 As a player, Gilbert notably played for Grimsby Town and West Bromwich Albion.He also played in the Football League for Lincoln City, Scunthorpe United, Northampton Town and York City, as well as playing Non-League football for Boston United, Grantham Town, Spalding United and Lincoln United.Dave Gilbert began his career at his hometown club Lincoln City, where he made his first-team debut in the 1980–81 season.