FORMER Middlesbrough players have paid tribute to ex-midfielder Ian Gibson, who has died at the age of 73.

Gibson made 168 appearances for Middlesbrough between 1962-66, scoring 44 goals, and was a popular figure at Ayresome Park.

Born in Scotland, Gibson joined Boro from Bradford Park Avenue in a £30,000 transfer, and went on to play for Coventry, Cardiff, Bournemouth and Whitby Town before retiring in 1975.

He settled on Teesside after his retirement, and Gordon Jones, treasurer of Middlesbrough Former Players Association, has fond memories of the pair’s time together.

Jones said: “Ian was one of the most gifted players during my time at Middlesbrough, without any doubt about it.

“I remember Eric Thomas, our club’s chairman at the time, saying to me ‘We’ve just signed another Wilf Mannion.’

“I think his first game was against Scunthorpe and I couldn’t believe what I saw that day from him. Some of the things he did were just incredible, and this was just a young lad too.

“He was only a small lad but his control of the ball and his passing with both feet was absolutely incredible. You don’t see many players today who could do what Ian could do.

“I remember one match when he trapped the ball with his backside and hit this superb ball from the inside-right position to Bobby Braithwaite to put it in the net. It was one of the best goals I’ve ever seen.

“Ian enjoyed his football and he enjoyed life as well. After his playing days were over, he came back to Teesside because he considered Teesside to be his home and we stayed in touch through the Former Players Association.

“I am sure I can speak from all former Boro players when I pass on my sympathies to Ian’s family.”