God in a Green Jersey is special guest

Last updated : 30 August 2002 By Tony Scholes

Harry Thomson had a lot to live up to when he finally stepped up to the first team, the two previous incumbents were England keeper Colin McDonald and Scotland’s Adam Blacklaw, two great custodians.

Harry made his debut at Leicester in 1965 and started a tradition that was to remain with him throughout his Burnley career, the ability to save penalties. With the score at 0-0 Harry gave the spot kick away himself but then became a hero by saving the kick and earning us a point.

Probably his greatest moment for the Clarets was in Italy in 1967 when he turned in the performance of a lifetime to keep Napoli at bay in a Fairs Cup tie. His performance was to win him the title of 'God in a Green Jersey'.

This was the day of all the post match problems as the Burnley players were held back for their own safety and Harry may have had something to do with causing it with one or two on field gestures.

He again saved a penalty that day but made any number of superb saves to see us through to the quarter-finals. The following Saturday we were back in league action at Blackpool and leading 2-0 when we conceded a last minute penalty. Needless to say he saved it.

He stood just 5’9" in height and many were convinced given his ability that with just a few more inches he would have been Scotland’s first choice goalkeeper for years. As it was he was never capped by his country.

His departure from Burnley was sudden and his last game was the last game of the 1968/69 season, a 2-1 home defeat against Sunderland. After 117 league appearances he moved on and played for both Blackpool and Barrow.

He will always be remembered for Naples and will always be remembered for his ability to save penalties. For those of us around at the time he will also be remembered as a damn good goalkeeper and a great favourite with the crowd.

It is sometimes difficult to believe that our ex-players get older but Harry celebrated his 62nd birthday last Sunday. Is it really 33 years since he last played for us?