EDDIE THOMPSONEddie Thompson, who died on 15 October 2008, aged 67, was a successful businessman and the popular chairman of Dundee United.Few football chairmen had enjoyed such a rapport with supporters, but Arabs fans celebrated him with t-shirts bearing the slogan 'One Eddie Thompson' and called for the East Stand at Tannadice Park by be named in his honour.This adulation was the result of him bailing out the club with his business fortunes and giving supporters part ownership. Thanks to Mr Thompson, the supporters' trust has the second largest share-holding in the club and a representative sits on the board of directors.Edward Thompson OBE, who was born in Glasgow in 1940, first came to Dundee in the mid 1960s under the employment of Watson & Philip, owners of a chain of convenience stores.Mr Thompson founded his own chain called Morning, Noon & Night in the early '90s and sold it a decade later for £30m.A long-time follower of Dundee United, Mr Thompson had had a financial involvement in the club since brokering sponsorship deals in the 1980s, but for a long time his attempts to become a major shareholder were thwarted by chairman and former manager Jim McLean.However, in 2002 he was able to buy out Mr McLean to take control of the club. He invested generously in the club and streamlined the club's finances so by June 2008 it was actually recording a profit, a stark turnaround from £2.7m losses five years previously.He was known equally for his loyalty to the club and his ruthlessness with managers, employing no less than five during his time as chairman. In 2008 his commitment to Dundee United seemed to be finally reaping rewards on the pitch as Craig Levein led them to the Scottish League Cup final.He had been battling with prostate cancer for several years but continued to work hard for the club and took steps to ensure their future with his son Stephen taking over his position."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 the club in a statement.
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