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Tony Hibbert
Tony Hibbert
from Wikipedia

Anthony James Hibbert (born 20 February 1981) is an English former professional footballer. A one-club man for his entire career, coupled with his down-to-earth demeanour, Hibbert earned a cult hero status among Everton fans.

Key Information

Originally a midfielder, Hibbert converted to play at right-back. He spent his entire professional career with Everton, having joined the club in 1991. He made his senior debut for Everton in 2001, and went on to make 328 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Club career

[edit]

Hibbert was born in Liverpool and brought up in Huyton.[4] Growing up as an Everton supporter, Hibbert joined the club as a boy.[5] He was a member of the Everton youth team that won the FA Youth Cup in 1998 beating Blackburn Rovers 5–3 on aggregate.[6] Three years later, he made his first-team debut for the club in a Premier League match against West Ham United on 31 March 2001,[6] in which a high challenge from Stuart Pearce into Hibbert's chest saw Everton earn a penalty.[7]

In the 2002–03 season, in the wake of an injury to fellow right-back Steve Watson, Hibbert became a regular member of the Everton first team. The Actim Index rated him the best English right-back in the 2004–05 season.[8]

He missed the end of the 2005–06 season with a hernia problem and his preparations for the 2006–07 season were hampered after he was infected by cryptosporidium parasite.[9] Hibbert's 2006–07 season was seriously disrupted by injury. He again played regularly in the 2007–08 and the 2008–09 seasons.

At the start of the 2010–11 season, Hibbert was Everton's longest-serving player,[7] the only player who had been at the club throughout the entire reign of former manager David Moyes,[5] and had appeared in more competitive European games than any other Everton player.[10] In addition, he had not scored in a competitive game during his professional career.[11] Alongside his commitment to the club, the goal drought contributed to his cult hero status among Everton fans, to the extent that a banner reading "If Hibbert Scores, We Riot" was displayed at the 2009 FA Cup semi-final.[12]

Hibbert was awarded a testimonial match for Everton following 10 years of service. The match was played on 8 August 2012 against Greek side AEK Athens, the team against whom Hibbert made his eighteenth appearance in all European competitions for Everton, equalling a club record.[13] Hibbert scored Everton's fourth goal, a free kick, in a 4–1 win prompting a pitch invasion.[14]

Hibbert's 2012–13 season was littered with injuries. In the early part of the season he suffered neck and calf injuries which kept him out of action until November.[15] He only returned for a few games before a recurrence of the calf injury forced him to have surgery which meant he did not play again until he came on as a substitute in Everton's final home game of the season.[16] The match was manager David Moyes' last home game in charge of the side following his decision to end his 11-year reign to join Manchester United. Hibbert's appearance meant that he was the only remaining player at the club who had featured in Moyes' first squad.[17]

The form of Séamus Coleman who was later named the club's 2013–14 Player of the Season kept Hibbert out of the first team to such an extent that he only made one league appearance during the campaign.[6] Despite his limited first-team opportunities, manager Roberto Martínez said he was ready to offer a new deal to Hibbert.[18] In July 2014, he signed a two-year contract with the club.[19][20]

Hibbert saw very little gametime come his way over the following two seasons. At the end of the 2015–16 season he was released by the club after 25 years, of which 18 were as a professional Everton player.[21] He announced his retirement shortly afterwards.

In April 2017 he joined amateur side Hares FC in the Skelmersdale Sunday league and continued the next season.[22] After moving to France following the end of his professional playing career, Hibbert registered as a veteran player with amateur club ES Louzy in November 2021.[23]

International career

[edit]

Hibbert was called up to the England under-21 team in October 2002 for games against Slovakia and Macedonia but he did not play in either game due to a hamstring injury.

Personal life

[edit]

Hibbert was the victim of a high-profile burglary in 2006.[24] In 2013, he purchased a 33-acre French carp fishery on the outskirts of Reims called Lac de Premiere.[25]

Career statistics

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[26]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Everton 2000–01 Premier League 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
2001–02 Premier League 10 0 1 0 1 0 12 0
2002–03 Premier League 24 0 0 0 1 0 25 0
2003–04 Premier League 25 0 3 0 3 0 31 0
2004–05 Premier League 36 0 1 0 3 0 40 0
2005–06 Premier League 29 0 4 0 1 0 4[a] 0 38 0
2006–07 Premier League 13 0 0 0 0 0 13 0
2007–08 Premier League 24 0 1 0 2 0 7[b] 0 34 0
2008–09 Premier League 17 0 6 0 0 0 1[b] 0 24 0
2009–10 Premier League 20 0 1 0 2 0 7[c] 0 30 0
2010–11 Premier League 20 0 1 0 1 0 22 0
2011–12 Premier League 32 0 2 0 2 0 36 0
2012–13 Premier League 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 0
2013–14 Premier League 1 0 2 0 1 0 4 0
2014–15 Premier League 4 0 0 0 1 0 4[c] 0 9 0
2015–16 Premier League 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Career total 265 0 22 0 18 0 23 0 328 0
  1. ^ Two appearances in UEFA Champions League qualifying and two appearances in the UEFA Cup.
  2. ^ a b Appearances in the UEFA Cup.
  3. ^ a b Appearances in the UEFA Europa League.

Honours

[edit]

Everton Youth

Everton

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Anthony James Hibbert (born 20 February 1981), known as Tony Hibbert, is an English former professional footballer who played as a right-back for Everton in the throughout his entire senior career. Born in , he joined the Everton academy as a youth player in 1991 and converted from midfield to defence during his development. Hibbert made 328 appearances for the club across all competitions between his debut in 2001 and his retirement in 2016, scoring no goals but providing 11 assists while contributing to 71 clean sheets in the alone. Hibbert's professional breakthrough came on 31 March 2001, when he made his full debut in a 2–0 away victory over West Ham United, during which he won a penalty for Everton. He became a regular starter from the 2002–03 season onward, known for his tenacious tackling and defensive reliability, though his crossing and passing were occasional criticisms. As a one-club man, he featured in European competitions, including the UEFA Cup and Champions League qualifiers, and captained the side in a 2009–10 Europa League match against BATE Borisov. Hibbert received a in 2012 against AEK Athens, where he scored his only career goal from a , before being released at the end of the 2015–16 season. On the international stage, Hibbert earned a call-up to the under-21 team in October 2002 for matches against and , though he did not feature due to injury. Earlier in his youth career, he was part of Everton's FA Youth Cup-winning squad, marking the start of his lifelong association with the club. Hibbert's loyalty and consistency made him a fan favorite at , where he remains one of the longest-serving players in modern Everton history.

Early life and youth career

Early years in Liverpool

Anthony James Hibbert was born on 20 February 1981 in , . Raised in , , in a working-class family in the Liverpool suburbs, he was immersed from childhood in the city's fervent football culture, marked by the intense between local clubs Everton and . His father, Paul Hibbert, was a respected amateur boxer at St Aloysius gym in , and the young Hibbert discovered his father's trophies stored in the loft, fostering an early appreciation for athletic dedication. Hibbert developed a passion for football in his early years, influenced by the pervasive local enthusiasm for the sport. Despite growing up near , he became a devoted Everton supporter and attended matches at as a child. He initially played as a in informal settings before transitioning to more structured training. At age 10, Hibbert joined the Everton youth , beginning his formal development with the club.

Everton academy development

Hibbert joined Everton's academy in 1991 at the age of 10, drawn to the club as a lifelong fan from his hometown of . As a promising young talent, he progressed through the youth ranks over the next several years, benefiting from the structured development program at that emphasized tactical discipline and technical proficiency for aspiring professionals. Initially playing as a , Hibbert underwent a positional shift to right-back during his academy tenure, a change guided by youth coaches who recognized his potential in defensive roles. This transition honed his abilities in marking opponents, intercepting passes, and delivering precise crosses from the flank, transforming him into a versatile defender suited for senior-level demands. The adaptation proved pivotal, allowing him to contribute effectively in youth matches while building the physicality and positioning essential for the position. One of the highlights of Hibbert's academy career came in the 1997–98 season when he was selected for the Everton under-18s squad that clinched the . The team overcame Rovers in the two-legged final, securing a 3–1 victory in the first leg at before drawing 2–2 in the return fixture at , resulting in a 5–3 aggregate triumph. Hibbert's involvement in this successful campaign, alongside future first-team colleagues like and , underscored his growing reputation within the club's youth setup as a reliable and competitive performer. In June 1999, at the age of 18, Hibbert signed his first professional contract with Everton, a three-year agreement that marked his transition from academy prospect to contracted player. He continued to feature prominently for the youth and reserve sides in the following seasons, gaining valuable experience in competitive fixtures and preparing for eventual integration into the senior squad. This period solidified his commitment to the club, where he remained a key figure in the developmental pathway until his first-team opportunities arose.

Professional club career

Breakthrough at Everton (2001–2005)

Tony Hibbert made his senior debut for Everton on 31 March 2001, coming on as a substitute in a 2–0 away victory over West Ham United, where he won a penalty that led to the second goal after being fouled by defender , who was sent off. Originally developed as a in the Everton academy, Hibbert adapted to the right-back position during his early senior outings, showcasing tenacity in defensive duels that began earning him recognition among fans. In the 2001–02 season, Hibbert's opportunities were limited to 10 appearances, primarily as a substitute, due to established squad members like occupying the right-back role under manager . Following ' appointment in March 2002, Hibbert gradually integrated into the first team, making 24 league appearances in 2002–03 as he solidified his defensive contributions amid Everton's battle against relegation. Hibbert's breakthrough came in the 2003–04 season, where he established himself as a regular starter with 25 appearances, providing reliable cover and overlapping runs that supported Everton's push for mid-table security under Moyes' tactical setup. By the 2004–05 campaign, he featured in all 36 league matches, contributing to the team's improved stability and a seventh-place finish, while his no-nonsense defending and work rate fostered growing support from Everton supporters, who appreciated his one-club loyalty and gritty performances. Over this period from 2001 to 2005, Hibbert accumulated 98 appearances, marking his transition from fringe player to key squad member.

Peak years and injuries (2006–2012)

During the 2006–07 season, Hibbert faced significant challenges from a injury that sidelined him for up to two months, limiting his appearances to 13 across all competitions despite his push to regain a starting role at right-back. He returned progressively, contributing to Everton's defensive efforts with his characteristic solidity in tackling and positioning, which helped the team finish in the upper half of the . From the 2007–08 season onward, Hibbert established himself as a regular starter, featuring in 35 matches across all competitions that year, including Cup group stage games where his reliable defending anchored the backline. His consistency continued into 2008–09, with 24 total appearances, during which he played a key role in Everton's run to the ; Hibbert started in the 0–0 draw (4–2 on penalties) semi-final win over Manchester United and featured in the final loss to Chelsea by the same scoreline at . Known for his no-nonsense defending, particularly in set-piece situations where he excelled at marking and clearances, Hibbert made league appearances between 2006 and 2009, embodying the defensive resilience that defined ' Everton sides. Hibbert's peak form persisted through 2009–10 and 2010–11, where he logged 30 and 23 appearances respectively across all competitions, including qualifiers and group stages, often praised by manager for his unwavering loyalty and team-first mentality, with Moyes noting that Hibbert "bleeds blue blood" in recognition of his long-service commitment. However, emerging injury concerns began to surface, including a groin strain in 2009–10 that kept him out for nearly a month, and recurring muscle issues that affected his availability in subsequent seasons. By 2011–12, Hibbert had amassed approximately 126 league appearances over the six-year span from 2006–07, solidifying his status as a club stalwart, though a injury in late 2012 further hampered his rhythm heading into the next campaign. A highlight came on August 8, 2012, in his against AEK at , where Everton won 4–1; Hibbert marked the occasion by scoring his first-ever goal for the club via a stunning free-kick, sparking joyous pitch invasions from fans celebrating his decade-plus of service.

Decline and retirement (2013–2016)

Under Roberto Martínez's management in the 2013–14 season, Hibbert transitioned from a regular starter to a squad player, making 1 appearance in the (6 total across competitions), primarily as a substitute, due to increased competition from the established right-back . This shift marked the beginning of a decline in his first-team involvement, exacerbated by his age and the emergence of younger options in the squad. The following seasons brought further setbacks from injuries, building on his prior history of physical strains. In 2014–15, knee problems sidelined him for 451 days, restricting him to just four outings (9 total). His participation dwindled even more in 2015–16, with only one league appearance (4 total) amid ongoing recovery and limited opportunities. Hibbert's 25-year association with Everton, spanning from his academy days in 1991 to the end of his professional career, cemented his status as a one-club man, with 265 total appearances for the club. His contract was not renewed in June 2016, a decision he learned about indirectly through family members and the club's website announcement, rather than direct communication from the club. In subsequent interviews, Hibbert expressed surprise and disappointment at the abrupt nature of his release, describing it as a "" after his long service.

International career

Youth international call-ups

Hibbert received his first call-up to the England under-21 squad in October 2002 for qualifying matches against on 11 October and FYR Macedonia on 15 October, though he did not feature in either game due to a minor injury. As a promising product of Everton's academy, where he had developed since joining at age 10, Hibbert was seen as a potential right-back option for the youth team during this period. He earned additional call-ups to the U21 side the following year, including for the 5 2003 qualifier away to FYR Macedonia and the 9 home game against , but again remained an unused substitute without making an appearance. Overall, Hibbert accumulated no caps at the under-21 level despite these opportunities, with his involvement limited by the competitive depth in the position and his emerging role at club level. There were no recorded call-ups to other youth levels such as under-20, as his commitments with Everton's senior setup took precedence during his early professional years. The lack of senior exposure at Everton prior to his breakthrough in 2001–02 further constrained additional international youth considerations.

Senior international opportunities

Despite making 265 appearances in the for Everton between 2001 and 2016, Tony Hibbert never earned a senior international cap for . Hibbert's path to the senior team was blocked by intense competition at right-back, where established himself as the long-serving first-choice player and captain under managers and . Emerging talents like further limited opportunities, with the Manchester City defender receiving his first call-up in November 2006 and starting in Neville's place due to injury during a friendly against . During McClaren's era as England manager from 2006 to 2007, such prospects were derailed by injuries and a rare parasitic illness () that sidelined him for the opening matches of the 2006–07 season. His form dips in subsequent years, exacerbated by recurring injuries, ensured he remained on the fringes of national team consideration through 2008.

Post-retirement activities

Amateur football involvement

Following his retirement from professional football with Everton in 2016, Tony Hibbert made a brief return to the game at the level in by signing with Hares FC, a Sunday league team based in , near . The 36-year-old joined the unbeaten side in April, aiming to stay active and enjoy casual play without the pressures of professional competition. His debut match, however, ended in a loss for Hares FC, marking the end of their undefeated streak. In November 2021, after relocating , Hibbert registered as a veteran player with ES Louzy, an amateur club competing in the 10th tier of French football, located in the west of the country near and . He participated in occasional matches for the District D2 side, focusing on recreational involvement to maintain fitness and derive personal enjoyment from the . No significant goals or notable events were recorded from his time with ES Louzy beyond 2021, underscoring his low-key approach to amateur play.

Business and personal ventures

Following his retirement from professional football in 2016, Tony Hibbert focused on his longstanding interest in by managing Lac de Premiere, a 33-acre he purchased in 2013 in the village of Villiers-en-Prayères, northern . The venue, situated about two and a half hours south of , operates as a destination for anglers, featuring 80 swims, decked-out pegs, an on-site restaurant, and scenic gardens that support tourism-oriented experiences. Hibbert's passion for , which he nurtured during injury breaks and off-seasons throughout his Everton career, motivated the acquisition as a realization of a lifelong dream. After retiring, Hibbert dedicated significant time to the fishery's operations, including renovations to enhance its quality and appeal. In late 2017, he announced a temporary closure for the 2018 season to undertake improvements on the lakes and facilities, aiming to restore them to a high standard. The site reopened subsequently and remained active under his ownership as of 2023, with Hibbert occasionally present to engage with visitors and host informal fishing events, such as those featured in publications. He served as a director of the associated company, Lac de Premiere Limited, until 1 2024. In July 2025, Hibbert sold the fishery to the Love's group. Beyond the fishery, Hibbert has made occasional media appearances reflecting on his Everton career and club history, without pursuing formal roles. In July 2024, he participated as a guest in the Everton FC's Gwladys Street Presents: Cult Heroes event, sharing insights with fans. More recently, in October 2025, he provided an exclusive interview on the Everton fan channel Falcon Blues TV, discussing memorable matches like the 2005 Cup tie against . In November 2025, Hibbert appeared on the club's new matchday show, Dockside Live, where he commented on former manager ' strengths and Everton's tactical approaches. As of 2025, fan discussions in supporter communities have highlighted Hibbert's contributions, advocating for his induction into Everton's Hall of Fame, recognizing his 16-year tenure and loyalty to the club.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Tony Hibbert is married to his long-term partner . The couple has children, both born during Hibbert's professional playing career with Everton. Between June and October 2006, Hibbert's home was targeted in a while he and his family were away, as part of a series of thefts affecting footballers. Intruders stole valuables including jewellery and electrical goods worth £70,000, prompting the family to implement enhanced security measures thereafter. Throughout Hibbert's career, his family provided crucial support, with playing a key role in managing relocations and coping with the impacts of his frequent injuries.

Residence and lifestyle

In 2013, Tony Hibbert purchased the 33-acre Lac de Premiere carp fishery in the village of Villiers-en-Prayeres, near . Following his retirement from professional football in 2016, he relocated to rural to manage the property, seeking a quieter life away from the intensity of . He has maintained ties to through periodic visits, including a return to in 2022 for a tribute event honoring his career. Hibbert leads a low-profile existence in , largely avoiding the media spotlight and embracing a relaxed daily routine that contrasts sharply with his playing days. A dedicated fishing enthusiast, he frequently engages in the hobby at his commercially operated property, finding it a primary source of . As of 2025, Hibbert continues occasional participation in amateur and legends football matches, including an Everton legends fixture in July 2025, with no major health issues reported. In November 2025, Hibbert began hosting Everton's "Dockside Live" match day show from the new stadium, maintaining his connection to the club. Hibbert maintains minor involvement in Everton-related philanthropy, including appearances at club charity events that support youth football initiatives in Liverpool.

Legacy and statistics

Honours and achievements

Tony Hibbert began his association with Everton in 1991 as a youth player and remained with the club for his entire professional career, spanning 25 years until his release in 2016. This one-club man status, marked by 328 appearances across all competitions, underscored his loyalty and defensive reliability, earning him enduring appreciation from Everton supporters through chants celebrating his no-nonsense tackling style. At the youth level, Hibbert contributed to Everton's success in the 1997-98 , where the team defeated Blackburn Rovers 5-3 on aggregate to claim the title. Transitioning to senior football, he played a key role in several competitive campaigns, including Everton's run to the , where they finished as runners-up after a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at . Although Everton did not secure any major senior trophies during Hibbert's tenure, his contributions helped the team achieve consistent top-half finishes in the , including 4th place in 2004-05, 6th in 2006-07, 5th in 2007-08, and 5th in 2008-09. Individually, Hibbert's dedication was recognized with a in 2012 against AEK Athens, honoring his 10 years of service to the club, during which he scored his only career from a . His consistent performances at right-back solidified his reputation as a reliable defender, with fans launching campaigns for his induction into the Everton Hall of Fame, including nominations in fan-voted selections as early as 2017 and ongoing discussions into 2025.

Career statistics

Tony Hibbert's professional career was spent entirely with Everton, where he made 265 appearances in the , scoring 0 goals between 2001 and 2016. Across all competitions, including the , , and European tournaments, he accumulated 328 appearances and 0 goals, while providing 11 assists and contributing to 71 clean sheets in the alone. These figures are derived from official records maintained by the and up to his retirement in 2016, with no professional appearances thereafter. The following table provides a season-by-season breakdown of Hibbert's appearances and goals in the , supplemented by notable contributions in and European competitions where applicable:
SeasonPremier League Apps/GoalsTotal Apps/Goals (All Comps)Notes
2000–013/03/0Senior debut season
2001–0210/012/0
2002–0324/025/0
2003–0425/033/0
2004–0536/042/0
2005–0629/045/06 apps in UEFA Cup
2006–0713/018/0
2007–0824/028/0
2008–0917/025/0 appearance
2009–1020/032/0Europa League group stage
2010–1120/024/0
2011–1232/036/0
2012–136/015/0Injury-affected
2013–141/010/0
2014–154/08/0
2015–161/02/0Final season
Data compiled from official records and performance logs, cross-verified with archives. For instance, in the 2005 UEFA Cup campaign, Hibbert featured in 6 matches as Everton reached the final. Internationally, Hibbert earned no senior caps for despite opportunities during his peak years. He received a call-up to the England U21 squad in 2002 for qualifiers against and but made 0 appearances at that level.

References

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