John Thomson (footballer) - Style of Play

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." Football historian Robert McElroy, described him as being "graceful, athletic, very brave and courageous". 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."