Veteran Goalkeeper Joins Stevenage On Loan

Goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray has joined Stevenage on loan for the remainder of the season, making the jump up from League Two.

The 31-year-old joins Boro from Milton Keynes Dons, where he made a total of 25 appearances and six clean sheets since joining the club in the summer.

Amassing over 200 games in League One across his career, the Scottish keeper joins Steve Evans’ side as they challenge for a playoff spot and back-to-back promotions. Speaking upon his arrival at the Lamex Stadium, the Stevenage manager said: “Craig is an experienced goalkeeper who will give Taye (Ashby-Hammond) a great battle for the shirt. To have two first-choice goalkeepers was our target and now we have that”.

Coming through playing in the Conference North with Harrogate Town, MacGillivray made his Football League debut with Walsall against Oldham Athletic in April 2015.

After three seasons in the West Midlands, the Perth-born goalie made the switch to Shrewsbury Town, but struggled for minutes and only made eight appearances for Salop. He moved to the South Coast and joined Portsmouth, where he saved a penalty in Pompey’s EFL Trophy shootout triumph over Sunderland at Wembley.

After 112 appearances and a Player of the Season award at Fratton Park, the 31-year-old moved to Charlton Athletic and later Burton Albion before joining the Buckinghamshire side.

MacGillivray becomes the second loan signing in as many days for Boro, who also brought in striker Vadaine Oliver from League Two side Bradford City.

Both new signings could make their debuts at home against fellow promotion chasers Barnsley this Saturday.

Writer’s View

It is yet another strong signing for Steve Evans as he looks to push Stevenage into the play-off places. MacGillivray offers a massive challenge to current first-choice Taye Ashby-Hammond for his spot on the team. Having two candidates for starting matches should push both keepers to perform to the best of their abilities.

MK Dons will most likely have to go back into the market for a new goalie. Michael Kelly is now the starting keeper for Mike Williamson’s side and did okay against Tranmere Rovers last time out. However, the 27-year-old has very limited experience in English football, so a new signing is seemingly the next step for The Dons.