short-term loan deal in September 2015 as he came highly recommended from the north east.
This turned into a season long stay following some extremely impressive performances and he ended that campaign with 27 appearances and two goals under his belt for the Blues.
He rejoined the Blues for pre-season in July 2016 and, following another extension to his stay midway through that campaign, added another 36 appearances to his Carlisle United tally.
A versatile player, he featured at centre back and at left back through his first three spells with the club and was promoted to the first team ranks for his parent club Newcastle United during the 2017/18 season and also featured in their Checkatrade Trophy and cup campaigns.
Having been through the academy system with the Magpies he was released by his hometown club at the end of that campaign and headed back to Brunton Park on a permanent two-year deal.
Everybody at the club wishes Macaulay Gillesphey the very best as he moves on to his next challenge.
