Legendary St Mirren keeper Campbell Money says the news of his former team-mate and mentor Billy Thomson’s sudden death has left him “heartbroken”.
Like many Saints supporters, Money was shocked to learn of Thomson’s passing this morning aged just 64.
The talented goalkeeper was a commanding presence between the sticks at Love Street between 1978 and 1984, going on to make nearly 300 appearances for the Paisley club.
While the Linwood man initially kept Money out of the team with his impressive performances, the 62-year-old insists he couldn’t have wished for a better teacher or friend to show him the goalkeeping ropes.
And Money is particularly glad Thomson was able to see just how much he meant to the Paisley club after being inducted into the St Mirren Hall of Fame just last year.
Speaking exclusively to Renfrewshire Live Sport, Money said: “I was Billy’s understudy for around five years and first and foremost he was a fabulous guy.
“He was a diamond of a person and was very encouraging at every single stage of my development as a goalkeeper. He was a brilliant mentor. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher because he was simply an outstanding keeper.
“It was tough for me to get in the team before he moved on, but there’s an understanding with keepers. The quality of his goalkeeping was simply sensational, so I knew I just had to bide my time.
“I honestly can’t believe he’s gone. I heard last week that he wasn’t well but for it to happen this quickly, it’s just left me heartbroken.
“He was just a fantastic person and a brilliant teammate. I’m absolutely so glad that he got the credit he deserved when he was named in the Hall of Fame because he deserved that. I’m glad he got to be there and enjoy that moment.”
Thomson made 284 appearances in all competitions for the Paisley club after joining from Partick Thistle for £50,000 in 1978. The keeper played a key role when the club lifted the Anglo-Scottish Cup after beating Bristol City in the second leg of the final at Love Street in 1980.
Thomson jointly holds the record for picking up the most senior Scottish caps while a St Mirren player with Iain Munro, both making seven national team appearances overall.
He also impressed on the continent as the Buddies competed in the UEFA Cup, before going on to reach the UEFA Cup final with his next club Dundee United.
Money and Thomson’s paths crossed again on the field in the 1987 Scottish Cup final, which St Mirren famously won thanks to Ian Ferguson’s extra-time winner.
Such was the respect between the two goalkeepers, Money was relieved that the trophy’s destination wasn’t decided by a mistake from either number one.
Money said: “A lot of Saints fans ask me where I see myself in terms of St Mirren’s all-time goalkeepers. But if anyone thinks I’m anywhere near Billy, then I must have been a better keeper than I ever thought I was, because he was outstanding.
“It was ironic that we were up against each other in the 1987 Scottish Cup final. I remember us both doing TV interviews together before that game and you can see back from them the amount of respect we had for each other.
“I remember saying that whoever won that game, I just didn’t want it to be down to a goalkeeping error from either of us. Thankfully Ferguson settled the game with a fine finish, so it wasn’t either of our faults.
“He was simply a lovely, lovely guy and he’ll be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.”
A St Mirren spokesperson added: “Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Billy at this sad time.”
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