BOBBY THOMSONWolves legend Bobby Thomson died on 19 August, 2009, aged 65.He was considered one of finest full-backs in the club’s history and was also an England international, winning eight caps in the 1960s.He played for more than a dozen clubs during his long career, including significant spells at Birmingham City and Luton Town.But he was best remembered for his 300 appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 1960s, during which time he helped the club to promotion to the First Division in 1967.He was born in Smethwick, Staffordshire, on 5 December, 1943. He signed for Wolves from his schoolboy team in 1961. He played at the tail end of Stan Cullis’ reign and saw the club relegated in 1965, but they bounced back two years later.In 1967 he made his first appearance in American, guesting for the LA Wolves in twelve games. He played for Birmingham between 1969 and 1972, then Luton from 1972 to 1976.His other clubs were Walsall, Hartford Bicentennials, Port Vale, Connecticut Bicentennials,Worcester City, Stafford Rangers, Memphis Rogues, Brewood, Solihull Borough and Tipton Town.He had two spells as a player-manager in America and took part in Wolves All Stars charity games after his retirement. He also helped coach youngsters in the West Midlands.He was married to Jan and had three children.Fellow Wolves great Ron Flowers praised Bobby Thomson saying: “Putting it mildly, he could catch pigeons, as we used to say in the game.“I would put him right up there with Ray Wilson as one of the best in the business and I believe Ray was one of the major reasons why we won the World Cup.“Not many wingers skinned Bobby, because he had such great recovery. He showed a lot of promise right from when he was a youngster and he was so quick – no winger could ‘run’ him.”
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