William Albert Gilbert (born 10 November 1959) is an English former footballer, born in Lewisham, London, who made more than 400 appearances in the Football League playing as a defender for Crystal Palace, Portsmouth, Colchester United and Maidstone United.[4] He won 11 caps for England at under-21 level.[5]
Gilbert began his career at Terry Venables' Crystal Palace, winning the FA Youth Cup twice as part of the so-called "Team of the Eighties" as well as being a key fixture in the side that won promotion to the First Division.[6][7] Gilbert remained with Palace after their relegation back to the Second Division, winning the 1984 Player of the Year award in his final season at Selhurst Park.[8]
Gilbert then moved to Portsmouth, spending five years at Fratton Park before moving on again to Colchester United. He also spent a season at Maidstone United,[4] before playing non-league football for Havant Town, Whyteleafe and Waterlooville.[1] He managed Waterlooville for a time, then after their merger with Havant Town to form Havant & Waterlooville, he became player-manager of the merged club, leading them to the Southern League Southern Division title in his first season, before departing in 2000.[9][10]
