Alex Gibb

Alex Gibb was an Australian profressional soccer player who played as many half-back roles with Queensland clubs and was captained for the Australia national team. Gibb is recognised as Australia's first international captain and was awarded retrospectively by Football Federation Australia cap number 1 for Australia's first match against New Zealand.[2]

Alex Gibb

Personal information
Full name	Alex Gibb
Date of birth	1888 or 1889
Place of birth	Ireland
Height	1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)[1]
Position(s)	Left half
Youth career
	Newton Grange
	Musselburgh Athletic
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
0000–1923	Bundamba Athletic
1923	Bundamba Rangers
1923–?	South Brisbane Scottish
National team
1922–1923	Australia	6	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Early life

Gibb was born in Ireland, but was raised to Scottish parents in Musselburgh.[3] He played at local clubs Musselburgh Union, Newton Grange and Musselburgh Athletic. He migrated to Ipswich, Queensland in 1911.

Club career

In a career lasting over twenty years, In 1913, he played for the Queensland state side to play against the New South Wales state team in a two-match series. Gibb played for a number of Queensland clubs including Bundamba Athletic, Bundamba Rangers and South Brisbane Scottish.[4]

International career

At age 34, Gibb began his international career playing through a 14-match tour with Australia playing in central midfield and right-half positions. He made his international debut for Australia in June 1922 in Australia's first recognised international match, against New Zealand. Gibb played six matches for Australia between 1922 and 1923, playing as captain in all of those matches where he had played in Australia's first international win.[5]

Managerial career

After the end of his club career, Gibb managed many Australian state teams and became a selector of Australia in 1936.[6]

Personal life

Family and relationships

Gibb became a father to a son, Lex, born in Ipswich, who played with Australia between 1938 and 1948.

Gibb's brother, Aired died at age 53 in October 1939.[7]

Career statistics

International

National team	Year	Competitive		Friendly		Total
		Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Australia	1922	0	0	3	0	3	0
	1923	0	0	3	0	3	0
Career total		0	0	6	0	6	0

Honours

In 2000 Gibb was inducted to the Australian Football Hall of Fame.[4]

References

1. "No. 11 of the Series:". The Telegraph. Queensland, Australia. 19 September 1945. p. 20 (SECOND EDITION). Retrieved 10 October 2020 – via National Library of Australia.
2. "Injuries force Socceroo changes for Ghana match". sportsaustralia.com. 13 November 2006. Archived from the original on 20 July 2008. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
3. Howe, Andrew (2018). Encyclopedia of Socceroos: Every national team player. Fair Play Publishing. ISBN 978-0-648-13330-8.
4. "Alex Gibb". Football Federation Australia – Hall of Fame. Football Federation Australia. Archived from the original on 15 September 2009. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
5. "The Australian National Men's Football Team: Caps And Captains" (PDF). Football Federation Australia. ozfootball.net. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
6. "Soccer". The Courier-mail (1026). Queensland, Australia. 12 December 1936. p. 12. Retrieved 1 February 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
7. "Obituary". Queensland Times. LXXIX (16, 538). Queensland, Australia. 24 November 1939. p. 10 (DAILY.). Retrieved 10 October 2020 – via National Library of Australia.