Chiefly associated with English clubs Everton and Southampton, Gabriel played extensively in Scotland and England before ending his career with the Seattle Sounders of the North American Soccer League.
Jimmy Gabriel first came to the attention of Dundee when he played at right-half for the Scotland under-15 schoolboys in an international at Dens Park.
His talent shone through and Dundee manager Willie Thornton snapped him up after the game, despite interest from several other top clubs.
Although it took him some time to settle into the pace of the English game, there was a steely determination about the young Scot that was to stand him in good stead.
Gabriel became a strong influence in the Everton side as a powerful right-half whose preference for a defensive role made him a useful partner in the midfield for the more attacking Brian Harris on the left.
Southampton's manager Ted Bates tried to sign him initially in March 1967 but Gabriel was reluctant to move South.
Eventually, when it was clear that Kendall was to be first-choice, Gabriel agreed to sign for the Saints in July, joining them for a fee of £42,500.
At Southampton, Gabriel was a vital part of the defence alongside John McGrath and Denis Hollywood and helped Saints avoid relegation several times.
He also spent a short period on loan at Swindon Town before finishing his UK playing career at Brentford.
When he became head coach he had several Sounder legends including Mike England, Geoff Hurst and Bobby Moore on his team.
On returning to Britain in 1986, he spent four years as coach of Bournemouth, before going back to Goodison Park in 1990, where he became assistant to Colin Harvey at Everton.