Willie Gibson (footballer, born 1984)

William Gibson (born 6 August 1984) is a Scottish footballer who plays as a right back for Queen of the South.

Willie Gibson
Gibson playing for Kilmarnock
Personal information
Full name William Gibson
Date of birth (1984-08-06) 6 August 1984
Place of birth Dumfries, Scotland
Position(s) Winger, Full Back
Club information
Current team
 Queen of the South
Number 33
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2001–2007 Queen of the South 93 (0)
2007–2009 Kilmarnock 51 (6)
2009–2011 Dunfermline Athletic 49 (15)
2011–2012 Crawley Town 14 (1)
2011–2012 → St Johnstone (loan) 11 (0)
2012 Falkirk 12 (1)
2012–2013 Queen of the South 17 (2)
2013–2014 Celtic Nation ? (?)
2014 Workington ? (?)
2014–2015 Stranraer 28 (9)
2015–2016 Dumbarton 18 (2)
2016–2017 Stranraer 49 (11)
2017–2019 Peterhead 72 (6)
2019–2020 Stenhousemuir 8 (0)
2020– Queen of the South 14 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 17:00, 6 February 2021 (UTC)

Gibson has previously played for Queen of the South (twice), Kilmarnock, Dunfermline Athletic, Crawley Town, St Johnstone, Falkirk, Celtic Nation, Workington, Stranraer (twice), Dumbarton, Peterhead and Stenhousemuir.

Career

Queen of the South (First Spell)

Born in Dumfries, Gibson started his senior career with home-town club Queen of the South. and debuted on the final day of the season as Queens lost 1–0 versus Queen's Park. Gibson played in 93 league matches for the Dumfries club without scoring a league goal, although he scored his only goal for Queens during his first spell with a 50th-minute winner in a 2–1 Scottish Cup third round match versus Montrose on 8 January 2005.

Gibson then signed for Kilmarnock from the Palmerston Park club in early 2007, in a deal which seen Stevie Murray and Jamie Adams join Queens on loan for the rest of the 2006–07 season. Gibson's last game for Queens, a Scottish Cup quarter final match at home versus Hibernian, was one of some controversy. Queens manager Ian McCall selected Adams to play, despite Adams having been an unused sub for Kilmarnock in that season's Scottish Cup third round match. Queens were subsequently fined £20,000 by the SFA for fielding an ineligible player. Queens chairman Davie Rae said of the fine "it's a substantial sum".[1]

Kilmarnock

Gibson joined Killie on 1 March 2007 and debuted on 3 March 2007, appearing as a late substitute in a 2–0 win versus St Mirren and he would play in three other matches that season.

In his first full season at Kilmarnock, Gibson made the perfect start, scoring his first goal in a 2–1 win versus Dundee United, in the second league match of the season. On 1 September 2007, Gibson produced another impressive performance in a match versus Aberdeen, as Killie were defeated 1–0, although Gibson tormented the Dons defence.[2] After the match, Gibson said he was disappointed the club had lost, believing the club had enough possession and created enough chances to earn a victory.[3] Gibson also went on to score three goals versus Gretna in three separate matches.

The next season, Gibson sat out the club's first ten matches as an unused substitute and played his first match of the season, providing an assist, as Killie were defeated 2–1 versus Falkirk. On 22 November 2008, Gibson scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–1 defeat versus Inverness Caledonian Thistle.[4] During a 1–0 defeat versus Hamilton on 29 November 2008, Gibson wore pink boots in the match so he would stand out.[5] Shortly after this match Gibson damaged his kneecap in training,[6] although he was back fit to play after just one week out injured. [7] On his return, Gibson appeared as a substitute and set-up both Killie goals in a 2–0 win versus Hibernian.[8] Before kick-off in a match versus Hearts, Gibson accidentally hit a young Killie supporter on the back of the head with the ball. As an apology, the young fan was treated to a day out behind-the-scenes at Rugby Park and was also presented with a pair of his football boots.[9] Gibson played 51 league matches for Kilmarnock, scoring six league goals.

Dunfermline Athletic

Gibson signed for Dunfermline Athletic on 23 June 2009 for a nominal fee.[10] Gibson's debut for the Pars was in a Scottish League Cup match, providing an assist for David Graham in a 5–0 win versus Dumbarton. One week later, Gibson made his league debut in the opening game of the season, in a 1–0 defeat versus the Caley Jags. A week after that match, Gibson received a straight red card after a clash with Darren Smith in a 3–1 defeat versus Raith Rovers. Two months after joining the club, Gibson scored his first two goals on 10 October 2009, also providing an assist for Andy Kirk, in a 3–1 win versus Ayr United. Gibson then scored another brace in a 3–1 win versus Partick Thistle and then scored another six goals in his first season with the East End Park club.

In his second season, Gibson continued to score goals, with his first brace of the season, as the Pars had a 2–2 draw versus Dundee on 23 October 2010. Then playing versus the Doonhamers, on 11 December 2010, he was given a straight red card.[11] This was his fifth card in eight matches. Gibson played 49 league matches for the Pars, scoring 15 league goals.

Crawley Town

On 31 January 2011, Gibson signed for non-league club Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee, thought to be around £150,000, after turning down an offer from the club the previous summer.[12][13] Gibson debuted in a 0–0 draw versus Kettering on 3 February 2011 in an away match. With only three appearances for Crawley Town, on 19 February 2011, Gibson started in the FA Cup match versus Manchester United at Old Trafford. Manchester United won the match 1-0 as Wes Brown scored the only goal. Ironically, both club nicknames are the Red Devils.

On 24 August 2011, Gibson returned north of the border to sign for Perth club St Johnstone, in a loan deal until the end of January 2012. Gibson had been feeling homesick, as his two young children had remained in Scotland since his move down south.[14] Gibson debuted for St Johnstone on 24 August 2011 versus Livingston in the Scottish League Cup, in a 3–0 home win, where he set up the first two goals.[15] After his loan spell ended, Gibson left Crawley Town by mutual consent.[16] Gibson played 14 league matches for the Red Devils, scoring one league goal.

Falkirk

On 31 January 2012 STV reported on their website that Gibson had signed for Falkirk. This was not officially confirmed until 2 February 2012 when the club revealed Gibson had signed until the end of the season. After the move, Gibson said his move to the Bairns could revive his career after experiencing a difficult spell at Crawley Town.[17] Gibson debuted versus Greenock Morton at Cappielow on 11 February 2012, appearing as a substitute. Gibson scored his first goal versus the Doonhamers in the 36th minute on 25 February 2012.[18]

After being substituted versus Raith Rovers on 21 April 2012 Gibson stormed out of the Falkirk Stadium. After the match, Gibson apologised for his actions.[19] However, Falkirk manager Steven Pressley said that Gibson would never play for the Bairns ever again.[20] In response, Gibson said he was treated as a scapegoat by Pressley and criticised him for dishing the dirt on him in public.[21] At the end of the season Gibson's contract was not renewed and he departed the club, having played 12 league matches for the Bairns, scoring one league goal.

Queen of the South (Second Spell)

On 14 June 2012, Gibson returned to Palmerston Park on a one-year contract.[22][23] After the move, Allan Johnston commented that Gibson could help the Doonhamers gain promotion straight back up to the First Division.[24]

Gibson departed Queens by mutual consent in April 2013, having played 17 league matches, scoring two league goals.[25]

Celtic Nation & Workington

After featuring in several friendlies for Workington, Gibson signed for Northern League club Celtic Nation.[26] After leaving Celtic Nation at the end of the 2014–15 season, Gibson signed for Northern Premier League club Workington on 19 August 2014.[27]

Stranraer, Dumbarton, Peterhead & Stenhousemuir

On 28 August 2014, Gibson signed for Scottish League One club Stranraer.[28] Gibson scored on his debut with a free-kick versus former club Dunfermline Athletic and overall played 28 league matches, having scored 9 league goals in his first spell with the Blues.

Gibson signed for Dumbarton in June 2015, teaming up with his former manager Stevie Aitken.[29] Gibson scored the winner on his debut in a 1–0 win versus Edinburgh City.[30] Gibson scored a free-kick winner at home on his league debut versus Hibernian[31] and netted again from a free kick the following week in another 2–1 victory, this time versus St Mirren. After six months with Dumbarton, Gibson was released from his contract with the Sons, having played 18 league matches, scoring 2 league goals. [32] Gibson then re-signed for the Stair Park club on an 18-month contract.[33] Gibson departed the Blues at the end of his contract in May 2017, having played 49 league goals, scoring 11 league goals in his second spell at Stair Park. [34]

Gibson subsequently joined recently relegated Scottish League Two club Peterhead on 7 June 2017, where he initially signed a one-year contract, before signing a one-year extension. Gibson played 72 league matches, scoring 6 league goals in his two seasons at the Blue Toon.[35]

Gibson then signed for Stenhousemuir for the 2019-20 season and played 8 league matches without scoring any goals. [36]

Queen of the South (Third Spell)

After one season as manager of Queens reserve team, Gibson signed for the Doonhamers for a third spell at his home-town club on 15 September 2020.[37]

On 8 January 2021, Gibson opened the scoring after 45+1 minutes, in the Doonhamers 3-0 Scottish Cup 2nd round win at Hampden Park versus Queen's Park. This was only Gibson's fourth goal for the club over three spells. [38]

References
  1. ""Sons of Scotland" Queen of the South FC, 14 September 2010". Archived from the original on 16 July 2015. Retrieved 14 November 2010.
  2. "Kilmarnock 0–1 Aberdeen". BBC Sport. 1 September 2007. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  3. "I'M INSPIRED TO GIB MY ALL". Daily Record. 3 September 2007. Archived from the original on 25 November 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  4. "Kilmarnock 1–2 Inverness CT". Daily Record. 23 November 2008. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  5. "Kilmarnock's Willie Gibson out to rise above pink boot jibes to dazzle on pitch". Daily Record. 4 December 2008. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  6. "Kilmarnock star Willie Gibson facing five weeks out". Daily Record. 10 December 2008. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  7. "Fit-again trio Taouil, Gibson and Ford hand Kilmarnock early Christmas boost". Daily Record. 24 December 2008. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  8. "Hibernian 2 – 4 Kilmarnock". Daily Record. 29 December 2008. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  9. "Young Killie FC fan gets to meet his heroes" www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk 9 February 2009
  10. "Gibson joins Pars from Kilmarnock"
  11. ""Dunfermline Athletic 1 – 0 Queen of the South" www.qosfc.com 11 December 2010". Archived from the original on 19 December 2010. Retrieved 11 December 2010.
  12. BBC Sport – Football – Crawley Town sign Dunfermline's Willie Gibson
  13. "Pars winger Willie Gibson rejects Crawley move". BBC Sport. 10 August 2010. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  14. "Homesick Willie Gibson joins St Johnstone from Crawley on loan". BBC Sport. 24 August 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  15. "St Johnstone 3 – 0 Livingston". BBC Sport. 24 August 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  16. "Gibson exits, Smith loaned out and Town on TV". This is Sussex. 1 February 2012. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  17. "Gibson looks to rekindle career with Falkirk after misery at Saints". Falkirk Herald. 9 February 2012. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  18. ""WILLIE GIBSON JOINS BAIRNS" www.falkirkfc.co.uk 2 February 2012". Archived from the original on 5 February 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
  19. "Gibson: I've apologised and I was wrong – but so was learning from texts". Falkirk Herald. 23 April 2012. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  21. "Falkirk winger Willie Gibson: I've been made a scapegoat by Bairns boss Steven Pressley". Daily Record. 23 April 2012. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  22. "Gibson Signs On". QOSFC.com. 14 June 2012. Archived from the original on 3 June 2013. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  23. "Scottish Division Two ins and outs". BBC Sport. BBC. 7 August 2012. Archived from the original on 31 August 2012. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
  24. "New signing Willie Gibson can lead Queen of the South promotion push, says Allan Johnston". Daily Record. 15 June 2012. Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  25. "Doonhamers keep hold of four but lose one". Scottish Football League. 18 April 2013. Archived from the original on 27 June 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
  26. "Willie Gibson joins Celtic Nation". Scottish Professional Football League. 8 August 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  27. "Wullie Gibson to make debut for Workington Reds tonight". News & Star. 19 August 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  28. "Signing News". Stranraer F.C. 28 August 2014. Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  29. "Signing News: Gibson agrees Sons move". Stranraer F.C. 17 June 2015. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  30. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  31. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 12 August 2015. Retrieved 11 February 2018.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  32. "Wullie moves on". dumbartonfootballclub.com. 5 January 2016. Archived from the original on 13 February 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  33. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 8 April 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2016.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  34. "Farrell transfer update". Stranraer FC. 19 May 2017. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  35. Moir, Glenn (8 June 2017). "Peterhead sign winger Gibson as long-serving defender departs". Peterhead FC. Archived from the original on 7 June 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  36. https://www.stenhousemuirfc.com/2019/08/29/warriors-capture-gibson/
  37. http://www.qosfc.com/news-5210
  38. http://www.qosfc.com/match-2282
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