Matt Gilks

Matt Gilks

Matt Gilks was born on June 4th, 1982

Full Name: Matthew Gilks
Place of Birth: Rochdale, England
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Profession: Footballer
Position: Goalkeeper
National Team: Scotland
Club Teams: Blackpool, Burnley
League: Premier League

Scottish goalkeeper who played for several clubs, including Blackpool and Rangers, and earned three international caps for Scotland.

Written by: Cassandra Blake Cassandra Blake

Matt Gilks: The Goalkeeping Great

Matt Gilks is a former professional footballer known for his impressive goalkeeping skills, playing for various clubs including Blackpool, Burnley, Norwich City, and Bolton Wanderers. As a goalkeeper, Gilks has had an illustrious career, making him a household name in the football world.

Early Life and Club Career

Born on June 4, 1982, in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, Gilks started his football journey with Heyside Juniors before joining Rochdale at the age of 13. He was promoted to the youth team in 2001 and eventually became a regular starter, making 198 appearances for the club in league and cup competitions.

Rochdale and Norwich City

Gilks' impressive performance at Rochdale earned him a two-year contract with Norwich City in 2007. However, he failed to break into the Canaries' first team, spending most of the 2007-2008 season on the substitutes' bench.

Breakthrough with Blackpool

In the summer of 2008, Gilks signed with Blackpool, where he made his debut on August 12, 2008, in a League Cup defeat against Macclesfield Town. Despite initial struggles, Gilks found his footing, becoming a crucial player for the club.

International Career

Although born in England, Gilks qualified to represent Scotland, for which he was first selected in August 2010. He made his international debut in August 2012, adding another feather to his cap.

Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Gilks took up coaching, becoming the goalkeeping coach for Bolton Wanderers, the last team he played for. His wealth of experience and expertise have made him a valuable asset to the club.

Awards and Honors

Gilks has received several accolades throughout his career, including being named Rochdale's Young Player of the Year in 2003.

Personal Life

Gilks is an Oldham Athletic fan and has cited Andy Rhodes and Jon Hallworth as his heroes. Despite his success, Gilks has remained humble, crediting his coaches and teammates for his achievements.

Legacy

Matt Gilks' impressive career has left an indelible mark on the football world. His dedication, perseverance, and passion for the game have inspired countless young players, solidifying his place as one of the greats.

Timeline
1982
Born in Scotland
Matt Gilks was born on June 4, 1982, in Rochdale, Scotland.
2000
Made Pro Debut
Gilks made his professional debut for Rochdale in 2000.
2007
Joined Blackpool
He joined Blackpool in 2007, helping the team gain promotion to the Premier League.
2014
Joined Burnley
Gilks joined Burnley in 2014, playing in the Premier League.
2016
Joined Rangers
He joined Rangers in 2016, playing in the Scottish Premiership.
Matt Gilks

Matt Gilks Quiz

What position did Matt Gilks play in his football career?

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FAQ
What position did Matt Gilks play in his football career?
Matt Gilks played as a goalkeeper throughout his football career, known for his shot-stopping ability and command of the penalty area.
What teams has Matt Gilks played for?
Matt Gilks has played for several teams, including Blackpool, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and Wigan Athletic, among others.
What is Matt Gilks most notable achievement?
Matt Gilks most notable achievement is helping Blackpool reach the Premier League playoffs in 2009-10 and 2011-12, although ultimately falling short of promotion.
Has Matt Gilks won any individual awards?
Matt Gilks was named the Scottish Championship Player of the Month in October 2013, recognizing his outstanding form for Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
What is Matt Gilks doing after retiring from football?
After retiring from professional football, Matt Gilks has worked as a goalkeeper coach, passing on his expertise to the next generation of keepers.

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