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 Socceroo coach, taking the team to two World Cup campaigns and two Olympic Games. He later accepted a position as coach of Hiroshima Sanfrecce in Japan.