9th tier club Wythenshawe FC surprise fans with the signing of a former Premier League and EFL player in Darron Gibson.
Their TikTok video went on to get over 700,000 views at the time of writing, letting fans guess who their latest addition is.
The squad walked out ahead of kick off, with the 37 year old spotted in the line-up ready to play for the North West Counties League Premier Division outfit.
He has so far made just the one appearance, a 3-1 victory against AFC Liverpool, Gibson was subbed off mid-way through.
Wythenshawe currently sit 4th in the table with 28 points from 13 games played, and 3 points from league leaders Padiham.
@wythenshawefc Anyone spot a new, ex premier league signing? #wythenshawefc #footballtiktok #premierleague #footballvideo #football ♬ sonido original – Melómano
It less than a year after he opened up on his addiction to sleeping pills and a seizure which nearly killed him
He shared his struggle with sleeping pill addiction, triggered by a 2013 knee injury that led to insomnia and dependency, worsened by alcohol.
His career was hampered by injuries and addiction, and a near-fatal seizure three years ago while watching a Manchester derby.
With his wife’s support and therapy, he overcame addiction, and retired from professional football in 2021, and now focuses on raising awareness and being a stay-at-home dad.
The seizure, caused by taking 18 sleeping tablets, was a wake-up call, with his wife Danielle initially fearing he had died.
This event, coupled with her ultimatum, prompted Gibson to seek therapy and confront his addiction.
Retiring from professional football back in 2021 due to injury fears and mental health concerns, he now focuses on raising awareness about medication dependency and mental health, while embracing life as a stay-at-home dad.
With his wife’s support and therapy, Gibson has turned his life around, training regularly and prioritising his family.
More recently, Darron has been playing at many a golf course, appearing at Wythenshawe matches, turned out in a football match for Everton legends, took part in the Masters Football event for Man Utd and Everton in Manchester, was part of the Manchester United Foundation team against Celtic in Glasgow for a special cause, and has spent quality time watching his young son Reggie play at grassroots level.
On his day out at Everton’s new stadium, he said: “Thank you @everton for having me play in the legends game at the new stadium yesterday. Even though i played right back, unreal set of lads, unbelievable stadium, unbelievable day! ❤️”
Darron Gibson opens up on his addiction to sleeping pills and a seizure which nearly killed him
HIS CAREER:
Youth2003–2004 – Institute2004–2005 – Manchester United
Senior2005–2012 – Manchester United – 60 games (10 goals)2006–2007 → Royal Antwerp (loan) – 33 games (1 goal)2007–2008 → Wolverhampton Wanderers (loan) – 24 games (1 goal)2012–2017 – Everton – 69 games (2 goals)2017–2018 – Sunderland – 30 games (0 goals)2018–2019 – Wigan Athletic – 18 games (0 goals)2020–2021 – Salford City – 10 games (0 goals)Total – 245 games (14 goals)
International2003 – Republic of Ireland U17 – 3 games (0 goals)2005 – Republic of Ireland U19 – 9 games (1 goal)2007–2008 – Republic of Ireland U21 – 2 games (0 goals)2006 – Republic of Ireland B – 1 games (0 goals)2007–2016 – Republic of Ireland – 27 games (1 goal)
Honours
Manchester UnitedPremier League: 2010–11Football League Cup: 2008–09, 2009–10FIFA Club World Cup: 2008
Republic of IrelandNations Cup: 2011
IndividualJimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year: 2005–06FAI Young International Player of the Year: 2009FAI International Goal of the Year: 2011 vs. Wales
Darron Gibson spoke in an interview with The42 last year, saying he is sober, open about his past, and focused on being present for his family while acknowledging regrets.
But today, he finds joy in simple acts like the school run and sharing his story to help others, while making aware the dangers of sleeping pills and the importance of openness over secrecy.
“I’m not hiding. Sometimes you don’t want to say stuff out loud and be vulnerable. It’s hard to do it but Danielle and the kids help every day.
“That is why I am doing this. I am just a lot more content now as a person than I ever was playing football.”
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