Jimmy Gibson (footballer, born 1901)

James Davidson Gibson (12 June 1901 – 1 January 1978) was a Scottish footballer who played for Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, Ashfield, Partick Thistle and Aston Villa. His career spanned 19 years, from 1917 to 1936.

Jimmy Gibson
Gibson prior to the 'Wembley Wizards match, 1928
Personal information
Full name James Davidson Gibson
Date of birth 12 June 1901
Place of birth Larkhall, Scotland
Date of death 1 January 1978(1978-01-01) (aged 76)
Place of death Birmingham, England[1]
Position(s) Wing half
Youth career
Morning Star
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
Larkhall Thistle
Kirkintilloch Rob Roy
Ashfield
1921–1927 Partick Thistle 168 (44)
1927–1936 Aston Villa 215 (10)
Total 383 (54)
International career
1925–1927 Scottish Football League XI 2 (0)
1926–1930 Scotland 8 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Career

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Gibson played right-half[2] and was regarded as one of the best players in that position at that time.[citation needed] He played almost 200 games for Partick before a transfer to Aston Villa for a then-record fee of £7,500.[3] He made 227 appearances for Aston Villa, during which time they were runners-up in the Football League twice (1930–31 and 1932–33) but were relegated in his final season with the club, 1935–36.[1]

He was capped eight times by Scotland;[2] The highlight of his career was when he partnered Jimmy McMullan (his former Partick Thistle teammate) in the dominant Scottish midfield of the "Wembley Wizards" that defeated England 5–1 in 1928. He also played twice for the Scottish Football League XI.[4]

Personal life

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His father Neilly Gibson was also a Scottish international, who too played for Partick Thistle though mainly for Rangers, while brothers Neil and Willie were also footballers.[5][6]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Gibson, James Davidson". Aston Villa Player Database. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Scotland player James Gibson". London Hearts Supporters' Club. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  3. ^ John Litster (October 2012). "A Record of pre-war Scottish League Players". Scottish Football Historian magazine. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. ^ "SFL player James Davidson Gibson". London Hearts Supporters' Club. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  5. ^ Hall of Fame | Neilly Gibson, Rangers FC
  6. ^ Neilly Gibson, ScottishLeague.net, 18 February 2007
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