AN AUTHOR who is writing a book about the life of his wife’s granddad – a former professional footballer who managed Worcester City – is appealing for residents to share their memories of him to help complete his story.
For the past five years Neil Mumford has been researching and writing a book about the eventful life of Syd Gibbons who had an illustrious career playing professional football for more than 20 years.
Syd began his football career, initially as an amateur when he signed for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 1924. He then turned professional in December of that year.
After being released by the club, he signed for Walsall at the end of the 1924/25 season where he stayed for just one season and played four league games.
Syd’s talent attracted a host of interest from a number of league sides including Manchester City and he signed for the club for a fee of £500.
After three seasons in Manchester, Fulham beckoned in the summer of 1930 where Syd stayed for eight years and notched up a total of 299 league appearances and played in19 FA Cup games.
However, injury brought an end to his career playing for England’s top clubs in 1938.
He was placed on the transfer list, but a number of league clubs were put off by his transfer fee.
This then led to Syd ending up in Worcester where he joined Worcester City as a player manager for the club’s first season in the Southern League in 1938/39. He then stayed with the club until the 1945/46 season.
Speaking to the Observer, Neil Mumford said he needs help in filling in the holes in Syd’s story during his time living in the Faithful City.
“We understand that during this time Syd ran newsagents in Barbourne from about 1940 along with a gentleman by the name of Coombes, who we know nothing about.
“We also believe that Syd worked in a factory making spitfire wings, although we do not know which one.
“We know little more after this, but Syd had a son Peter born in 1943 and David born in 1948 both in Worcester, but are too young to remember.
“We would love to hear any stories people have, information, photos or newspaper clippings that would help me complete his story.
“Sadly Syd died in July 1953 of a brain aneurysm which we believe was a result of heading the football.”
- Anyone with information on Syd can e-mail [email protected] and we will pass on the details
