Ernest P Gillibrand |
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If one player has stood out amongst the many who have worn the Droylsden shirt down the years, then that one player must surely be Ernest P Gillibrand. Ernie Gillibrand, or ‘Gilly’ as he was more commonly known, was blessed with a gift for scoring goals, though that in itself is probably an understatement. In nine seasons playing in the Manchester League, Gillibrand scored no fewer than 540 goals, his average being 60 goals per season. Ernie was a prime favourite on Manchester League grounds, and was the idol of the Droylsden supporters. He stayed with Droylsden for four seasons, during which time he never missed a match. In all matches for the Market Street club he obtained the remarkable total of 275 goals. Gillibrand’s best season however was in 1929-30, when, playing for Hyde United in their last season in the Manchester League prior to joining the Cheshire League, he scored 87 goals, establishing a record for the Manchester League.
The gifted centre forward established another record on December 2nd 1934 when, in a league match against Denton United – one of his former clubs – he scored his 500th goal in the Manchester League. Gillibrand was showered with congratulations by all and sundry that day, not least the Denton United players and officials. It was an incredible achievement and was recognised as such by everybody on the ground. Droylsden FC obtained sanction from the Football Association for a benefit match and public testimonial on Gillibrand’s behalf in recognition of his unique performance.
The benefit match was held on Saturday, March 16th 1935 against New Mills at the Butchers’ Arms, whilst collections towards the Gillibrand fund had been taken at Droylsden’s previous two home matches. A variety concert was held at the Butchers’ Arms Hotel on March 27th, where Manchester City stars, Sam Cowan, Eric Brook and Fred Tilson were in attendance to see Ernest P Gillibrand presented with a cheque for £15 2s. 3d. - which was not an inconsiderable sum of money at that time. Gillibrand left Droylsden at the end of the 1935 season, joining Ashton National for one season before transferring his services to Stalybridge Celtic, where he was put in charge of the reserve team.