THOMSON, John (1933)

Overview

He was selected for an SFA XI which defeated an Army Select 1-0 in front of 3,000 in January 1941 at Dundee following a similar game at Kirkcaldy a month earlier when the XI triumphed by 4-1 before 1,000 fans. A former pupil of Beckford Street School, while there in 1930 he represented Scotland twice, versus Wales and Ireland, and St John’s Grammar where he played for the school team, and was also the school sports champion in 1932, as well as turning out for the Boys Brigade. He was a staff sergeant in the 2nd Hamilton Company and while there he was chosen as one of the relay runners to carry the King’s Jubilee message throughout the town. The holder of a King’s Badge, earned with the BB’s. He had a spell in the junior ranks in 1932 with Blantyre Victoria.

He joined Accies in 1933 and spent 8 years with the club. When Accies had their memorable run to the Scottish Cup Final versus Rangers in 1935, John was unlucky to be injured the week prior to the First Round of the Cup and he missed out on the great occasion, his place at wing half being taken by “Joker” Murray. However he did appear in Accies last League match after the Cup Final which was also against Rangers at Douglas Park which ended in a 2-1 win for the home side.

Played mainly at left half although a number of John’s appearances were at centre half and that was the position he filled on the day the record attendance was achieved at Douglas Park in 1937 against Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Cup. Arbroath asked about the possibility of signing him in November 1938, they were told that he was not for sale.

In 1941 he appeared for Ayr United just prior to them closing down until the war was over. He then went to Albion Rovers for a short spell. While in the Armed Forces he played in the Yorkshire League with Payne and Otley’s, probably a works team. The League included the reserve teams of Huddersfield Town and the like.

He was killed in active service with his regiment, the Gordon Highlanders in 1944 at the age of 28. It was reported in the press that he was mentioned in dispatches for his work while in action at the time of his death.

He was of average build at 5’7” and 11sts 2lbs.

Debut on 11th February 1933 in a Scottish League match away to Ayr United.

Scottish League 167 Appearances 5 Goals

Scottish Cup 9 Appearances

Lanarkshire Cup 19 Appearances 2 Goals

Western League 11 Appearances

Southern League 9 Appearances

Summer League Cup 2 Appearances

Accies Career

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