Eric Hibberd
Posted by Brian Spurrell on 21 March 2023
Erith & Belvedere FC are very sorry to hear of the death of former Deres right-back Eric HIbberd on Sunday 19 March. Eric made 108 appearances plus 1 sub for the Deres from 1964-67.
He signed from Sheppey United in summer 1964 and debuted at centre-half in the opening-day 7-1 defeat at Slough Town on 22 August 1964 (the day of the first “Match of the Day”). He moved to his usual right-back berth for the next game and remained there until Christmas 1965, apart from a spell in hospital after a clash of heads with a Sutton United player in an FA Cup tie. During this period he played for the Kent county side alongside Colin Johnson.
Eric was replaced at right-back by John Brooks for the latter half of 1965-66 but returned to form a full-back partnership with him, missing only a handful of games in 1966-67 and winning the Kent Amateur Cup against Bexley. His only goals for Deres came in pre-season friendlies in 1966. He made two final appearances at the start of 1967-68 before moving on to Swanley, with whom he won another Kent Amateur Cup.
Before a spell in the RAF, Eric had previously been a racing cyclist in the 50s with Cambrian Wheelers, based in Woolwich, and specialised in 25-mile time trials.
We hope to have details of Eric's funeral soon. His wake will take place at Park View Road on a date to be confirmed.
