Nigel Gibbs
Encyclopedia
Nigel James Gibbs is a former English footballer. A Watford
supporter, as well as a product of their youth system, Gibbs spent his entire professional career as a right back for the club. He was voted Watford F.C. Player of the Season in 1992, and later captained them. In addition, Gibbs played nine times for the England youth team, and five times for England under-21s
. Upon retiring as a player in 2002, Gibbs stayed on as manager at Watford, primarily working with the youth and reserve teams. He took charge of the first team for a week following Ray Lewington's sacking as manager, but in turn was dismissed by incoming manager Aidy Boothroyd at the end of that season. After taking a year off to acquire the UEFA Pro Licence, Gibbs joined Reading
as a youth manager in 2006, reaching his current position of assistant manager in 2009–10.
, Gibbs attended How Wood primary school, and as a nine-year-old striker helped his team win a district six-a-side
competition. Gibbs began training with and supporting Watford from an early age, and was watching from the Main Stand at Vicarage Road
as Watford sealed the Fourth Division
title in 1978. Although part of Watford's youth system, he occasionally played for St Albans City's
youth team due to their close proximity to his home and school. He also played for Hertfordshire schools at under-14 to under-16 levels.
Although initially a striker, Gibbs switched to the position of right-back as a teenager. Further success came with Watford's youth teams; he played in the first leg of the youth team's 7–6 aggregate FA Youth Cup
win against Manchester United in 1982, and in the final as Watford finished runners up in the Southern Junior Floodlit Cup. These performances earned him a callup to England's youth team, for whom he played nine times. However, after signing as an apprentice in July 1982, Gibbs played in midfield
for the reserves. Due to his height, first team manager Graham Taylor was concerned about Gibbs' ability to cope with the physiciality of being a first-team full back, and placed 17-year-old Gibbs on a steak and Guinness
diet as an attempt to "beef him up."
on 20 November 1983. Three days later, he made his Watford debut in a UEFA Cup third round home match against Sparta Prague at the club's stadium, Vicarage Road
. He also played in the away fixture, in front of 38,000 spectators. Faced with snowy conditions in Prague, Watford were eliminated 7–2 on aggregate. Gibbs made his first Football League
appearances in Watford's final three First Division
games of 1983–84, including as a substitute in a 2–1 win over Arsenal
. However, he was not selected for the 1984 FA Cup final
.
Gibbs, now 18, returned to the reserves for much of the following season. Watford's first-team struggled, failing to win any of their first nine league games. Although his first start of the season ended in an 2–0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers
, Gibbs retained his place for 10 of the remaining 11 matches, experiencing only one further defeat. Continuing in this vein, 1985–86 saw Gibbs establish himself as the team's first choice right-back. He missed only two games all season, both of which resulted in defeat for Watford. His first goal came on 5 April 1986 in a 4–1 home victory over Newcastle United
, while he also played in a 5–1 win over Chelsea
at Stamford Bridge
on the final day of the season. Gibbs' consistency helped him to third place in the voting for the club's Player of the Season award.
After suffering a foot injury at the start of 1986–87, Gibbs was restricted to 18 appearances as his team finished the season 9th in the First Division. However, the departure of Graham Taylor and arrival of Dave Bassett
the following season signalled a decline in the club's fortunes. Gibbs lost his place shortly before Bassett's departure in January, and although he soon returned to the side under Steve Harrison, he was unable to prevent Watford's relegation in 1988.
at The Hawthorns
. Playing in all 46 league games, Gibbs finished second in the Player of the Season vote behind Glyn Hodges
. Watford finished the season in a play-off
position, behind Chelsea, Manchester City
and Crystal Palace
. The team faced Blackburn Rovers
in the semi-finals, drawing both games but being eliminated on the away goals rule
. The following season saw Watford slip down to 15th, although they did keep 11 clean sheets in the 41 games that Gibbs played in. Gibbs briefly lost his place in the team following Harrison being replaced by Colin Lee
, but regained it before the end of the campaign.
An injury sustained on 25 August 1990 kept Gibbs out for two months, and once he had regained full fitness, his team were bottom of the table. His return coincided with a winless run of seven league matches, leaving Watford seven points from safety with nearly half the season gone. Nonetheless, Watford managed to climb to 20th place, and despite missing 14 games, Gibbs was once against shortlisted for the club's end of season award. In 1991–92 Gibbs finally became Player of the Season. Missing only three matches, he rounded off a good season by scoring his first goal in four years in Watford's last league game, cementing a top-ten finish in the Second Division.
on 7 September 1992, putting him out of first team contention for six weeks. During his comeback, at home to Tranmere Rovers
, Gibbs aggravated the previous injury, putting him out of action for more than two years. Concern over the injury, coupled with the good form of Gerard Lavin
, restricted Gibbs' opportunities under Glenn Roeder
in 1994–95.
After making only nine appearances during Watford's 1995–96 relegation season, general manager Graham Taylor released him upon the expiry of his contract, over injury concerns. Gibbs considered retirement.
. The defender later noted the irony that having been released as an injury concern, he ended up playing more games the following season than any of his team-mates.
Kenny Jackett
stood down as manager following Watford's disappointing season, becoming assistant to Graham Taylor. The effect was immediate; Watford won six of their first seven league games, eventually becoming 1997–98 Second Division champions and earning promotion. Gibbs played part of the season at left-back due to an injury to Paul Robinson, although in turn Gibbs also missed games to injury. He started the 1998–99 season as a first-team regular, but sustained an injury in a game against Bolton on 20 October 1998, and only made two further appearances. Nonetheless, Watford secured promotion via the playoffs in Gibbs' absence, and when Watford won the play-off final
to secure promotion, Gibbs was the first person to celebrate the win with Taylor.
When fit, Gibbs had been Watford's first choice right-back since 1985, with the exception of 1994–95, where Gerard Lavin's form kept a recovering Gibbs in the reserves. A combination of Gibbs' age, and a desire to acquire more strength in depth for the Premier League, prompted Taylor to sign right-backs Des Lyttle
and Neil Cox in 1999. Despite the competition, Gibbs managed to make 20 appearances in 1999–2000, and his Premier League experience included victories over Chelsea
, Coventry City
and Southampton
, although these were not enough to prevent relegation back to the First Division.
By now in his mid thirties, first team opportunities became scarce for Gibbs in 2000–01. He made only seven first team appearances, although Watford managed to avoid defeat in six of those. His final appearance, and only game under Gianluca Vialli
, came on 24 April 2002. An 82nd minute substitute, Gibbs was unable to prevent a late Gillingham goal, which secured them a 3–2 victory. Among Gillingham's players for Gibbs' professional swansong was Andy Hessenthaler
, the man who became Watford captain after Gibbs' injury. Gibbs retired as Watford's second highest all-time appearance maker, although he started more matches than Luther Blissett
, the man ahead of him.
, scored his first professional goal on his 269th appearance.
and Hamer Bouazza, and helped Watford to a Premier Reserve League win in 2002–03. Following Ray Lewington's sacking in March 2005, Gibbs briefly managed Watford on a caretaker basis, although his reign did not include a single game. Following the appointment of Aidy Boothroyd, Gibbs left Watford in July. Having had a formal connection with the club since the 1970s, he felt that his departure had been "very poorly handled". In 2006, Gibbs received his UEFA Pro Licence, which means he can manage any football club
in England on a full time basis. At the beginning of the 2006–07 season, Gibbs joined the management team at Reading
, where his initial responsibility was working with the younger players at the club. Further Premier Reserve League success followed in 2007, and Gibbs was promoted to the role of assistant manager in 2009–10. On the penultimate game of the season, Reading faced Watford at Vicarage Road. A Reading victory would have put their opponents in danger of relegation, but Watford emerged 3–0 winners to seal their Championship survival.
, Hemel Hempstead Town
and St Albans City
, while father-in-law Alan helped form the youth team Nascot Wood Rangers. Although a Watford supporter from childhood, Gibbs is related to supporters of both Watford and Luton Town
, despite the rivalry
between the two. He maintains a connection with his former club, regularly attending club events and occasionally playing for their masters football
team.
Among others, Gibbs remains close friends with former teammates Luther Blissett and Kenny Jackett, both of whom coached him after ending their playing careers. Owing to his long association with the club, he is also a friend of Elton John
, and once filled in as a backup singer for John on a tour to China. During the "Let's buy back the Vic" fundraising show at Vicarage Road in 2005, John dedicated his performance of Electricity to Gibbs' wedding anniversary.
He now lives with his wife Heidi in Hertfordshire
.
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
supporter, as well as a product of their youth system, Gibbs spent his entire professional career as a right back for the club. He was voted Watford F.C. Player of the Season in 1992, and later captained them. In addition, Gibbs played nine times for the England youth team, and five times for England under-21s
England national under-21 football team
England's national Under-21 football team, also known as England Under-21s or England U21, is considered to be the feeder team for the England national football team....
. Upon retiring as a player in 2002, Gibbs stayed on as manager at Watford, primarily working with the youth and reserve teams. He took charge of the first team for a week following Ray Lewington's sacking as manager, but in turn was dismissed by incoming manager Aidy Boothroyd at the end of that season. After taking a year off to acquire the UEFA Pro Licence, Gibbs joined Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
as a youth manager in 2006, reaching his current position of assistant manager in 2009–10.
Early life
Born in the city of St AlbansSt Albans
St Albans is a city in southern Hertfordshire, England, around north of central London, which forms the main urban area of the City and District of St Albans. It is a historic market town, and is now a sought-after dormitory town within the London commuter belt...
, Gibbs attended How Wood primary school, and as a nine-year-old striker helped his team win a district six-a-side
Indoor soccer
Indoor soccer or arena soccer, or six-a-side football in the United Kingdom, is a game derived from association football adapted for play in an indoor arena such as a turf-covered hockey arena or skating rink. The most important difference in play is that the indoor field is surrounded by a wall...
competition. Gibbs began training with and supporting Watford from an early age, and was watching from the Main Stand at Vicarage Road
Vicarage Road
Vicarage Road, a stadium in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, is the home of the football club Watford and their tenants, the Saracens rugby union club. An all-seater stadium, its current capacity is 17,477.-History:...
as Watford sealed the Fourth Division
Football League Fourth Division
The Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
title in 1978. Although part of Watford's youth system, he occasionally played for St Albans City's
St Albans City F.C.
St Albans City Football Club is a football club based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, England. It was founded in 1908 and plays its home matches at Clarence Park, about 800 yards from the city centre. The club is in the Premier Division of the Southern League...
youth team due to their close proximity to his home and school. He also played for Hertfordshire schools at under-14 to under-16 levels.
Although initially a striker, Gibbs switched to the position of right-back as a teenager. Further success came with Watford's youth teams; he played in the first leg of the youth team's 7–6 aggregate FA Youth Cup
FA Youth Cup
The Football Association Youth Challenge Cup is an English football competition run by The Football Association for under–18 sides. Only those players between the age of 15 and 18 on 31 August of the current season are eligible to take part...
win against Manchester United in 1982, and in the final as Watford finished runners up in the Southern Junior Floodlit Cup. These performances earned him a callup to England's youth team, for whom he played nine times. However, after signing as an apprentice in July 1982, Gibbs played in midfield
Midfield
Midfield is the part of a sports pitch that lies approximately in the center. It is a term most commonly associated with football to refer to the area in and around the center circle, as well as the players who occupy that region, but it can be used in field hockey to describe the same area, or in...
for the reserves. Due to his height, first team manager Graham Taylor was concerned about Gibbs' ability to cope with the physiciality of being a first-team full back, and placed 17-year-old Gibbs on a steak and Guinness
Guinness
Guinness is a popular Irish dry stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness at St. James's Gate, Dublin. Guinness is directly descended from the porter style that originated in London in the early 18th century and is one of the most successful beer brands worldwide, brewed in almost...
diet as an attempt to "beef him up."
Turning professional in the First Division
Gibbs turned professionalProfessional
A professional is a person who is paid to undertake a specialised set of tasks and to complete them for a fee. The traditional professions were doctors, lawyers, clergymen, and commissioned military officers. Today, the term is applied to estate agents, surveyors , environmental scientists,...
on 20 November 1983. Three days later, he made his Watford debut in a UEFA Cup third round home match against Sparta Prague at the club's stadium, Vicarage Road
Vicarage Road
Vicarage Road, a stadium in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, is the home of the football club Watford and their tenants, the Saracens rugby union club. An all-seater stadium, its current capacity is 17,477.-History:...
. He also played in the away fixture, in front of 38,000 spectators. Faced with snowy conditions in Prague, Watford were eliminated 7–2 on aggregate. Gibbs made his first Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
appearances in Watford's final three First Division
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
games of 1983–84, including as a substitute in a 2–1 win over Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
. However, he was not selected for the 1984 FA Cup final
1984 FA Cup Final
The 1984 FA Cup Final was contested by Everton and Watford at Wembley. Everton won 2–0, with one goal by Graeme Sharp and a particularly memorable goal from Andy Gray. He was adjudged by many to have fouled the Watford goalkeeper Steve Sherwood by heading the ball from Sherwood's hands....
.
Gibbs, now 18, returned to the reserves for much of the following season. Watford's first-team struggled, failing to win any of their first nine league games. Although his first start of the season ended in an 2–0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers F.C.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
, Gibbs retained his place for 10 of the remaining 11 matches, experiencing only one further defeat. Continuing in this vein, 1985–86 saw Gibbs establish himself as the team's first choice right-back. He missed only two games all season, both of which resulted in defeat for Watford. His first goal came on 5 April 1986 in a 4–1 home victory over Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
, while he also played in a 5–1 win over Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
at Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge (stadium)
Stamford Bridge is a football stadium in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, West London, and is the home of Chelsea Football Club. The stadium is located within the Moore Park Estate also known as Walham Green and is often referred to as simply The Bridge...
on the final day of the season. Gibbs' consistency helped him to third place in the voting for the club's Player of the Season award.
After suffering a foot injury at the start of 1986–87, Gibbs was restricted to 18 appearances as his team finished the season 9th in the First Division. However, the departure of Graham Taylor and arrival of Dave Bassett
Dave Bassett
David Bassett , also frequently known by his nickname of Harry, is an English football manager and a former player....
the following season signalled a decline in the club's fortunes. Gibbs lost his place shortly before Bassett's departure in January, and although he soon returned to the side under Steve Harrison, he was unable to prevent Watford's relegation in 1988.
Second Division
Despite the disappointment of relegation, Gibbs started 1988–89 strongly. The defender played every minute of Watford's four opening fixtures, with the team keeping four consecutive clean sheets. During this run, he also scored the only goal of the game against West Bromwich AlbionWest Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
at The Hawthorns
The Hawthorns
The Hawthorns is an all-seater football stadium in West Bromwich, Sandwell, England, with a capacity of 26,484. It has been the home of West Bromwich Albion F.C. since 1900, when it became the sixth ground to be used by the club. The ground was the last Football League ground to be built in the...
. Playing in all 46 league games, Gibbs finished second in the Player of the Season vote behind Glyn Hodges
Glyn Hodges
Glyn Hodges , is a Welsh football manager and former player. He played 18 times for the Welsh national side, scoring twice.-Football career:...
. Watford finished the season in a play-off
Football League Play-Offs
The Football League play-offs are an annual series of football matches to determine some of the promotion places within the Football League. Essentially, each division of the league offers a certain number of automatic promotion places to the top two or three clubs. A further promotion place is...
position, behind Chelsea, Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
and Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
. The team faced Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
in the semi-finals, drawing both games but being eliminated on the away goals rule
Away goals rule
The away goals rule is a method of breaking ties in association football and other sports when teams play each other twice, once at each team's home ground. By the away goals rule, the team that has scored more goals "away from home" will win if scores are otherwise equal...
. The following season saw Watford slip down to 15th, although they did keep 11 clean sheets in the 41 games that Gibbs played in. Gibbs briefly lost his place in the team following Harrison being replaced by Colin Lee
Colin Lee
Colin Lee is an English football manager and former footballer. He is currently Chief Executive of League Two side Torquay United and President of Buckfastleigh Rangers Football & Social Club.-Playing career:...
, but regained it before the end of the campaign.
An injury sustained on 25 August 1990 kept Gibbs out for two months, and once he had regained full fitness, his team were bottom of the table. His return coincided with a winless run of seven league matches, leaving Watford seven points from safety with nearly half the season gone. Nonetheless, Watford managed to climb to 20th place, and despite missing 14 games, Gibbs was once against shortlisted for the club's end of season award. In 1991–92 Gibbs finally became Player of the Season. Missing only three matches, he rounded off a good season by scoring his first goal in four years in Watford's last league game, cementing a top-ten finish in the Second Division.
Career threatening injury
Gibbs was appointed club captain at the start of the 1992–93 season. The team started the season with three First Division defeats in their opening six games, keeping just one clean sheet. However, on an individual level the season was to get even worse for Gibbs. He sustained a knee injury against Notts CountyNotts County F.C.
Notts County Football Club are an English professional football club based in Nottingham. They are the oldest of all the clubs in the world that are now professional, having been formed in 1862. They currently play in League One of The Football League, the third tier of the English football system...
on 7 September 1992, putting him out of first team contention for six weeks. During his comeback, at home to Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
, Gibbs aggravated the previous injury, putting him out of action for more than two years. Concern over the injury, coupled with the good form of Gerard Lavin
Gerard Lavin
Gerard Lavin is a Scottish former footballer who played as a right back. He played in the English Football League for Watford, Millwall, Bristol City, Wycombe Wanderers and Northampton Town, before finishing his playing career at Southern League side Farnborough...
, restricted Gibbs' opportunities under Glenn Roeder
Glenn Roeder
Glenn Victor Roeder is an English football manager and former player, most recently in charge at Norwich City. As a player, Roeder represented England B on 7 occasions...
in 1994–95.
After making only nine appearances during Watford's 1995–96 relegation season, general manager Graham Taylor released him upon the expiry of his contract, over injury concerns. Gibbs considered retirement.
Comeback and return to the top division
Despite receiving enquiries from other clubs, he stayed at Vicarage Road for pre-season, in the hope of regaining his match fitness. After proving that he had recovered, Gibbs was offered a short term contract at the club, which was eventually extended. Newly relegated Watford finished 13th of 24 teams in 1996–97. They conceded 38 goals in 46 league matches, the joint-best defensive record in the division. Gibbs missed just one of the club's 57 fixtures, scoring in a game against BrentfordBrentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
. The defender later noted the irony that having been released as an injury concern, he ended up playing more games the following season than any of his team-mates.
Kenny Jackett
Kenny Jackett
Kenny Jackett is a former Wales international football player, who has since moved into management. He is the current manager of Millwall, the longest serving manager in the Football League Championship and eleventh longest serving manager in England.A skilful player, equally at home in defence or...
stood down as manager following Watford's disappointing season, becoming assistant to Graham Taylor. The effect was immediate; Watford won six of their first seven league games, eventually becoming 1997–98 Second Division champions and earning promotion. Gibbs played part of the season at left-back due to an injury to Paul Robinson, although in turn Gibbs also missed games to injury. He started the 1998–99 season as a first-team regular, but sustained an injury in a game against Bolton on 20 October 1998, and only made two further appearances. Nonetheless, Watford secured promotion via the playoffs in Gibbs' absence, and when Watford won the play-off final
1999 Football League First Division play-off Final
The 1999 Football League Championship play-off Final was contested between Bolton Wanderers and Watford, played at Wembley Stadium on 31 May 1999. The match was won by Watford through goals from Nick Wright and Allan Smart. As a result, Watford would play in the Premier League for the first time...
to secure promotion, Gibbs was the first person to celebrate the win with Taylor.
Later years and retirement
Des Lyttle
Desmond "Des" Lyttle is an English former professional footballer turned football manager who is in charge of Northern Premier League Division One South side Hucknall Town....
and Neil Cox in 1999. Despite the competition, Gibbs managed to make 20 appearances in 1999–2000, and his Premier League experience included victories over Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
, Coventry City
Coventry City F.C.
Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry...
and Southampton
Southampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
, although these were not enough to prevent relegation back to the First Division.
By now in his mid thirties, first team opportunities became scarce for Gibbs in 2000–01. He made only seven first team appearances, although Watford managed to avoid defeat in six of those. His final appearance, and only game under Gianluca Vialli
Gianluca Vialli
Gianluca Vialli is an Italian football manager and former player. Since retiring, he has gone into management and punditry and is a commentator for Sky Sport Italia....
, came on 24 April 2002. An 82nd minute substitute, Gibbs was unable to prevent a late Gillingham goal, which secured them a 3–2 victory. Among Gillingham's players for Gibbs' professional swansong was Andy Hessenthaler
Andy Hessenthaler
Andrew "Andy" Hessenthaler is an English football manager and former player, currently in his second spell as manager of Gillingham. Hessenthaler began his career in non-league football and did not turn professional until he joined Watford at the age of 26...
, the man who became Watford captain after Gibbs' injury. Gibbs retired as Watford's second highest all-time appearance maker, although he started more matches than Luther Blissett
Luther Blissett
Luther Loide Blissett is a former professional footballer and manager, who is currently a first-team coach at Hemel Hempstead Town. Blissett played as a striker, and is best known for his time at Watford, whom he helped win promotion from the Fourth Division to the First Division...
, the man ahead of him.
Style of play
Considerably shorter than the average footballer at 5 ft 7in, Gibbs made up for his physical disadvantage with positional play, determination, accurate tackling, and staying on his feet. Although a defender, his lack of goals (7 in 491 appearances) and reluctance to get forward were often remarked upon. Gibbs refuted the suggestion that he didn't attack enough, while former managers Roeder and Taylor both considered Gibbs to be an excellent crosser of the ball when he did venture forward. He scored his first professional goal during his 59th game. By comparison, Gibbs' long-term successor at right-back, Lloyd DoyleyLloyd Doyley
Lloyd Colin Doyley is an English footballer who plays for Watford as a defender. He is primarily a right-back, but can also play as a centre-back and left-back. He is the longest-serving current player for the Hornets, and is contracted until 2012.- Watford : Doyley was born in Whitechapel, London...
, scored his first professional goal on his 269th appearance.
Career statistics
Key| 1st | Voted Player of the Season |
| 2nd | Came 2nd in Player of the Season vote |
| 3rd | Came 3rd in Player of the Season vote |
- Apps: Appearances
- Goals: Goals scored
- Notes: Explains which competition "Other" appearances refer to.
| Club | Season | Division | League | FA Cup FA Cup The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's... |
League Cup Football League Cup The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis... |
Other | Total | Notes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||||
| Watford Watford F.C. Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade... |
1983–84 | First Division Football League First Division The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship.... |
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | |
| 1984–85 | First Division Football League First Division The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship.... |
12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | — | |
| 1985–863rd | First Division Football League First Division The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship.... |
40 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 51 | 1 | — | |
| 1986–87 | First Division Football League First Division The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship.... |
15 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 0 | — | |
| 1987–88 | First Division Football League First Division The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship.... |
30 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 40 | 2 | ||
| 1988–892nd | Second Division Football League Second Division From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams... |
46 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 59 | 1 | ||
| 1989–90 | Second Division Football League Second Division From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams... |
41 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 47 | 0 | ||
| 1990–913rd | Second Division Football League Second Division From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams... |
34 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 0 | ||
| 1991–921st | Second Division Football League Second Division From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams... |
43 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 49 | 1 | ||
| 1992–93 | First Division Football League First Division The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship.... |
7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 | ||
| 1993–94 | First Division Football League First Division The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship.... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | |
| 1994–95 | First Division Football League First Division The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship.... |
11 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 | — | |
| 1995–96 | First Division Football League First Division The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship.... |
9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | — | |
| 1996–973rd | Second Division Football League Second Division From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams... |
45 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 56 | 1 | ||
| 1997–98 | Second Division Football League Second Division From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams... |
38 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 46 | 1 | — | |
| 1998–99 | First Division Football League First Division The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship.... |
10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 0 | ||
| 1999–2000 | Premier League | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 0 | — | |
| 2000–01 | First Division Football League First Division The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship.... |
6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | — | |
| 2001–02 | First Division Football League First Division The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship.... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | |
| Total | 408 | 5 | 41 | 0 | 25 | 2 | 17 | 0 | 491 | 7 | |||
Managing career
After retiring, Gibbs served Watford as a coach for three years, initially working with the reserve and youth teams, and later as an assistant manager. During this period he oversaw the development of players such as Ashley Young, Lloyd DoyleyLloyd Doyley
Lloyd Colin Doyley is an English footballer who plays for Watford as a defender. He is primarily a right-back, but can also play as a centre-back and left-back. He is the longest-serving current player for the Hornets, and is contracted until 2012.- Watford : Doyley was born in Whitechapel, London...
and Hamer Bouazza, and helped Watford to a Premier Reserve League win in 2002–03. Following Ray Lewington's sacking in March 2005, Gibbs briefly managed Watford on a caretaker basis, although his reign did not include a single game. Following the appointment of Aidy Boothroyd, Gibbs left Watford in July. Having had a formal connection with the club since the 1970s, he felt that his departure had been "very poorly handled". In 2006, Gibbs received his UEFA Pro Licence, which means he can manage any football club
Football team
A football team is the collective name given to a group of players selected together in the various team sports known as football.Such teams could be selected to play in an against an opposing team, to represent a football club, group, state or nation, an All-star team or even selected as a...
in England on a full time basis. At the beginning of the 2006–07 season, Gibbs joined the management team at Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
, where his initial responsibility was working with the younger players at the club. Further Premier Reserve League success followed in 2007, and Gibbs was promoted to the role of assistant manager in 2009–10. On the penultimate game of the season, Reading faced Watford at Vicarage Road. A Reading victory would have put their opponents in danger of relegation, but Watford emerged 3–0 winners to seal their Championship survival.
Personal life
Gibbs was born into a football family. His father Dennis had played for Hitchin TownHitchin Town F.C.
Hitchin Town Football Club are an English semi-professional football club based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. They will compete in the Southern Football League's Premier Division for the 2011–12 season...
, Hemel Hempstead Town
Hemel Hempstead Town F.C.
Hemel Hempstead Town are a football club based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, who currently play in the Southern League Premier Division. They are known as the Tudors and play their games at Vauxhall Road...
and St Albans City
St Albans City F.C.
St Albans City Football Club is a football club based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, England. It was founded in 1908 and plays its home matches at Clarence Park, about 800 yards from the city centre. The club is in the Premier Division of the Southern League...
, while father-in-law Alan helped form the youth team Nascot Wood Rangers. Although a Watford supporter from childhood, Gibbs is related to supporters of both Watford and Luton Town
Luton Town F.C.
Luton Town Football Club is an English professional football club based since 1905 at Kenilworth Road, Luton, Bedfordshire. The club currently competes in the fifth tier of English football, the Conference National, for the third consecutive season during the 2011–12 season.Formed in 1885, it was...
, despite the rivalry
Luton Town F.C. and Watford F.C. rivalry
South-eastern English association football clubs Luton Town and Watford have been rivals since their respective formations in the late 19th century. Both clubs are based near to the M1 motorway, which has led to the match sometimes being referred to as the "M1 Derby" by the press. The clubs, which...
between the two. He maintains a connection with his former club, regularly attending club events and occasionally playing for their masters football
Masters Football
Masters football is a 6 a-side indoor football competition in the United Kingdom, where players over the age of 35 are chosen by the Masters Football Selection Committee to represent a senior club which they played for. Regional heats are held, and the winners of each go forward to a national...
team.
Among others, Gibbs remains close friends with former teammates Luther Blissett and Kenny Jackett, both of whom coached him after ending their playing careers. Owing to his long association with the club, he is also a friend of Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
, and once filled in as a backup singer for John on a tour to China. During the "Let's buy back the Vic" fundraising show at Vicarage Road in 2005, John dedicated his performance of Electricity to Gibbs' wedding anniversary.
He now lives with his wife Heidi in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England. The county town is Hertford.The county is one of the Home Counties and lies inland, bordered by Greater London , Buckinghamshire , Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire and...
.
Honours
- Watford F.C. Player of the Season
- Winner: 1991–92
- Shortlisted: 1985–86, 1988–89, 1990–91, 1996–1997
- Watford F.C. Hall of Fame
- Inducted: 2010
- FA Youth CupFA Youth CupThe Football Association Youth Challenge Cup is an English football competition run by The Football Association for under–18 sides. Only those players between the age of 15 and 18 on 31 August of the current season are eligible to take part...
- Winner: 1981–82
- Football League First DivisionFootball League First DivisionThe First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
- Promotion: 1998–99Gibbs did not play in the 1999 Football League First Division play-off final1999 Football League First Division play-off FinalThe 1999 Football League Championship play-off Final was contested between Bolton Wanderers and Watford, played at Wembley Stadium on 31 May 1999. The match was won by Watford through goals from Nick Wright and Allan Smart. As a result, Watford would play in the Premier League for the first time...
.
- Football League Second DivisionFootball League Second DivisionFrom 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
- Winner: 1997–98