Tom Gibbon

Tom Gibbon was born in West Hartlepool. His early career saw him play for Hartlepool St Joseph’s (1911), Houghton Rovers (1912), Glossop (1913) and Merthyr Town (1914). When football closed down during World War 1 he joined the army.

After being demobbed he returned to Merthyr Town before signing for Dundee in July 1920. He made his debut on August 16th in a 2-2 draw against Falkirk. It was an inauspicious start with three draws in his first four matches, but Tom went on to play in every match of the 1920-21 season.

He was also involved in all the Forfarshire Cup matches, where Dundee got to the final but were beaten by Arbroath, after a replay, 3-0. Their first goal coming three minutes after the start after a “feeble save by the Dundee goalie.” It wasn’t to be Dundee’s day, even though they were playing against ten men for most of the match, after Arbroath had a player sent off.

A keen cricketer, Tom joined Arbroath United Cricket Club in April 1921 as groundsman during the summer. He had played club cricket in England, and had also played when he was in the army. He was reputed to be a “a sound batsman, and a smart fielder.”

After he wasn’t offered a new contract for the 1921-22 season, he made the move to Luton Town in July 1921 . There were rumours at the time that he wanted to move back to England for family reasons. By signing for the Hatters he was following in the footsteps of his predecessor at Dens, James Watson, who had previously made the same move.

Tom made 70 appearances in two seasons for Luton, before making a move to Queens Park Rangers in 1924, where he failed to make a first team appearance. Later the same year he travelled back to Wales joining Mid Rhondda United. A chance to join Torquay United for the 1926-27 season came entailed yet another move, and  His final club before retiring was Ebbw Vale.

After hanging up his boots, Tom became a scout for many top clubs, whilst still retaining links with Luton. He sent many a young player for trials with professional clubs, including his son Tom Jnr. who he stated was a “better goalkeeper than he himself ever was.”