Billy Thomson Player Profile

Timeline

• Date of Birth

  Billy was born on this date in Linwood.

  Monday, February 10th, 1958

• Signed For Dundee United

  Billy began his senior career with Partick Thistle in 1975 but found it difficult to displace their international goalkeeper Alan Rough, only playing four competitive matches – two against Dundee United in the League Cup – in his three years at Firhill. Capped at Under-21 level, he signed for St Mirren for £50,000 in August 1978, and was first choice keeper during his six seasons with the Buddies. He made his full Scotland debut against Northern Ireland in May 1980, winning the first of his seven international caps whilst at Love Street.

  Thursday, June 28th, 1984

• Debut - Dundee United 2 - 0 Hearts

  On one of the hottest opening days to the season for many a long day. United repeated their mid-week victory over Nottingham Forest, even down to Ralph Milne scoring both goals.

  Saturday, August 11th, 1984

• 50th Appearance - Aberdeen 0 - 1 Dundee United

  On a cruel night weather-wise, United continued their good record at Pittodrie and at the same time maintained their title hopes. Stuart Beedie instigated the first chance of the game when his angled pass found Richard Gough and the defender's cross was only just cleared from striker John Clark. Kevin Gallacher created a shooting opportunity for Ian Redford but Gunn parried his shot for a corner. A goal was only temporarily delayed, however, Paul Sturrock's cross was controlled by Richard Gough with his right, before he cracked in a sweetly-timed shot with his left from the edge of the box.

  Wednesday, April 16th, 1986

• 50th League Appearance - Dundee United 4 - 0 Motherwell

  Two own goals helped United to their biggest home win of the season so far. In the first half Iain Ferguson opened the scoring in the 24th minute, closely followed by United’s second when the first of the Own Goal’s was converted by John Philliben.

  Wednesday, October 8th, 1986

• 100th Appearance - Dundee United 1 - 1 Clydebank

  In conditions which starkly contrasted with the U.E.F.A. tie with Barcelona - bitterly cold and little atmosphere - we dropped our first ever League point to Clydebank at Tannadice. The visitor's received an early boost when Dave Narey was short with his pass back and Stuart Gordon nipped in to round Billy Thomson to score. Even before that, Iain Ferguson had gone close but it wasn't until four minutes before the interval that we equalised. Maurice Malpas was fouled on the left Paul Sturrock flighted in the free-kick which was headed in by Paul Hegarty, on his return from injury in typical fashion.

  Saturday, March 7th, 1987

• 100th League Appearance - Dundee United 1 - 3 Dundee

  We failed to narrow the gap between ourselves and Dundee as they opened up a five point gap over us in the chase for a U.E.F.A. Cup spot. Dundee got off to the perfect start with a goal in two minutes. Keith Wright got in a low cross which evaded Paul Hegarty's efforts to clear and Tommy Coyne steered the ball home from 12 yards. At the other end Jim McInally had a header saved by Geddes at the near post. Billy Thomson had to hastily advance far from goal to clear from Wright. A minute later he had to look lively to stop an Angus header. Gradually we stepped up the pressure as Gordon McLeod shot past after Mixu had created an opening. We drew level in 37 minutes. A Kevin Gallacher header was parried by Geddes but John Clark was on hand to net.

  Saturday, November 28th, 1987

• 200th Appearance - Dundee United 1 - 1 Aberdeen

  Normally New Firm encounters are a bit like chess matches, studious and thoughtful moves planned well in advance. Well this one didn't follow that familiar pattern as both sides fought out a good old fashioned Cup tie, in which apart from a brief spell in the first half, we almost completely dominated. Even against a howling wind and some heavy snow showers, we commanded play from the first whistle. Billy McKinlay, returning after a back injury, was heavily involved in the early play getting in a coupie of snap shots. Mixu Paatelainen then had a good shot well saved by Snelders, John Clark saw a volley blocked from a nod down by Mixu Paatelainen and all this after only seven minutes play! It took the Dons until the 20th minute to get near our goal, when Charlie Nicholas volleyed wide. Connor, Saturday's Aberdeen marksman then tested Billy Thomson, who turned his long range effort round the post. The United 'keeper then made a fine save at the second attempt from a dangerous Hewitt corner. At the other end Mixu Paatelainein found himself in space but Snelders made a fine save from his well struck shot.

  Wednesday, February 22nd, 1989

• Last Appearance - Dundee United 2 - 2 FH

  The lcelandic side came to Tannadice trailling by two goals and written off by almost everyone. By half-time they had wiped out the deficit and could easily have taken the lead after a first half which from a United viewpoint was best forgotten. Whilst we charged forward trying to score the goal that would kill the game, we left space at the back which combined with FH's shoot-onsight policy saw them bounce back into the game. Both Gislason and Marteinsson had sent in powerful shots which went wide of the target before Hordcur Magnusson their top scorer, was more successful. He sent in a raging shot from the edge of the box which Billy Thomson parried. However, the ball rose high into the air and came down to bounce into the back of the net. There was an even bigger shock for us nine minutes later. Kristján Gislason collected the ball on the edge of the box before hammering in a fierce angular drive into the top left hand corner of the far post. Even greater disaster may have befallen us had it not been for Marteinsson's poor finish in front of goal after Magnusson had played the ball into his path. Our best effort of that opening half came in the 34th minute when a Billy McKinlay corner fell to Michael O'Neill, but his shot was cleared off the line. Before half-time FH's policy of long range shooting saw Billy Thomson saving from Magnusson and a fiercely dipping shot from Vikingsson raging inches over the bar.

  Wednesday, October 3rd, 1990