Former Rangers and Partick Thistle goalkeeper Billy Thomson has sadly passed away at the age of 64.
The footballing legend started his pro career at Partick Thistle in 1975 and was understudy to Allan Rough before moving to St Mirren in 1978 for £50,000 - a remarkable fee for a 20-year-old reserve keeper at the time.
While in Paisley, he made his Scotland debut in 1980 and played seven times for his country between 1980 and 1983.
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Billy made the move from St Mirren to Dundee United in 1984 and started for the team at the 1987 UEFA cup, with United making it to the final, defeating Terry Venables' Barcelona side along the way.
He spent two years at Rangers later in his career in 1994 where he was backup to Andy Goram and made more than 500 appearances for various clubs. He later spent time time coaching with Dundee, Rangers and spent 13 years at Kilmarnock before joining Stranraer in 2021. He passes away aged 64 after 48 years of playing and coaching.
A Rangers FC statement shared to social media reads: "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."
St Mirren also shared a touching tribute: "St Mirren Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Billy Thomson at the age of 64.
"Billy joined St Mirren in August 1978 after being signed from Partick Thistle in 1978 by Jim Clunie. The goalkeeper would make 284 appearances in the Black and White and was a part of our memorable Anglo Scottish Cup winning side of 1980 before departing the club for Dundee United in 1984.
"Billy - alongside Iain Munro - holds the record for most senior Scottish caps while a St Mirren player, having represented Scotland on seven occasions.
"In May 2022, Billy took his rightful place in the St Mirren Hall of Fame.
"Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Billy at this sad time."
Football fans were quick to share their condolences in the comments, with one saying: "Gutted, I remember him really well, was the No.2 to Goram when I first started watching Rangers and was our goal keeping coach a good while back also. RIP Billy GBNF."
Another fan said: "Sad, only a young man. A great keeper in his day."
Partick Thistle added: "All at Partick Thistle were saddened to hear of the passing of former goalkeeper Billy Thomson at the age of just 64.
"Signed by Bertie Auld, Billy arrived at Firhill as a talented young goalkeeper.
"Our thoughts are with Billy’s family and friends at this sad time."
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