In Memory of Frank Sibley
Frank was born in Uxbridge on 4th December 1947.
After Derek Healy had spotted him playing for the NW Middlesex Schoolboys, Frank became an apprentice at Loftus Road.
It wasn’t long before he made the first team, which came as a 15-year-old in a League Cup tie at Aldershot on 4th September 1963.
Frank went on to make his league debut later that season on 10th March at Bristol City, aged just 16 years and 97 days.
He became the Club’s first substitute on 2nd October 1965 at the Old Den, when he replaced Johnny Collins. This was, incidentally, my first visit there and I can still see Mick Leach’s goal in my mind’s eye.
Frank’s first goal for the R’s came later that month in the home game against Walsall on the 30th.
In March 1966, I remember seeing Frank and also Tony Hazell playing for an England Youth X1 side against the QPR U19’s at Loftus Road.
Frank was a member of the 1967 League Cup winning side and a regular for the first team that historic season.
The team flew out to Spain in the summer, but Frank was injured in the first game against Jaen. This led to him having a cartilage removed.
But he forced his way back and got to play in the home game against Millwall in October, but further knee problems reduced Frank to just six league and cup appearances during that 1967/68 season.
At the time Frank recalled: “I went regularly to the specialist and he told me that the injury would cut short my career. Still, I got fit again, following encouragement from Bill Dodgin and the Chairman – but the team were playing so well, that I couldn’t get my place back.”
However, Frank did manage 27 appearances in the Club’s first ever season in the top division.
He went on to make 168 appearances and his final one came on 23rd March 1971 against Norwich City at Loftus Road.
On 12th December 1972, Frank was afforded a Testimonial against Manchester City.
His involvement with the Club didn’t end there though as Frank had various coaching roles over the years and included two stints as manager during 1977/78 and also the 1984/85 season.
He was appointed manager of Walsall in February 1979 when he replaced Alan Ashman.
In later years Frank scouted for Watford.
He dabbled in buying and selling antiques and collectables and I recall seeing him at various car boot sales.
Frank was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2004 and news emerged last month that he had sadly passed away on the 10th May.
Rest in Peace Frank…and thanks.
Steve Russell