Billy Stark last night led the tributes to goalkeeping great Billy Thomson as he remembered a shot-stopper signed by Jim McLean and capped by Jock Stein.
Scottish football reacted with sadness yesterday morning as news broke the St Mirren, Dundee United and Motherwell legend had died after a short illness, aged 64. Thomson started his career at Partick Thistle before joining St Mirren for a six-year stint during which he also made seven appearances for Stein’s Scotland side.
Stark was his room-mate during his early days in Paisley and recalled a gentle giant who helped Saints reach new heights in the 80s. The former Scotland Under-21 boss told Record Sport : “I was so saddened to hear the news this morning. First of all, big Billy was a great guy. He was such a laid-back character, not your typical mad goalkeeper! I roomed with him when we first signed him from Thistle and what struck me was just how calm he was for a goalie.
“He was so easy to get on with and became really popular in the dressing room. Goalies tend to take a bit of good-natured stick at times and I’ve seen a few react the wrong way but you could never rile big Billy.
“He was a tremendous keeper, so agile and good with the ball at his feet. He really did make our St Mirren side a better team. The fact he won seven caps for Scotland under Jock Stein while playing for a club like St Mirren speaks volumes.”
Thomson joined McLean’s Tannadice squad in 1984 and was in goal when they made it all the way to the final of the UEFA Cup three years later. Stark added: “To have big Jock and wee Jim rate you so highly says everything about your ability.”
There was disappointment for Thomson in that Euro showpiece as Gothenburg foiled United’s dreams. Thomson was also in goal as United came up short in successive Scottish Cup finals but his performances on Tayside earned him a place in the club’s hall of fame.
The club said: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Billy. We’d like to extend our condolences to Billy’s family and friends.”
