Eddie Thomson

Born in Scotland in 1947, Eddie Thomson played for Scotland Under 23, Hearts, Aberdeen and San Antonio Thunder (USA) before joining Eastern Suburbs Hakoah (later Sydney City) in 1977.

He coached Sydney City for seven years, going on to win nearly every major title. Later he coached Sydney Olympic for three years in the NSL.

In addition to coaching, Thomson enjoyed success as an administrator, including the positions of Australian staff coach, national director of coaching, FIFA coach and Scottish FA Badge holder. He was assistant national coach for five years.

From 1990 to 1996 Thomson was Socceroos head coach, taking the team to two World Cup campaigns and two Olympic Games. 

His tenure as Socceroos included the famous play-off win over Canada in 1993, followed by the 1-1 draw with Argentina in Sydney that featured the late Diego Maradona.

He later accepted a position as coach of Hiroshima Sanfrecce in Japan until 2000 when he returned to Australia. 

In 2002 he was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame, before sadly passing away a year later.