 A falling out with star wing halves Jimmy Hill and Ron Greenwood towards the end of 1951 saw the Bees' form tail off, with the club finishing the 1951–52 season in 10th place, after challenging for promotion in mid-season.Gibbons resigned in August 1952 and was replaced by his assistant, Jimmy Bain.Gibbons took over as manager of Belgian club Daring Club Bruxelles in 1953 and won the 1954–55 Second Division championship with the club.