[1] A Scottish schoolboy international, Gibson began his career at Accrington Stanley, making his league debut at the age of 15, before joining Bradford Park Avenue in 1960.
With Middlesbrough relegated in 1966 Gibson was signed by Coventry City for £57,500 and despite a major fall-out with manager Jimmy Hill he helped them win promotion to the First division in his first season, becoming one of the fan's most popular players.
Despite numerous injuries in his four years at Coventry, under Noel Cantwell he helped them qualify for Europe in 1969–70 by virtue of finishing sixth in the First Division.
During his four years at Highfield Road he played alongside the likes of Willie Carr, Neil Martin, George Curtis and Ernie Hannigan.
He made his Cardiff debut on the opening day of the 1970–71 season in a 1–0 win over Leicester City and went on to provide numerous chances for the strikers he played alongside such as Brian Clark, John Toshack and Alan Warboys.