Born on 9th July, 1983, Londonderry born Gavin began his football career at English Premier League side Aston Villa as an apprentice.

Gavin had been on the books of the Midlands side since 1998, and worked his way through the ranks of the youth team and eventually into the reserves in 2000. Aged only 17, Villa boss John Gregory selected Melaugh in the squad for a FA Cup tie at Newcastle United. Despite being an unused substitute, he was certainly making waves at Villa Park. However, he failed to make a first-team appearance in his four years there.

February 2002, seen Melaugh make his Northern Ireland Under-21 debut in a 1-0 friendly defeat to their German counterparts. Gavin made a big impression in the Windsor Park fixture and was hailed in the press by manager, Roy Millar. However, only two months later Sammy McIlroy was on the phone, as the Aston Villa midfielder had been called up to the full international squad.

A number of withdrawls had hampered McIlroy's preperation for a friendy against Spain in April - meaning that he drafted in Melaugh. The 19-year-old didn't make it on the pitch but it made for a great experience despite the Spaniards running out 5-0 winners at Windsor Park.

In November, Rochdale manager Paul Simpson came calling, and offered Gavin a chance of first team football at a month long spell at the Third Division side. He made his debut in a 2-0 away defeat to Oxford United on 9th November, 2002.

He took a few games to get going, but began to shine in the middle of the the Rochdale midfield. The move was made permanent after a fantastic 2-0 FA Cup 4th Round win over Coventry City - in which Gavin starred in; the revenue from said game allowed manager Paul Simpson funds to sign Melaugh on a permanent deal until the end of the season. He rewarded Simpson's faith by scoring the winner in against Oxford United the following week - his first professional goal in football.

Despite winning a player-of-the-month award and scoring agianst Wolves in the FA Cup, he was surprisingly released by Rochdale, much to the disappointment and of the club's supporters.

In the summer of 2003, Gavin had trials with Scottish sides Partick Thistle and Ross County - but couldn't agree terms so returned home to Ireland in search of a fresh start.

The main interest in the Northern Ireland Under-21 captain was from Cork City and Glentoran - and despite spending a trial period at Turner's Cross, he chose a move closer to home with reigning Irish League champions - Glentoran; signing a three year contract at the Oval in August 2003.

He made his Glens debut in a 3-1 League Cup win over Omagh town on 30th August, 2003. Gavin spent chunks of the season playing at full-back and failed to completely settle at the Oval, despite making 30 first team appearances, and scoring once. He did however win his first senior medal - as Glentoran lifted the Irish Cup in May after defeating Coleraine 1-0 in the final. Michael Halliday scored the winning goal, as Gavin started in the showpiece final.

Gavin made his European debut in the UEFA Cup in July 2004, as he was part of the first Glentoran team to win away in Europe, as they qualified for the second round. He had a tremendous season at the Oval as he firstly won the League Cup and then lifted his first League Championship - whilst also a main contender for player of the year at the Glens in 2004/05.

The following season was a major disappointment as firstly the Glens lost heavily to Shelbourne in the Champions' League and Linfield ran away with every trophy going. Manager Roy Coyle was sacked with Paul Millar replacing him as Melaugh tasted defeat in his second Irish Cup final, as Linfield won 2-1 in what turned out to be Gavin's last game in Glentoran green.

Changes were afoot at the Oval and surprisingly Gavin's contract was not renewed. Despite the offer of full-time football from Sligo Rovers in the Eircom League - Melaugh joined ambitious Irish League newcomers; Donegal Celtic on a two-year contract as he wanted to stay near Belfast, as he had just started a degree at Queens University.

However, despite the optimism at Suffolk Road the season started poorly for Celtic - Gavin made his debut against Newry City in a 2-1 defeat in August 2006. He made history by scoring the winning goal against Limavady United in the club's first senior victory.

Gavin made a surprise move to Ballymena United on 1st January, 2007 - and made his debut against Comber Rec. in the Irish Cup a few weeks later. He quickly settled into the team and looked to be a very astute and skillful signing - though only making seven appearances in his first season.

He looked to have scored his first goal against Linfield in the Irish Cup quarter-final, but his luck was out as it was given as an own goal, Linfield equalised late on and an ankle injury from that game kept Melaugh out for the rest of the season. However, United fans will be in for a treat when he returns to full fitness ahead of the forthcoming season.