FC Halifax Town are delighted to confirm the signing of winger Zak Gilsenan, following his release by League Two side Grimsby Town.
Originally playing indoor football in Australia, Gilsenan joined Sorrento where he was scouted by Perth Glory. Following a two-week training tournament at Tottenham Hotspur, the winger was named player of the tournament and trialled with the Premier League side. It was at Spurs the winger was scouted by Barcelona and joined the Spanish side in 2012. Gilsenan went onto captain the youth sides in La Masia before he moved to England in 2014, joining Liverpool’s academy.
At the age of 16, Gilsenan made the switch to Blackburn Rovers after injuries had disrupted his time at Liverpool. It was at Blackburn that the winger signed his first professional contract in 2021. He was a key player for the club’s under 21 squad, and signed a contract extension in 2023. In August that year, the winger made his professional debut against Walsall in the EFL Cup, a game where he’d record his first goal, assist, and be named man of the match.
In 2025, Gilsenan was released by Blackburn and signed for Grimsby on a two-year deal. Last season, the winger spent time on loan under John McGrath at Buxton. He made eight appearances and scored three before being recalled and sent on loan to Gateshead. He made six appearances for the Heed at the back end of last season.
Gilsenan has represented Australia at youth level as well as winning caps for the Republic of Ireland’s under 19s and 21s. He was included in the squad for the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Turkey and San Marino under 21s. He scored on his debut against Turkey u21s in a 3-2 win.
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