Monday 10th August 2015
WILLIE GIBSON is used to things weighing on his mind early in the season.
Like where he’s going to be playing his football — only that led to him piling on the pounds.
Now he’s in shape — and has wasted no time in making Dumbarton a heavyweight in this season’s Championship.
The winger scored the winning goal in Saturday’s sensational 2-1 win over Hibernian, having enjoyed a full pre-season for the first time since 2012.
A loss of weight meant a gain in form at Stranraer last season — and Willie is already seeing the benefits.
He said: “I hadn’t had a pre-season in three years. I went to Celtic Nation in 2013 having held out for an offer elsewhere, as I wanted to stay in Scotland, but I did not feel I had an acceptable offer.
“Then in 2014 Celtic Nation went bust, so I ended up searching for another club well into the season again, and eventually joined Stranraer.
“I was straight into the team but because of the situation, it was hard for me to play and train three times a week and I knew there was more to come from me.
“The manager could see that and since then, I’ve lost 10 pounds in weight. It’s punishing, but you really feel the benefits. He’s asked me to do something and I’ve done it.”
As well as scoring the winner with a blistering free kick, Willie also set up the opening goal for Gregor Buchanan in Saturday’s victory.
He added: “The manager spoke about belief before the game. It’s a big word and you’ve got to have it out there to get the result.
“We know what the players are capable of here — it was all about believing we could do it.”
Article copyright of author. Not to be reproduced in any form without written permission.
Andy Galloway