How did Billy Thomson die? Former Dundee United goalkeeper cause of death explained

Billy Thomson, a former goalie for Scotland, has sadly passed away. Let’s see, how did the goalkeeper die and Billy Thomson cause of death in detail.

How did Billy Thomson die?

Billy Thomson, a famous goalkeeper from Scotland was no more. It was revealed that he had died this morning at the age of 64.

Thomson was a well-known Scottish football figure. He played for Partick Thistle, St. Mirren, Dundee United, Motherwell, Rangers, and Dundee during his playing career.

A Dundee United released a statement on his passing and it 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.”

Who was Billy Thomson?

William Marshall Thomson, a Scottish goalkeeper was born on 10 February 1958. In two Scottish Cup finals and the 1987 UEFA Cup Final, he represented Dundee United.

Between 1980 and 1983, he played for Scotland in seven full international matches.

Thomson made well over 230 appearances for the Tannadice club before being inducted into the Dundee United Hall of Fame.

During some of the best years in the club’s history, he started in goal for the Tangerines in the 1987 UEFA Cup final and two Scottish Cup finals.

Partick Thistle:

Thomson began playing professionally with Partick Thistle. The youthful player received first-team experience in League Cup and Glasgow Cup contests and was well-rated.

He also earned Scotland’s first two under-21 caps. A £50,000 offer was made for him in August 1978. Thistle agreed to the offer. He served as Alan Rough’s back up there for just one league game.

St. Mirian

The 20-year-old was acquired by Jim Clunie for St Mirren in August 1978 for £50,000. He spent six seasons with the Paisley club, appearing 317 times for the first squad.

His League Cup debut came against Dumbarton. He made it onto the Scotland team and went on to win seven full caps while playing for the Saints.

Thomson had success at the club level and is notably renowned for his UEFA Cup saves of AS Saint-Étienne players Laurent Roussey and Johnny Rep.

St. Mirren penalized him during the 1983–84 season for making disparaging comments about the pay and working conditions.

Thomson would never play for Saints, according to Alex Miller, who was the manager and he was sold for £75,000.

Dundee United:

In 1984, he joined Dundee United under Jim McLean, and he covered for Hamish McAlpine during the first season.

In the 1984–85 season, Thomson was the top pick. By the end of September, McAlpine had re-established himself on the team.

Following McAlpine’s injury in October 1985, Thomson took over in goal and remained the first choice until the early 1990s.

United reached the 1986–1987 UEFA Cup final. In the quarterfinals, they overcame Terry Venables’ FC Barcelona team, which included Gary Lineker and Mark Hughes, both at home and away.

In the second leg of the semifinals against Borussia Mönchengladbach, they handed the opposition its first home loss in Europe in 55 games.

In the championship game against Göteborg, Thomson needed five stitches for a wound immediately behind his left ear after getting hurt diving at Lennart Nilsson’s foot five minutes into the first leg.

According to some reports, Thomson nearly lost an ear. However, Thomson fended off every assault and was only defeated once, when Stefan Pettersson scored.

Thomson’s performance was “magnificent,” according to McLean. Despite Clark scoring in the decisive leg of the 1-1 tie at Tannadice, United fell short 2-1 overall.

In 1987 and 1988, Thomson participated in two consecutive Scottish Cup Finals for United, but both ended in tight losses (the first to former club St Mirren).

With a 3-2 victory over Dundee in the 1987 semifinal, Thomson made a number of saves. Later in his playing career, Thomson moved from Dundee United to Motherwell in 1991 for a cost of £50,000.

He spent three years with the Steelmen, taking Ally Maxwell’s spot before Sieb Dijkstra replaced him.

He moved to Rangers at the age of 36 and spent two years there as Andy Goram’s backup keeper.

International career:

On May 16, 1980, in Belfast, Thomson made his full debut for Scotland against Northern Ireland.

Due to a goal by Billy Hamilton, Scotland lost 1-0. During this time, Thomson was typically Alan Rough’s backup goalie.

His ensuing two appearances both came against Northern Ireland (the middle of the three was a 1982 FIFA World Cup qualifier and not the Home Internationals).

Thomson participated in the last qualifier in Lisbon against Portugal because Scotland had already qualified for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Despite Paul Sturrock scoring the first goal, Scotland fell short 2-1.

Thomson was left out of Jock Stein’s finals squad, which included Rough, George Wood, and an uncapped Jim Leighton.

His fifth appearance came in a scoreless Home International game against Northern Ireland. He also took part in a 2-0 victory over Canada in Vancouver.

His seventh and last appearance was in a dead rubber as Scotland’s dismal UEFA Euro 1984 qualification campaign came to an end. In Halle, they fell to East Germany 2-1; Eamonn Bannon scored Scotland’s goal.

Thomson returned to coaching at Dundee after his retirement.

Billy Thomson cause of death:

Billy Thomson cause of death was not revealed yet. At this point, it is unknown precisely what led to his death apart from the confirmation of his death and the exact cause of the death of Billy Thomson was not released as well.

In order to learn more about Billy Thomson death, we are attempting to get in touch with his friends and family. This section will be updated as soon as we learn any new information.

Tributes to Billy Thomson:

Pie & Bovril tweeted,

Sad to read this morning that Billy Thomson has passed away aged just 64. First goalkeeper I really remember watching as a boy at St.Mirren, with him and Campbell Money competing for the No 1 jersey. RIP Billy.

Rangers Football Club tweeted,

All at Rangers Football Club were saddened to learn that former player and goalkeeping coach, Billy Thomson, has passed away at the age of 64. The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with Billy’s family and friends at this difficult time.

SMFC 1877 Club posted,

Really sad news today that former Saints keeper and Anglo Scottish Cup Winner Billy Thomson has passed away age 64. Our thoughts are with his family from the St.Mirren family at this time. RIP.

The Dode Fox Podcast posted,

Sad news this morning that DUFC Hall of Famer Billy Thomson has passed away. We spoke to him a few months back and he was in great form, funny, informative and had a smile on his face. Our love and thoughts to his wife Louise and his family at this time.

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