It may seem unthinkable in the modern game for a player to spend a 19-year career at one club but plenty of professionals today would benefit from taking a leaf out of Nigel Gibbs’ book.

One of the biggest success stories of the Vicarage Road youth system during the golden era under Graham Taylor, the St Albans-born right-back made his debut in the UEFA Cup defeat to Sparta Prague in November 1983 and played his final game in another 3-2 loss at the hands of Gillingham in April 2002.

In between times, Gibbs made more league and cup appearances for Watford than any other player in the club’s history except Luther Blissett, and would have likely far surpassed the striker’s record were it not for serious injury, cementing his status as one of the club’s greatest ever players.

Watford Observer: The right-back looks to beat an opponent.The right-back looks to beat an opponent. (Image: Watford Observer)

Here are ten pictures from our archive you may not have seen for some time to enjoy of the Vicarage Road legend in action again.

Watford Observer: Gibbs was able to celebrate scoring seven times in his Watford career.Gibbs was able to celebrate scoring seven times in his Watford career. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The young Hornets defender pays a visit to The Q ClubThe young Hornets defender pays a visit to The Q Club (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Slowing the game down.Slowing the game down. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Getting a foot in.Getting a foot in. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Gibbs doesn't appear to share Kevin Miller's amusement.Gibbs doesn't appear to share Kevin Miller's amusement. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The defender plays in a cross.The defender plays in a cross. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Gibbs passes the ball while being tackled.Gibbs passes the ball while being tackled. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Pointing the way to go.Pointing the way to go. (Image: Watford Observer)