Following Gillingham’s 2-0 win against league leaders Leyton Orient, Alex MacDonald revealed that he has been offered a new contract with the Kent club. As per his post-match interview with the club’s Twitter page.
It was certainly an eventful match at Priestfield yesterday, where both sets of fans celebrated at the final whistle. Orient’s promotion to League One was confirmed as other results went their way, and Gillingham’s win means they have mathematically secured League Two football for next season.
💬 | Macca: "I'd love to stay.
"There has been a contract offered. We'll wait and see. I really enjoy my time down here." #Gills pic.twitter.com/oBOfbdiQJS
— Gillingham FC (@TheGillsFC) April 18, 2023
A game of twists and turns saw one of the most peculiar ends to a game of football. On the 80th minute, Priestfield was plunged into darkness due to a power cut in the area. This saw a break in play for around 15-20 minutes, the players then re-emerged and began to warm up, ahead of the restart.
But before a ball was even kicked in the restart, the news came through the Orient we’re waiting for, Bradford had failed to win which meant they had secured promotion to League One. The players and backroom staff then burst into celebration on the pitch.
Play then resumed but neither team really did much following the news, it was a case of keeping the ball for both sides with the odd push into the opposition’s half. The game would eventually pitter to an end and Gillingham ensure their safety while, adding another scalp to their impressive home form.
Following the game, the scorer of Gillingham’s first goal of the night, Alex MacDonald revealed that he has been offered a new contract with the Kent club.
“I’d love to stay, there has been a contract offered. We’ll wait and see. I really enjoy my time down here”
MacDonald appears to be one of the “5 or 6” that have been offered new deals at the club, as per Gills boss Neil Harris’ comments following their game with Stockport.
The midfielder has been with the Gills since 2020 and has previously played for the likes of Burnley, Oxford and Mansfield, among other teams.
During his time with the Gills, he has made 104 appearances, although he did spend a lengthy part of last season on the sidelines injured. Since coming back into the side this season he has found himself to be a vital player in Neil Harris’ formula and is certainly becoming a favourite amongst fans.
Writers View
Yesterday’s game, I’d say was possibly one of the weirdest ends to a football match I’ve seen in a while. It felt like both sides didn’t know what to do following the restart of play, after the celebrations that broke out when the news came through regarding Orient’s promotion.
It must be said though, you can take nothing away from Gillingham, they were deserving winners on the night, but in reality, both teams walked away with what they came for. The Gills are staying up and Orient is going up.
Onto Macca, he is one of the players that has been a revelation since the turn of the year, with a range of passing that can compete with the best of the best. He has played a massive part in the Gills revival since the Galinsons took over the club.
I’d happily drive to Priestfield myself to hand him a pen to sign the new deal. Certainly, a player I want to see playing in a Gills shirt for many years to come.
