James Gibbons

James Andrew Gibbons (born 16 March 1998) is an English professional footballer who plays as a full-back for EFL League Two club Port Vale.

A graduate of the Port Vale youth-team, he enjoyed a short loan spell at Leek Town in the 2016–17 season and made his first-team debut at Vale Park in December 2016. He established himself in the first-team during the 2017–18 season and though he found himself frequently overlooked the following season he managed to regain his first-team place during the 2019–20 campaign.

Style Of Play

Gibbons is a right-back, though can also fill in at left-back, and has been described as a "little terrier" by former manager Rob Page. Port Vale youth coach Mick Ede compared his style to that of Mike Pejic, saying that "he plays with a lot of intensity and physicality". His physicality has led to a poor disciplinary record and therefore suspensions, though Gibbons commented that "you are not going to win every tackle so it is going to happen". He is also adept at going forward and delivering crosses.