Death Of Star Molineux Full-Back

Wolves Heroes are saddened to report the passing of former Wolves and England full-back Bobby Thomson.

The Smethwick-born 65-year-old died in Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley last night after a battle against prostate cancer.

Rumours about his health had circulated for a year or more but we found him in excellent spirits and apparently in good shape when we visited him at his family’s Sedgley home for an interview in January.

Amid his normal cheery disposition, he was talking about the state of his golf and his business as he took a break from work on his computer, making the point that he had no thoughts of retirement from the office refurbishment trade.

Thomson played exactly 300 times for Wolves, his debut coming against Albion in a 1962 FA Cup tie and his swansong following seven and a bit years later when he faced QPR in a 1-0 victory at Loftus Road.

He also won eight England caps and admitted to us that he regretted leaving Wolves when his former Molineux boss Stan Cullis, by then installed as Birmingham manager, took him to St Andrew’s.

“I know I shouldn’t have left Wolves,” he told us. “But, when the manager tells you he has accepted an offer and a big signing has just been made in your position (Derek Parkin), you ask yourself where you are most wanted.”

Thomson, who also had extensive England under-23 experience, had spells with Luton and in America after his Molineux departure and served Stafford Rangers as manager.

He remained active in the coaching of youngsters into his final months and worked for decades with fellow coach and long-time pal Pat Wright.

Although a Birmingham watcher as well, Thomson stayed loyal to Wolves and has been to matches at the club in recent months, his grandson walking out proudly as a mascot at the final home game of last season.

Wolves Heroes will post a full tribute to Bobby in our Obituaries section in the next 36 hours.