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Alex Gibb (or Alec) was an Australian soccer player who played half-back with Queensland clubs and the Queensland and Australia national teams. Gibb is recognised as Australia's first international captain, and was awarded Socceroo cap number one retrospectively in 2000 by Football Federation Australia, for Australia's first Test match against New Zealand, played in 1922.

Early life

Gibb was born in Leinster, Ireland, but was raised to Scottish parents in Musselburgh. 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. He had left the Bundamba Rangers and was transferred to South Brisbane Scottish as a player-coach on 22 March 1923.

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 Test 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.

Managerial career

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

Outside football

Gibb was a secretary for the Booval Bowling Club.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Alex Gibb married Margaret Allan in November 1911 children Margret, Lex, Alan, Alf and Mary born in Ipswich.

Gibb's brother, Aired died at age 53 in October 1939. His mother, Mary Rennie Gibb had then died at age 91 in February 1951 in Yonkers, New York.

Career statistics

International

Honours

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

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. Davidson, John (29 April 2020). "The untold story of the Scotsman who was Australia's first captain". FTBL.
5. Stamocostas, Con (24 May 2018). "The 96-year history of the Socceroos". ftbl.com.au.
6. ^ "Alex Gibb". Football Federation Australia – Hall of Fame. Football Federation Australia. Archived from the original on 15 September 2009. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
7. "SOCCER NOTES". Queensland Times. Vol. Lxiv, no. 11, 361. Queensland, Australia. 22 March 1923. p. 7 (DAILY.). Retrieved 10 March 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
8. "The Australian National Men's Football Team: Caps And Captains" (PDF). Football Federation Australia. ozfootball.net. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
9. "Soccer". The Courier-mail. No. 1026. Queensland, Australia. 12 December 1936. p. 12. Retrieved 1 February 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
10. "They have real ashes in NZ Soccer Tests". Sunday Mail. Queensland, Australia. 5 September 1954. p. 26. Retrieved 10 March 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
11. "Brothers in Soccer". The Sun. No. 11970. New South Wales, Australia. 8 June 1948. p. 15 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved 10 March 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
12. "Obituary". Queensland Times. Vol. LXXIX, no. 16, 538. Queensland, Australia. 24 November 1939. p. 10 (DAILY.). Retrieved 10 October 2020 – via National Library of Australia.
13. "DEATH OF MRS. M. R. GIBB IN U.S.A." Queensland Times. No. 19, 998. Queensland, Australia. 6 February 1951. p. 2 (DAILY). Retrieved 10 March 2021 – via National Library of Australia.

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