18th Jan, 2024 14:30
The Beautiful Game | Sporting Medals, Jerseys & Rarities
NEIL 'NEILLY' GIBSON OF RANGERS F.C., SCOTTISH CUP WINNERS GOLD MEDAL
1903
the obverse inscribed Scottish Football Association in blue enamelled lettering around a pierced oval depicting a lion rampant, beneath a thistle motif, the reverse inscribed 1902-3 CHALLENGE CUP WON BY RANGERS F.C. Neil Gibson, in nine carat gold
(11.1g)
4cm
Note: This rare and important pre-war medal was awarded to Scotland international Neil Gibson, for his part in Rangers 1903 Scottish Cup triumph.
Gibson signed for Rangers from Larkhall club Royal Albert in 1894, where he had only been for a few months after signing from junior team Larkhall Thistle.
During his time with the Gers he won four consecutive league titles (including the 1898-99 invincible season), as well as three Scottish Cups, five Glasgow Cups, and three Glasgow Charity Cups.
The decorated star received plaudits from his contemporaries. Former Hibs manager Willie McCartney said of Gibson that he was ‘The greatest of my, and any generation following, in Scottish football’. Steve Bloomer of Derby County and England thought he was ‘the greatest footballer I ever saw’. Harry Wood summed him up as ‘Pavlova in football boots’.
Rangers won this trophy after defeating hearts 2-0 in the second replay. They also defeated rivals Celtic 3-0 in the quarter final of the competition, Stenhousemuir 4-1 in the semis.
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