Born in Swindon, Wiltshire, Gilligan joined the Watford Academy at the age of 16 before Northampton Town took over the third year of his scholarship in August 2005 after being tracked by then manager Colin Calderwood. In his first professional season, Gilligan was used mostly as a striker from the bench.
Born in Swindon, Wiltshire, Gilligan enrolled at the Watford Academy at 16 before Northampton Town took over the third year of his scholarship in August 2005 after being scouted by then manager Colin Calderwood. In his first professional season, Gilligan was primarily utilized as a striker from the bench.