‘First class’ Thomson calls time on career

Kelty Hearts defender and Raith Rovers Hall of Fame inductee Jason Thomson has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 36-year-old rightback has called time on a near 20-year career that saw him rack up more than 500 senior appearances and also turn out for Hearts, Livingston, Dunfermline and Arbroath.

Thomson amassed 272 of those appearances during his seven-season stint at Stark’s Park, and famously led Rovers to the 2014 Challenge Cup after their 2-1 win over Rangers.

His service to the club was rewarded last November when he was inducted to the club’s Hall of Fame alongside Danny Lennon, Tommy Hislop and Gordon Arthur.

After departing the Kirkcaldy club in 2018, Thomson made the move to Gayfield.

He was part of the Lichties squad who won League One in his first season before going within a whisker of promotion to the Scottish Premiership in 2022 prior to their final day defeat at Kilmarnock.

With 55 appearances for Kelty under his belt, Thomson has hung up the boots.

Maroon Machine player boss Michael Tidser said: “As a team-mate and manager, Jason has been first class for me.

“He is a good player first and foremost, but he’s a lot more than that.

“He’s a real leader and he has the type of personality you need in a dressing room, even just the way he conducts himself and deals with the young lads.

“I gave him a wee speech before the Montrose game, which was his last home game as a pro, and he had his family there as well, so we all wish him nothing but the best.”