 Gilchrist was a Charlton apprentice and played 7 league games for them.During his time at Charlton he was loaned out briefly to several clubs, including Cambridge United and Fulham, but never played in their first teams.In September 1970, he joined non-league Yeovil Town, initially on loan (he played four games),Gilchrist joined 4th Division Doncaster Rovers in the 1971 close season.