Quick Facts
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Alex Nicholas Gilliead (born 11 February 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for League One club Bradford City, on loan from Championship club Newcastle United. He has represented England at under-16, under-17, under-18, and under-20 levels.
Club career
Newcastle United
Born in Shotley Bridge, County Durham, Gilliead was offered a trial by Newcastle United in 2011, after he was first noticed playing for Swalwell Juniors. He signed scholarship terms in the summer of 2012, before signing a three-year professional contract with the club on 4 July 2013. Gilliead signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract on 28 January 2016, keeping him with the club until 30 June 2018, including the option of a one-year extension.
Loan to Carlisle United
On 14 September 2015, Gilliead joined League Two club Carlisle United on a one-month youth loan. Five days later, Gilliead made his professional debut in a 2–2 draw with York City, assisting both of Carlisle's goals. After making five appearances for Carlisle during his initial loan spell, Gilliead's loan was extended until the end of the 2015–16 season. He followed up his loan extension by scoring his first professional goal in a 1–0 win at home to Exeter City two days later. Gilliead finished his loan spell with 41 appearances and five goals.
Loan to Luton Town
On 31 August 2016, Gilliead joined League Two club Luton Town on loan until 7 January 2017. He made his debut for the club as an 85th-minute substitute in a 2–1 defeat at home to Grimsby Town on 10 September. Gilliead scored his first goal for Luton in a 2–0 win at home to West Bromwich Albion U21 in the EFL Trophy on 4 October. He later scored his first league goal for the club in a 3–1 win at home to Barnet on 31 December. Gilliead scored two goals in 21 appearances and returned to Newcastle following the expiration of his loan spell.
Loan to Bradford City
On 12 January 2017, Gilliead signed a loan deal with League One club Bradford City for the remainder of the 2016–17 season. He made his debut two days later as a 76th-minute substitute in a 1–0 defeat away to Shrewsbury Town.
International career
Gilliead has represented England at under-16, under-17, under-18, and under-20 levels.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Newcastle United | 2015–16 | Premier League | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2016–17 | Championship | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| Carlisle United (loan) | 2015–16 | League Two | 35 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 41 | 5 | |
| Luton Town (loan) | 2016–17 | League Two | 18 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — | 1 | 1 | 21 | 2 | |
| Bradford City (loan) | 2016–17 | League One | 9 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 | ||
| Career total | 62 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 72 | 7 | ||