The family of the businessman who saved Manchester United from bankruptcy during the 1930s has spoken of their ‘incredible pride’ at the unveiling of a memorial commemorating his contribution to the club.
James W Gibson who made his fortune supplying military uniforms gave the club £2000 in 1931 – the equivalent of £118,000 today – to pay off debtors and players’ wages.
As well as rescuing the club he continued to work for Manchester United until his death in 1951. The Gibson compass at Halecroft Park, Hale Barns in Altrincham is in recognition of his legacy at the club and the work of his wife Lilian and son Alan. Mr Gibson’s great nephew Alan Embling said it was a ‘fitting memorial’.
Hardscape, together with Burlington Stone and landscape architects at Trafford Borough Council, were proud suppliers of the hard landscaping materials associated with the memorial which was unveiled on Monday 5th September.