Former Rangers goalkeeper Billy Thomson dies aged 64

It has been announced this morning that he has died, aged 64.

Thomson was a very well-known figure in Scottish football.

During his playing days, he featured for Partick Thistle, St Mirren, Dundee United, Motherwell, Rangers and Dundee.

Thomson would be inducted into the Dundee United hall of fame after well over 230 appearances for the Tannadice club.

He started between the sticks for the Tangerines in the 1987 UEFA Cup final, as well as two Scottish Cup finals during some of the best years of the club's history.

A Dundee United statement reads: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of former player and Hall of Fame inductee Billy Thomson at the age of 64.

"Joining in 1984, Billy faced the unenviable tasking of taking over the gloves from Hamish McAlpine. 

"A first-team regular until 1991, the goalkeeper made over 200 appearances for United, including being part of the squad that went all the way to the UEFA Cup Final in '87.

"Everyone at Dundee United would like to extend their condolences to Billy's family and friends."

The goalkeeper earned seven full caps for Scotland. He gained coaching experience at two of his former clubs in the shape of Dundee and Rangers.

Thomson was also very well regarded at Kilmarnock, where he coached between 2007 and 2021. He was clearly a popular figure among players at Rugby Park over the 14-year period, with fans also fond of him.

He left after the club's relegation. He then joined up with Jamie Hamill at Stanraer, becoming their goalkeeping coach that June.

After working as Steve Clarke's keeper guru at Killie, the former Chelsea defender then drafted Thomson in to the national team backroom staff for a brief spell in 2019. 

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