[GK] John Thomson (1909)

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John Thomson (28 January 1909 – 5 September 1931) was a Scottish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Celtic and the Scotland national football team. He died as a result of an accidental collision with Rangers player Sam English during an Old Firm match at Ibrox.

About
Full name John Thomson
Date of birth 28 January 1909
Place of birth Kirkcaldy, Scotland
Date of death 5 September 1931 (aged 22)
Place of death Glasgow, Scotland
Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Playing position Goalkeeper
Contract for one year


Style of Play
Thomson was very small and thin, standing at only 5 ft 9. Many people thought that he did not look like a goalkeeper due to his diminutive stature, and small hands. Although his team-mate Jimmy McGrory described him as having "artists hands".

In his biography of Thomson, author Tom Greig described him as having strong, slender fingers and powerful wrists and forearms. Saying that "The combination of these physical attributes was the basis for his extraordinary shot-saving and clutching capabilities."[1] Football historian Robert McElroy, described him as being "graceful, athletic, very brave and courageous".[3] Celtic chairman Desmond White said that Thomson was the best 'keeper he had ever seen, and described him as having "the ability to rise in the air high above the opposition. It was this almost ballet-like ability and agility which, in his tremendous displays, endeared him to the hearts of all Celtic supporters." After his death Thomson's manager Willie Maley said that; "Never was there a keeper who caught and held the fastest shots with such grace and ease. In all he did there was the balance and beauty of movement wonderful to watch."