Craig MacGillivray relishing pre-season with new club Charlton Athletic

Craig MacGillivray says he “can’t wait to get cracking” after signing a two-year contract at Charlton Athletic.

The keeper, 28, joins the Addicks from League One rivals Portsmouth following the expiration of his contract at Fratton Park.

“I’m over the moon,” MacGillivray told the club’s official website. “It feels like a while that this has been going on for now, but I’m glad it’s over the line and I can’t wait to get cracking.

“As soon as I heard Charlton were interested, there were other opportunities that arose, but I knew I wanted to come to this football club. You just have to look at the size of it, the history and that ticked all the boxes for me.

“When I met the gaffer here, we got on like a house on fire. His ambitions of what he wants to achieve match what I want to achieve at this football club. He’s a very positive guy, which is really important. I think we will have a good relationship, and hopefully it will stand us in good stead.

“I feel in my time at Portsmouth I’ve done well. I’ve proved a lot of people wrong, off the back of the three seasons there. Hopefully now I can kick on and keep improving because I’ve still got a lot to learn.

“For any goalkeeper you’ve obviously got to be able to make saves, but I’ve got a very level-headed mind and I’ve got good self-confidence in my ability. I feel my all-round game, in general, I tick most boxes.

“I like to come and deal with things, try and help out the backline, try and take pressure off the team, try and make big saves at big moments. In terms of my distribution, I cover all the areas.

“I don’t mind pre-season, I know a lot of people hate pre-season. For me it’s about brushing off the cobwebs. This is the longest I’ve had off in terms of no football for four years, due to play-offs. It’ll be nice to get catching the ball again, meet everyone and brush off the cobwebs ready for the new season.”

MacGillivray is looking forward to playing in front of the Charlton fans after witnessing the Addicks supporters as an opposition player.

“That’s the thing, I can’t wait! When you’re walking around the stadium here, I experienced it when I was playing for Portsmouth a couple of years ago. It’s rocking and that’s what we want as footballers. You want a full ground with the fans all backing you and I can’t wait for it to happen ready for next season.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD