Although born in
Glasgow, Gibson's family were from
Belfast, and Gibson moved there at a young age. He was noted as a talented footballer who played for
Cliftonville F.C. while still at school. He also spent time in the north-east of England and played with local teams on an amateur basis, including
Sunderland, for whom he made one appearance in the
Football League in the
1901–02 season when the club finished as English champions. He won numerous honours with Cliftonville, including the
Irish Cup in 1897 and 1901, before becoming President of the club, then becoming active in its management. ==Political career==