Gibson has been involved with Hibernian FC for seven years progressing from the Girls’ Academy set-up to Women’s Manager.
After playing an integral role in the growth of the Women’s game at Hibs, Gibson reflected on his time at the Club.
“I’ve really enjoyed the journey. I’m proud of the journey that I’ve been on, I’ve came through the full pathway.
“I came through as a youth coach within the Girls Academy having various successes including trophies, but the main aspect was developing the players and promoting them; that successful spell then led me onto the First Team environment.
“I’m proud, pleased, and happy to have had the opportunity to work for this club.”
One of many highlights from Gibson’s time as Manager included his first victory in the Edinburgh Derby at Easter Road and Tynecastle – both in-front of big crowds.
“The first one was always going to be the best one and the result topped it off, standing in the dugout with 5,500 fans behind me was massive.
“When I took the manager’s position, I was keen to push boundaries and make sure the players were getting these opportunities and thankfully the Club bought into that. The match at Easter Road was brilliant, but nothing will ever beat the feeling of winning at Tynecastle as a Hibs team and we did that.”
Having been through the transition of being a youth coach and becoming First Team Manager, Gibson was heavily involved with current First Team players’ development, and detailed how that has helped the Club over the last few years.
“Every player has their own journey and I’ve loved being part of it.
“Eilidh Adams was my first ever signing at Hibs, we signed her as a 13-year-old within the Girls’ Academy, and we have been on the same journey, now, it will be nice for her and her to continue her development and to be coached by a new manager.
“Rosie Livingstone was one of the last signings that I was involved with within the Girls’ Academy. I coached Rosie prior to her joining Hibs so I was aware of her qualities.
“Within the U23 set up, I coached Kirsty Morrison and Shannon Leishman, at a time they were struggling for minutes within the First Team, and I was able to give them game time and build up their confidence to move them back onto the First Team. It was unbeknown at that time that I was then going to be taking the manager’s position as coaching them again!
“I’m proud of all the players that I’ve worked with and I’m thankful to them all.”
Discussions regarding Dean’s role first came about back in December 2022, and now with him and the Club parting company, he spoke about his personal plans for the future.
“I had a meeting with our General Manager Chris Gaunt in December after we played in the cup final and beat Dundee United in the game before Christmas and explained that I was tired and wanted to look after myself.
“For me, I want to go down the recruitment side or coaching and take a step back from the management side of the game; that’s where I see my passions, developing players and recruiting.
“I’m going to take a break and need to take a break, there has been tough times over the past three years within my family life, the coronavirus pandemic and transitioning the Club three times, it’s time for me to take a step back and pass that onto the next person.”
