| Dundee United chairman Eddie Thompson loses cancer battle
DUNDEE United chairman Eddie Thompson has died today after losing his long battle against cancer.
Mr Thompson, 67, lost his fight against prostate cancer in the early hours.
The club said it was "devastated" by the death of one of their most loyal backers who was "a very close and inspirational friend".
The news comes just three days after the death of his son-in-law Ken Mitchell, 38, who died in a motorcycle accident.
Mr Thompson won much admiration in the football world and was seen as a champion of the smaller clubs in the SPL.
Despite his debilitating illness over the past few years, he continued with his duties at Tannadice as long as he could.
He also insisted on supporting his team in person as much as possible, both home and away.
The club said in a statement on its website: "It is with great sadness that Dundee United announce the death of chairman Eddie Thompson, who died today after a long illness borne with great fortitude, much bravery and a dogged determination to carry out his responsibilities at Tannadice for as long as possible."
Mr Thompson, chairman since 2002, had been battling cancer over the past few years and received specialist treatment at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.
But despite these efforts, the disease could not be prevented from spreading.
He is survived by his wife Cath, children Justine and Stephen and four grandchildren.
Born in Glasgow in 1940, he moved to Dundee in 1964 and began to support the club.
He was a trained accountant and successful businessman and was keen to bring these business links to bear at Dundee United.
Mr Thompson became chairman and owner in September 2002 after acquiring a majority shareholding.
Since that day, he has ploughed millions of pounds of his own money into Dundee United.
In June 2007, the club was mired in record levels of debt which stood at £2.7 million.
By June 2008, this had turned into an operating profit.
But despite his financial backing and business-like approach to handling the side, he saw himself above all as a supporter and believed Dundee United fans were the club's true owners.
He was once quoted as saying: "You can change your wife, your house, your car, but you can never change your team.
"Chairmen come and go, boards come and go, but the fans remain. They are the one true constant."
One of the stands at Tannadice was named after him earlier this year and thousands of Dundee United fans wore "One Eddie Thompson" T-shirts at this year's CIS Cup final.
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Dundee United chairman Eddie Thompson loses cancer battle
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