Play-off hero Gillesphey extends Charlton Athletic stay until summer 2027

Striker prospect Mbick pens improved long-term contract

League One play-off final match winner Macaulay Gillesphey has extended his contract with Charlton Athletic until the summer of 2027.

The 29-year-old centre-back’s previous terms ran until 2026.

The Addicks also have a club option of activating an extra 12 months.

Macaulay Gillesphey

Picture: Keith Gillard

Gillesphey, who has previously played for Carlisle United and Brisbane Roar, thrived on the left of a three-man central defence in the last campaign, scoring six goals.

It was his first-half free-kick strike which sealed Charlton’s 1-0 win over Leyton Orient and sealed promotion to the Championship.

Addicks manager Nathan Jones said: "We're really delighted to extend Macaulay's contract given his work, the way that he's grown into our team and the impact that he's had.

"We believe in him. It's going to be a challenge next year and he knows that. He has to step his levels up, and since I've come to the football club he has stepped his levels up week in, week out.

"We've demanded from him and he's kept pace with those demands, so we're really happy. We felt he was magnificent last year and a bit understated at times - he's quiet, he gets on with his work. But with the quality he possesses, the goals that he chipped in with and then to score the winner at Wembley, it was pretty much a dream season for him."

Gillesphey signed for Charlton from Plymouth Argyle in the January 2024 transfer window.

“I feel that the club's going in the right direction and I've enjoyed every minute so far, obviously getting promoted through the play-offs was an incredible experience,” he said.

“I've started a family here and we feel like it's home. We're settled, so extending my time here is important to us and we're buzzing. I just can't wait to get going with the new season at The Valley in front of all our fans again."

Micah Mbick has been a prolific goalscorer through the levels below the Charlton Athletic first team

Picture: Keith Gillard

Striker Micah Mbick, 18, has also signed a new contract until the summer of 2028 - with a club option of a further 12 months.

The teenager made five appearances last season including coming off the bench late on in the League One play-off final against Leyton Orient.

Four of Mbick’s outings came in the final five fixtures of the regulation campaign.

Jones said: "We’ve trusted Micah by having him on the bench in the semi-finals and the final, and he’s started to impact in certain games that we’ve had.

“He’s a young boy, so we’ve got to be very careful with him and make sure that we nurture his development physically and emotionally, as well as technically and tactically.

"He has a wonderful profile, a good size, good pace, good power and he’s come through this wonderful academy again, so we’re really delighted to have secured him and we’re excited about what he can bring.

“We feel that within the squad we have a real good blend of youth and experience."