Former Swansea City defender Max Thompson has died at the age of 66.
The defender spent two years at the Vetch Field under boss John Toshack before leaving for AFC Bournemouth in 1983, and was part of the side which defied all expectations to finish sixth in the old First Division in 1982.
Thompson made 26 appearances in total for the Swans, netting two goals, including a memorable strike against Arsenal at the Vetch in 1981.
Thompson started his career at Liverpool in 1973, and became the Reds' youngest ever senior player when he made his debut under Bill Shankly at the age of 17 years and 129 days. It was a record which stood until 2010.
They said: "Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former player Max Thompson. Thompson, once the Reds' youngest ever player, has sadly passed away at the age of 66. The Liverpool-born defender joined the club as an apprentice before being rewarded with a professional contract.
"At the age of 17 years and 129 days, Thompson was handed his senior debut by Bill Shankly with a start in the final game of the 1973-74 season, a 1-1 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur. That club record would stand until May 2010 when Jack Robinson appeared as a 16-year-old in a Premier League fixture with Hull City."
In a statement of their own, Swansea said: "Swansea City is saddened to learn of the passing of Max Thompson. Everyone at the club sends their sincerest condolences to Max's family and friends at this sad time."
Thompson also enjoyed spells at Blackpool, Port Vale, Newport County, Caernarfon, Fleetwood and Southport, as well as clubs in Portugal and the United States.
