Gibbo Sees the Irony

Ian Gibson, our special guest at the home match last Saturday against Scunthorpe United was his usual irrepressible self.  Star of the 1960s Sky Blues revolution ‘Gibbo’ watched the Sky Blues succumb 1-2 to the Irons after taking the lead in a match containing much controversy.

Ian was entertaining and insightful in equal measure as he talked in public to CCFPA’s Billy Bell  in the Legends Lounge and other corporate areas prior to the game and was broadcast during the game providing running match analysis for Clive Eakin in BBC CWR’s matchday coverage of the game.  Gibbo had much to say, both positive and critical, about the Sky Blues’ struggle to climb away from the basement of the League One table and his comments on what was generally agreed to be a poor performance from the match officials was expressed with both clarity and typical humour.

Ian met a number of former player colleagues from the 1960s at the game and also chatted to several CCFPA committee members including chairman Jim Brown, Mike Young and Frank Pitchard and the encounter with Frank  (pictured below) stimulated particular mutual memories for Ian of nearly half a century ago.

Frank reports that he reminded Ian of the Christmas raffle they both bought tickets for in the “Sky Blue Club” (under the Highfield Road Main Stand) that was run by ‘Ma & Pa Hill’! Frank reckons he was  about 19 or 20 years old at the time and won a ‘brace’ of pheasants. Ian also won a bottle of port and a bottle of sherry in the raffle and so Frank suggested a swap to “Gibbo” and he said ‘yes’!

Gibbo (right) with Frank

Frank says “I just wouldn’t have known what to do with the pheasants but the port and sherry came in very handy over both the Christmas and New Year celebrations. They were some great times and wonderful memories, oh for a return to those days right now”.

Despite the result Ian thoroughly enjoyed the day and we look forward to his next visit!