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.
