Early Career
Gillespie started his career at local club Falkirk, captaining the side at 17, making him the world's youngest ever first team captain in professional football. Such was his rapid progression as a player, only playing 22 Scottish League Second Division fixtures, he was purchased by Coventry City for the bargain price of £75,000 on 10 March 1978 while still not quite 18.
He spent the rest of the 1977/78 season in the City reserves but was given his chance at the beginning of the following season making his debut on 19 August '78 in a 2–1 win over Middlesbrough at Ayresome Park, he went on to make a further 14 league appearances before the end of the season.
A lot of admirers courted Gillespie's skills and attributes as a player, especially as he was a player who was involved in numerous, successful, relegation battles with Coventry for six seasons, he ultimately got his big move and it was Liverpool that got his signature on 8 July 1983 for £325,000. He was the first signing to be made by new manager Joe Fagan.
Read more about this topic: Gary Gillespie
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