The north-east football community was last night mourning the loss of one of the game’s “true legends”.
Former Elgin City centre forward Bryan Thomson was described as a “gem” on the field and a “lovely, bubbly guy” off it.
Mr Thomson, who was from Aberdeen, is the first of the history-making 1968 Black and Whites team to die. He was 71.
The string of clubs he represented included Banks o’ Dee, Forres Mechanics and Australian side Juventus and he played a crucial part in Elgin City’s 1967-68 Scottish Cup run, netting five times and finishing as the competition’s top scorer.
To this day, that famous City team remains the only Highland League side ever to reach the last eight of the national competition.
Douglas Grant, who captained the side, said yesterday: “In my career, Bryan was one of the mainstays of the forward line, which was the best we had for a long time, and could always be relied upon to be dangerous.
“He is one guy you were pleased to play behind, rather than against. He was deceptive, and always looked to get in the right place at the right time.”
Fellow Aberdonian Dave Lawtie, who spent a decade at the Moray club grew close to Mr Thomson off the field as the “Aberdeen contingent” travelled together.
He said: “He had a big personality and he was a confident lad. He was just fun to be with.
“I was aware that he wasn’t keeping good health latterly. But he is the first, as far as I’m aware. of the great team to go. It’s very sad.”
Scotframe managing director Bob Edwards played under the Elgin hero during his twilight years as player-manager of Kingseat amateurs in Aberdeen in the early 1980s.
Mr Edwards said: “The term legend is often used, but he was indeed one.
“He’s the most skilful player I ever played with, and that includes Aberdeen’s Neil Simpson.
“The way he managed was the way he played, with lots of swagger and style. He loved to win.
“I enjoyed every minute playing with and for him. He was a bubbly, larger-than-life character, and he made an impact on everyone he knew.
“He was a real gem, and he’ll be sadly missed.”
Mr Thomson moved to Melbourne soon after the 1968 season and spent three years in Australia.
He returned for a second stint at Borough Briggs in the 1970s and latterly worked as delivery driver with the Post Office in Aberdeen before retiring to Stonehaven.
Current Elgin City director, Cecil Jack, added: “He was a great, athletic striker. I remember his lanky legs.
“But he was a lovely person too and always good to have about the club.”