Rangers have paid tribute to former goalkeeper Billy Thomson, who has passed away aged 64.
The former player and coach's death was confirmed this morning by another of his former clubs, Dundee United.
Thomson, who won seven full Scotland international caps, also played for Partick Thistle, Dundee, St Mirren and Motherwell.
He later went on to have lengthy coaching spells with Rangers and Kilmarnock and was Stranraer’s goalkeeping coach this season.
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 have now 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."
Dundee wrote: "Everyone at Dundee Football Club are saddened to hear of the passing of former player and coach Billy Thomson. Our thoughts are with Billy's family and friends at this sad 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.
"Popular goalkeeper Ally Maxwell would be leaving Motherwell in 1991, with the club searching for a replacement between the sticks.
"Thomson signed from Dundee United for a fee of £50,000 as he battled it out with Sieb Dijkstra for the number one jersey at the club.
"Capped seven times for his country, he would move onto pastures new with Rangers in 1994 becoming the back up keeper behind the late, great Andy Goram.
"Finishing his playing days at Dundee, he would move into coaching becoming the goalkeeping coach at Rangers and Kilmarnock.
"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."
St Mirren added: "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."
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