Billy Thomson: Former Rangers, Dundee United, Motherwell and St Mirren goalkeeper dies age 64

Tributes have been paid to former Scotland goalkeeper Billy Thomson who has died at the age of 64; he played in Dundee United’s 1987 Uefa Cup final loss; he also had spells at Rangers, Motherwell, St Mirren and Dundee

Former Scotland goalkeeper Billy Thomson has died at the age of 64.

He won seven international caps during his days with St Mirren, where he made over 280 appearances from 1978-84.

Thomson then moved on to Dundee United, playing in the 1987 Uefa Cup final loss to Gothenburg and was a runner-up in two Scottish Cup finals.

After a spell at Motherwell, he joined Rangers at the age of 36, spending two years as backup for Andy Goram, before ending his playing career at Dundee.

Having started coaching at Dens Park, he returned to Ibrox in 2001, spending six years working with the Rangers goalkeepers before a part-time switch to Kilmarnock.

A statement from United read: “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.”

Rangers added: “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.

“Billy Thomson, who enjoyed a fantastic playing career with the St Mirren, Motherwell and Dundee United – with whom he featured in the 1987 UEFA Cup Final. He was in the Rangers squad in the seasons 1994/95 and 1995/96, where he made seven appearances.

“He returned to Rangers as goalkeeping coach in the early 2000s, and worked with Stefan Klos, and current goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

“The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with Billy’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Motherwell paid their respects in a statement saying: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former goalkeeper Billy Thomson.

“Thomson made 59 appearances for Motherwell from 1991-1994.

“Prior to joining Motherwell, Thomson was part of the fondly remembered Dundee United side who defeated Terry Venables’ Barcelona side home and away in the quarter-finals of the 1986/87 UEFA Cup before they were defeated in the final by Gothenburg.

“He joined Stranraer in the summer of 2021 as their goalkeeping coach, where he has been working with young Motherwell stopper Matty Connelly who is at loan with the League Two side.

“The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Motherwell FC are with Billy’s family and close friends at this very sad time.”