
The Scots-born central defender arrived at Highfield Road as a 17-year old in 1978. Gordon Milne spent £75,000 on the Falkirk skipper and he turned out to be an inspired signing. From his first appearance a few months later it was obvious that he was an outstanding talent and in his time at the club he developed into one of the most accomplished defenders in the country, first alongside Jim Holton, then later with Paul Dyson. Like many of his colleagues his game improved under the astute coaching of Dave Sexton. In the crazy events of May 1983 the fans hoped that Gillespie would be the one player who would not leave, but his talent had attracted the big clubs, and he eventually signed for Liverpool for £325,000. Coventry fans did not begrudge him his move and he handled it with much more decorum than some of his team-mates. He won eight Scottish under 21 caps whilst with City and looked set for a long international career at Anfield, but injuries and some stiff competition restricted him to a paltry 13 full caps. He did however win a good haul of medals at Liverpool including three League Championships and a European Cup runners-up medal.
Free kick goals (1)
1982-83
12 February 1983 v Manchester City H, rolled to him by Steve Hunt
Red cards (1)
1994-95
3 October 1994 v Leicester City A, tackle from behind on Julian Joachim
Own goals (2)
1982-83
2 April 1983 v Manchester United A
30 April 1983 v West Bromwich Albion H






































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Scotland U21, 8 caps, 1 goal
1978-79
17 September 1978 Scotland U21 v USA U21, Aberdeen, friendly, 3-1
12 February 1980 England U21 v Scotland U21, Coventry, UEFA U21 Championship qualifying, 1-2
1980-81
18 November 1980 Scotland U21 v Denmark U21, Aberdeen, UEFA U21 Championship qualifying, 2-1, goal
1981-82
8 September 1981 Scotland U21 v Sweden U21, Easter Road, UEFA U21 Championship qualifying, 4-0
13 October 1981 Denmark U21 v Scotland U21, Aarhus, UEFA U21 Championship qualifying, 1-1
23 February 1982 Italy U21 v Scotland U21, Catanzaro, UEFA U21 Championship 1982 Quarter Final, 0-1
24 March 1982 Scotland U21 v Italy U21, Aberdeen, UEFA U21 Championship 1982 Quarter Final, 0-0
19 April 1982 Scotland U21 v England U21, Hampden Park, UEFA U21 Championship 1982 Semi Final, 0-1
13 full caps for Scotland with Liverpool after leaving City