Jimmy Gibson (1996 to 2003)
20 year-old James Robert Gibson made his Rangers debut on May 7th 2000, appearing as a substitute during the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Jim joined Rangers in September 1994 as John Chalmers bolstered his Youth Team with the arrival of under-16 players Gibson, Robbie Neilson, Kenny Milne, Andrew McMahon and Alan MacRae.
Gibson was a talented central midfielder who showed great promise, progressing through the Ibrox ranks where he frequently captained the Youth & Reserve sides.
A boyhood Gers fan, Gibson would get his first top team Ibrox run-out when Airdrieonians were the visitors for a League Cup 3rd round tie on October 9th 2001. Rangers won 3-0 thanks to two goals from debutant Shota Arveladze and a late Arthur Numan effort.
With Manager Dick Advocaat missing the services of midfielders Stephen Hughes, Barry Ferguson, Claudio Reyna, Bert Konterman and Christian Nerlinger, it was Numan who started the match in a midfield role (along side fellow Dutchman Fernando Ricksen), allowing Michael Ball to slot in at left full-back and make his own long awaited Rangers debut.
A further substitute appearance for Jimmy came towards the end of that 2001/2002 season, another win bonus secured as Hearts were defeated 2-0 at Ibrox. Severely hampered by serious injuries during his career, he would go on to play for Clyde and Partick Thistle before sadly being forced to retire in 2008 due to the recurrence of a pelvic problem.
As of season 2025/26, Jimmy was involved in coaching at West of Scotland Junior side, East Kilbride Thistle.
by Rick Plews
