Dundee Utd chairman Thompson dies

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Dundee Utd chairman Thompson dies


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Thompson had been battling illness for some time

Dundee United chairman Eddie Thompson has died following a long battle with prostate cancer.
The 67-year-old Glasgow-born businessman, who made his money through convenience stores, became the majority shareholder at the club in 2002.
Over the course of six years, he turned a £2.7m loss into an operating profit and set up a fans' trust that became United's second-largest stakeholder.
His death comes only days after that of his son-in-law in a motorbike accident.
Despite his illness, Thompson continued attending games home and away for as long as possible, and as it became clear his health was worsening, he took steps to ensure the club's long-term future, with his son Stephen taking over as chief executive.


"Everyone at Dundee United is devastated by the loss of someone who was not only our chairman but also a very close and inspirational friend," said a statement on the club website.
Thompson was quoted as saying: "You can change your wife, your house, your car but you can never change your team. Chairmen come and go, boards come and go but the fans remain. They are the one true constant. I've just been a custodian of the club."
The Scottish Premier League has postponed United's league match against Rangers on Saturday as a mark of respect.
Earlier this year, at the suggestion of United fans, one of the stands at Tannadice was named in his honour and thousands of United fans wore One Eddie Thompson T-shirts at the CIS Cup final against Rangers in March.
Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith said he was "extremely saddened" to hear the news.
"Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and everyone at the club at this terribly sad time," said Smith.


"Eddie was a man who loved the game and was passionate about bringing success to the club he loved.
"You need only look at the way the fans reacted at the CIS Cup final earlier this year to see how much Dundee United meant to Eddie and how much Eddie meant to the club.
"He will be sorely missed."
Thompson is survived by his wife Cath, children Justine and Stephen and four grandchildren.


BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Dundee Utd | Dundee Utd chairman Thompson dies
 
What a horrendously terrible time for the Thompson family and Eddie's daughter in particular.

A true football fan who put his money where his heart was, with Dundee Utd.

Sincere condolences to all the Thompson family and to everyone connected with Dundee United Football Club too.
There are certainly a few chairmen/owners out there who could do well to take a leaf out of this man's book on how to conduct themselves.

R.I.P.
 
It is a sad time indeed His son in law was killed in an accident at the weekend i believe. What a shame.
 
Indeed Ian...from what I've been told, his daughter and her husband were on their way to Dundee to see Eddie...the daughter following her husband in the car when he came off his bike, she lost her husband and dad in the space of 3 days...you just cant imagine what she's going through, very sad.
 
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