Born in Hebburn, Malley started his career in the youth academy of Sunderland before joining Middlesbrough.[3] He signed his first professional contract with the club in May 2019, signing a three-year contract lasting until the summer of 2022.[4]
Ayr loan
He joined Scottish Championship side Ayr United on loan to the end of the season on 31 January 2020.[5][6] He made his debut for the club on 25 February 2020, where he scored in a 2–1 win over Greenock Morton.[7] He went on to make 5 appearances for Ayr, scoring once.[2]
Carlisle United loan
On 2 October 2020, Malley joined League Two side Carlisle United on loan until January 2021.[8][9] He returned to Middlesbrough at the end of his loan in January 2021, having made 5 appearances in all competitions.[10][11]
He made his debut for Middlesbrough on 21 April 2021 as a first-half substitute for the injured Grant Hall in a 2–1 away victory over Rotherham United, with Malley's performance described as "outstanding".[12][13] He made two further appearances for Middlesbrough that season as they finished 10th in the Championship.[11][14]
On 15 August 2022, Malley signed for League Two club Rochdale on a free transfer after being released by Middlesbrough earlier in the summer.[16] Malley departed the club upon the expiration of his short-term contract in January 2023.[17]
Career statistics
As of match played 1 April 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition