'Roller coaster' ends on high for loanee Gilbert

ALEX Gilbert reflected on what he called a “roller coaster” ride at Charlton Athletic as his loan spell with the London club ended with a dream Wembley win to earn promotion to the Championship.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Gilbert joined the Addicks on loan from Boro in January and had a mixed spell with the League One club. Having made a reputation for himself on Teesside as a ‘super sub’, he struggled to break into Nathan Jones’ starting line-up at Charlton, but did provide four assists in his 14 league appearances.

Having made it to the play-offs, Jones then trusted Gilbert to start both the decisive semi-final second leg, as well as the Wembley final.

Gilbert played over an hour on Saturday as Charlton beat Leyton Orient 1-0 to earn promotion to the Championship.

Gilbert took to Instagram to thank the club, as the Wembley win signalled the end of his spell at the Valley.