A Dedication to Neilly Gibson. Saturday 16th November 12pm Larkhall Cemetery.

[The Moonlighter 3,624]

A few weeks ago I was contacted by and met a Joel Leslie who informed me that he has been researching the story of the Rangers team from season 1899 who of course set that incredible record of winning every league match, Joel’s aim is to publish a book on his work.

During his extensive research Joel sadly discovered in Larkhall the unmarked grave of an integral member of this great Rangers team Neilly Gibson. The plot has been unmarked since 1947.

We of course agreed that this would have to be rectified , Joel in turn got the necessary consent from Neilly Gibson’s family.

We at the Restoration of Rangers Graves Project have donated  a sum to assist the funding of this project.

On Saturday 16th November at 12pm a dedication event will be held in Larkhall Cemetery, the cemetery is at Station Road Larkhall ML9 2DB.

All Welcome.

Neilly Gibson:

NEILLY GIBSON joined Rangers when he was still a teenager from junior side Royal Albert and went on to enjoy more than a decade of service with the club.

A man who would become a 14-times capped Scotland international, he would go on to win six major honours with the Rangers  including four league championships.

Defender Gibson was an ever-present in the 1898/99 league campaign when Gers won every one of their 18 matches to win the title by 10 points.

Indeed, he scored three times in the two biggest wins that campaign, notching a double in an 8-0 rout of Clyde and scoring from the penalty spot in a 10-0 thrashing of Hibernian.

That championship win was the first of four consecutively and in the first three campaigns Gibson missed only three games overall.

Playing 377 times overall for Rangers – including in 184 competitive fixtures with 14 goals – he later spent five years in Partick Thistle’s squad.

Gibson had three sons – Neil, Willie and James – with all three going on to follow in their father’s footsteps as they played the beautiful game.

In James’ case, he emulated his dad by playing for Scotland and also scored once against Wales in 1929, some 32 years after his parent had struck against Northern Ireland.

Neilly Gibson (1894-1905)
Appearances: 184. Goals: 14.
Honours: Four league titles, Two Scottish Cups.
14 caps (Scotland).

 

[Fat Boy Loyal 62]

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend, but  hats off to you for the work you do in restoring graves etc. Without guys like Neilly Gibson etc  Rangers would not be here. It is right that they are remembered and respected.    Well done guys.

[The Moonlighter 3,624]

This coming Saturday folks.