Gribben: William Howat (Bill)

1928-1928 (Player Details)

Centre Half

Born: Glasgow: 28-10-1906

Debut v Blackburn Rovers (a): 08-12-1928

Height&Weight: Unknown

Gribben rose from obscurity to deputise for Ernie Hart in 1928-29. "He started with Beeston Hill Parish Church and represented the F.A. XI against the Army at York on 12th December 1925. The Army team included several amateur internationals and it was no surprise when they won 9-0. It is thought that he also appeared for Yorkshire Amateurs in the 1925-26 season. He played regularly for Castleford Town in the Yorkshire League in the 1926-27 and it was then that he came to the attention of Leeds United. He joined Leeds on 25th August 1927, having had trials with the reserves. He played his first game for them, coincidently against his former team, Castleford Town, in a friendly a few days later and continued to play on a regular basis for the Leeds Reserve team in the 1927-28 season." (Information kindly supplied by Neil Roche). His debut against the F.A. Cup holders came on the same day as George McNestry’s first appearance. With Ernie Hart firmly in possession of the Centre Half spot, he joined Harrogate AFC in 1929 and while there represented the Yorkshire League XI against the Leeds League. He died in 1969.