Sibbald: Robert Louis (Bobby)

1965-1969 (Player Details)

Right Back

Born: Hebburn, Co Durham: 25-01-1948

Debut v Everton (a) (Substitute): 04-02-1967

5’7” 10st 3lb (1966)

Sibbald played for Jarrow, Felling and Hebburn Boys and was an apprentice at Leeds, signing for United in January 1965. With Paul Reaney a virtually ever-present Sibbald’s chances were severely restricted and while he was a member of the United squad for three seasons he only managed a substitute appearance in 1966-67, when he came on for Terry Cooper and full game in the last game of the 1967-68 season when United fielded a very understrength team in a 3-0 defeat at Burnley in an inconsequential final game of the season. He went to York City in February 1969, where he scored seven goals in seventy-nine appearances in just over two seasons and was their captain for most of that time. In July 1971 he joined Southport on a two-month trial before signing permanently. It proved an excellent move as he made two hundred and forty League appearances and scored thirteen goals, before teaming up with Los Angeles Aztecs in 1975 and playing in the summer months and coming back to play with Southport in the League season. Sibbald did not make much of an impression at Elland Road but rubbed shoulders with some of the all-time greats in the NASL, playing in the same side as Johann Cruyff and George Best. After leaving Southport in June 1977, he played a few games for Witton Albion and then he stayed with Los Angeles and in 1980 he was appointed Assistant Coach to the Aztecs. It was reported that he was still living in America and had enjoyed a big win in the US Lottery.