Town honour hero Eppie
Last updated 12:09, Wednesday, 07 May 2008
Workington Town legend Eppie Gibson’s massive impact on the club is to be recognised with his induction in to the club’s Hall of Fame.
The Ellenborough-raised centre, who scored 145 tries in 335 games for Town, topped the poll of the club’s vice-presidents.
He joins fellow Town heroes Brian Edgar, Billy Ivison, Ike Southward and Gus Risman in the Hall of Fame, and will be formally inducted on July 25.
Chairman Dave Bowden said: “Eppie had a long career at Town and a phenomenal try-scoring record.
“He was a big-game player, and scored two tries in the Championship Final win over Warrington at Maine Road, creating another two. He was an absolute class act and still takes a great interest in the club.
“We have the real honour of the shirt he wore in the Wembley final win over Featherstone, hanging, unwashed, in a box on a wall in the Tom Mitchell Lounge.”
Gibson, born in Northumberland, made his first-class debut for Town at stand-off in 1947, creating such an impression that within two months he had played for Cumberland and England. He went on to earn 17 county caps and four for England.
In 1950/51, he and winger George Wilson each racked up a massive 40 try-haul, including the famous double at Maine Road.
He went on to join Whitehaven in 1957, playing 88 times over the next four years, scoring 20 tries and becoming player-coach.
His final match was at Derwent Park in April 1961, Town beating Haven 36-2.
Workington fans interested in joining their vice-presidents’ are invited to attend one of their functions before signing up. Phone the club on 01900 603609 for details.
