Bob Gibbs

Bio

Wing Half/Manager. Born in Cambois, Northumberland, 4 miles from the birthplace of Bobby and Jack Charlton, and their uncle Jackie Milburn.

Popular and successful Geordie P E Teacher at Slough Grammar School who moved into management in1961, initially in partnership with Les Wickson and Edgar Woodford but subsequently on his own. He was Secretary and Coach of the Boys' District Team, a position he still managed to find time for alongside his work with the Rebels.

After playing for the Town as a wing half for 3 seasons, he took over as manager and coach. A shrewd student of the game, he played a major part in taking Slough from the bottom of the Corinthian League in 1961 to the Athenian League championship in 1968 and regular appearances in the later stages of the FA Amateur Cup. Had a brief period of temporary “retirement” in 1965.

Bob originally gave up his Monday evenings to coach the Old Paludians side, while he was playing for Slough Town Reserves. No-one really appreciated his excellent talents until he took over a none too brilliant Slough side in a managerial capacity and woke it up with local talent. After winning promotion from the First Division, as Champions, in 1964 the successful rise to Champions of the Premier Division followed swiftly. In that great season the club played 83 matches scoring 220 goals while attendances averaged 1,405 - eight matches saw the attendance exceed the 2,000 mark.

When asked which of the "pro" clubs he would liked to have managed, his answer - "None. I'd emigrate first! The tension involved with an amateur club is tremendous. Goodness knows what a professional club would do to me."

Later managed Hayes.

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