Profile: A classic full-back, his opportunities at Sunderland were limited. His move to Hull presented no such restrictions and his partnership with Matt Bell, over many seasons, stands close scrutiny as one of the best full-back pairings in the club's history. Tough and uncompromising though he was, Gibson's understanding with Bell was almost telepathic and built on the basis of 179 of his 210 League appearances being alongside Bell. Unsurprisingly therefore, they had the 'offside trap' down to a fine art. On only one occasion were they together when the Tigers conceded more than 4 goals, whilst on over 50 occasions the Tigers defence was never breached. Their devotion to defence was evident from the fact that in a combined total of over 600 appearances, only one goal was credited to either of them and that lone 'blemish' rested with Bell. Gibson was a true exponent of the defensive art. Throughout their reign, the spectre of financial hardship hovered over the Club. Unable to resist further, the Club accepted a substantial offer of £5,000 that took Gibson to Sheffield Utd. Bell was left to form new relationships whilst Gibson extended his career further in the top flight of English football. His last season in English football was in 1933/34 and spent with Luton. He made only 3 appearances for the Hatters before settling in the town and working (and playing) for Vauxhall. The same season for his previous employers, 'The Blades' was not a happy one, they lost their First Division status. Perhaps, even at 34 years of age, Gibson could still have done a good job for them? He certainly did at Hull. |
