Philip Alexander Gilchrist, born in Stockton, was signed from Hartlepool for £100,000 in February 1995, and immediately forged a strong central-defensive partnership with Matt Elliott. He was justly eulogised for both his pace and his long throw-in, and it was no surprise when he moved to Premiership Leicester City at the start of the 1999-2000 season, where he joined up with Elliott again. To much joy, Jim Smith made Gilchrist his first close-season signing in June 2006, following his release by Rotherham, and he was immediately installed as club captain. Unfortunately, Gilly suffered from injuries, and he eventually retired in October 2007 going on to unsuccessfully manage Woking briefly.