Newcastle United have recently made a very interesting decision regarding Mark Gillespie’s future.

The goalkeeper was one of the Newcastle United players who were preparing for an uncertain summer, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season alongside the likes of Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie.

But while it is unclear whether or not Newcastle United will retain those two players, they have made a decision about Mark Gillespie.

It was reported last week that the 32-year-old has been handed a one-year extension, meaning he will stay at St James’ Park for the 2024/25 campaign.

Mark Gillespie has barely played for Newcastle United

It is an interesting call, as Gillespie has not played a single minute since Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce as manager.

Even under Bruce he was a backup, with Gillespie’s three senior appearances coming in the League Cup in 2020. He was on the winning side on each occasion, although all three games were played behind closed doors due to the pandemic.

Fast forward to 2024 and Gillespie is still a Newcastle United player, despite this being a very different Newcastle United. We were in the Champions League at the start of the season, while the owners have ambitions of winning the biggest trophies that football has to offer.

To do that, we need a stronger squad. Therefore, some people are questioning why the club have decided to extend Gillespie’s contract, despite him being the Magpies’ fourth choice goalkeeper when everyone is fit.

Why Newcastle have given Gillespie a new contract

There has been some debate over why the Magpies have decided to retain Gillespie, and now the Athletic have details on why the former Carlisle United stopper is staying at St James’ Park.

According to the Athletic, Gillespie is seen as a positive influence behind the scenes at Newcastle United, while he also helps implement standards off the pitch.

On top of that, the Magpies could soon be light of goalkeepers. Loris Karius looks set to leave when his contract expires, while Martin Dubravka could also depart this summer.

The Magpies’ decision makes sense

In that respect, it makes sense to keep Gillespie. Newcastle could suddenly go from having four goalkeepers to two – and it would only be one if Gillespie left as well.

That would mean Newcastle needing to effectively rebuild their entire goalkeeper department, which is not ideal during a summer in which funds could be stretched.

Therefore, it is wise to keep Gillespie as a reserve option. While the fact that he is a good character behind the scenes is not a good enough reason for some fans, it appears to be enough for Howe – and his opinion is the one that matters most.

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