Career
Thomson, a wing-half, started his career with Thornton Rangers in his native Fife, before moving to Dundee, where he played for four years. In 1929 he moved to Everton. His Everton career had an inauspicious start, with the club suffering relegation in his first season.
Later that year he made his international debut, representing Scotland in a 5–2 home international defeat against Wales, though this was to be his only international appearance.
Later in his time at Everton first team appearances became more uncommon for Thomson as he was displaced from the team by Joe Mercer. Thomson retired from playing in 1938, having made 299 appearances for Everton, in which he scored five goals.
In 1947 Thomson became manager of Manchester City, replacing Sam Cowan. The 1948-1949 season saw a slight upturn with a seventh-place finish.
In October 1949 Thomson made the decision to sign goalkeeper Bert Trautmann, attracting criticism for signing a former German paratrooper so soon after World World War World War II Trautmann justified Thomson"s decision by going on to play for the club for 15 years.
The 1949-1950 season proved to be Thomson"s last. Thomson was dismissed, and at the end of season the club were relegated. After leaving Manchester City, Thomson returned to Scotland, where he ran a public until his retirement.
He died in 1979.