John Gidman (born 10 January 1954) is an English former footballer who played for Aston Villa, Everton, Manchester United, Manchester City, Stoke City and Darlington. Gidman was a product of the Liverpool and Aston Villa youth systems. He represented England at youth, under-23, B international and senior levels.
Career Gidman played for the Liverpool youth team without ever playing for their first team, before he joined Aston Villa in 1971, playing in his first season in their youth side that won the 1972 FA Youth Cup, beating his former side Liverpool in the final. He was later a member of the 1977 League Cup winning side. In August 1979 Gidman demanded better terms, despite two years remaining on his existing contract; Ron Saunders agreed that he could leave the club.Lacey, David, Everton protest, The Guardian; 13 August 1979 He was subsequently signed by Everton for £650,000 in a deal which saw midfielder Pat Heard move the other way at a valuation of £100,000.The Guardian, Clough apology to directors, 19 October 1979
Gidman then became Manchester United's new manager Ron Atkinson's first signing as he moved to United in 1981 as part of a £450,000 swap deal, with Mickey Thomas moving to Everton. He helped United win the FA Cup in 1985. After scoring 4 goals in 120 appearances for United (including 4 substitute appearances), he left the club for rivals Manchester City in 1986. During his two seasons at City, the club was relegated to the Second Division. He then moved to Stoke City and Darlington, and retired after seeing his final club relegated to the Football Conference in 1989.
Gidman made his solitary appearance for England in March 1977 against Luxembourg.
Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAston Villa1972–73Second Division1300030001601973–74Second Division3004000003401974–75Second Division1410030001711975–76First Division3902010204401976–77First Division27440100004141977–78First Division3411020704411978–79First Division3631030004031979–80First Division4000300070Total1979120250902439Everton1979–80First Division2916000003511980–81First Division351503100432Total6421103100783Manchester United1981–82First Division3711020004011982–83First Division30000000301983–84First Division40001030801984–85First Division2736010704131985–86First Division240201040310Total95490501401234Manchester City1986–87First Division2201010202601987–88Second Division311715120450Total531816140710Stoke City1988–89Second Division100002010130Darlington1988–89Fourth Division131000000131Career total4321740141228054120
A. The "Other" column constitutes appearances and goals in the FA Charity Shield, Full Members' Cup, Screen Sport Super Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.
International Source:
National teamYearAppsGoalsEngland197710Total10
Honours Aston Villa Football League Cup: 1976–77
Manchester United FA Cup: 1984–85
References
External links Profile at football-england.com John Gidman visits Obelisk