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Coventry Sphinx FC Junior Section
Developing Children Through Football Excellence

PROUD TO BE AN F.A. CHARTER STANDARD CLUB

 

Paul Gibbons

 

Paul was an outstanding footballer who gave everything for the cause and as a player was well respected and immensely popular amongst his own players and opposition players alike. He was a great influence to the younger players in the dressing room and on the pitch, with his unique sense of humour and bubbly character ensuring everyone was relaxed and enjoyed being in his company.

 

When he retired from playing at the age of 35, he dropped into the Junior set up and started a team at Under 8's and passed his experience on to the youngsters who he has continued to develop over the past 6 years. He loved being a manager and being able to give something back. Seeing the players improve and learn gave him great pride.

 

He was idolised by those who played with and managed him and by those boys who played for him. Everyone connected with the club is devastated and Coventry Sphinx is a much poorer club without Gibbo. The players, management, committee and supporters send our support and heartfelt sympathies to his devastated wife and family.

 

Coventry Sphinx Football Club

Paul's family have issued the following statement;

Paul was extremely generous, big hearted and full of fun. He was a devoted father, husband, son and brother who lived his life for his family, friends and neighbours both in Coventry and in Birmingham.

He spent his working life helping others first in the Navy then in the Fire Brigade. Even in his social life he put others first, devoting his time to his Coventry Sphinx under 13 football team.

He excelled in everything he put his mind to which was due to his infectious enthusiastic personality.

He was much loved and will be eternally missed by his whole family and by anyone else who had the pleasure of his company.

The family would like to thank everyone for their support, flowers and kind messages of condolence at this tragic time.

He will leave a huge void in not only his families’ lives, but in all of those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. We would like him to be remembered as the fun loving, kind hearted gentleman he was.

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An online tribute to Gibbo will be included on this site in the coming days, and will include a gallery of photographs of Gibbo's long career with us. We will also include a 'book of condolence' and if you would like to contribute to this then please send your words to tribute@coventrysphinx.co.uk