Charlton confirm goalkeeper transfer window deal

Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray has signed for Burton Albion.

The South London Press reported at the start of the month that the former Portsmouth stopper could be one of the first exits from the club.

And MacGillivray, who was also available to leave in the summer window, has made a permanent switch to the Brewers.

Ashley Maynard-Brewer has been in the number one spot since Joe Wollacott was ruled out with a broken thumb. And the Australian keeper is highly-regarded by manager Dean Holden, meaning Wollacott faces a major battle to wrest back the starting jersey.

MacGillivray was signed at the start of last season on a free transfer after being released by Portsmouth.

He was first choice throughout the previous campaign but had been told he could move on after Ben Garner was appointed manager.

Garner brought in Wollacott, his goalkeeper at Swindon Town, but the former Crystal Palace coach was sacked by Thomas Sandgaard in December.

Maynard-Brewer has impressed since starting – particularly in the EFL Cup ties against Brighton and Manchester United.

MacGillivray was due to be a free agent at the end of June.

The Addicks have been looking to trim their squad and midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey joined Stevenage last week.

Striker Jayden Stockley has also attracted interest and is expected to leave before the transfer window shuts.

Holden said: “Craig has been a thorough professional since I arrived at the club. We’ve had some good conversations and I made it clear to Craig that Ashley Maynard-Brewer is our current number one and that Craig was free to move on.

“The move is the right deal for the football club and gives Craig the opportunity to go and play regularly. We wish him well.”

MacGillivray told Burton’s website: “I’m really excited to be here. We’ve got it over the line and I can’t wait to get started.

“At the start of January I heard about the interest. I wasn’t playing at Charlton, and that’s all I want to be doing.

“There’s people here that I’ve played against in the past, but it’s a very welcoming group. Everyone seems really nice and I’ve fit straight in.”

Brewers boss Dino Maamria said: “He’s going to bring a wealth of experience to our backline. He will give us composure and that voice in the backline. It’s a box being ticked, it’s an area where we addressed as a team.

“With Craig, it’s a deal we agreed to do since last week but he had to play for Charlton last weekend. The goalkeeper position is an area where we need to improve and we’ve done that – we’ve brought in two top keepers.

“Jordan [Amissah] had a brilliant first game, he’s young, energetic, agile and he’s got a brilliant attitude.

“Hopefully we will see the difference moving forward.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS