[3] He later had a short spell with Rangers, before becoming one of the many Scottish-born footballers who joined Preston North End as the Lancashire club assembled a side that was almost unbeatable.

[4] Playing as a winger, he made his League debut on 15 September 1888 at Dudley Road, the then home of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Thomson scored his debut League goal on 12 November 1888, at Victoria Ground, the then home of Stoke.

He appeared in 16 of the 22 League matches played by Preston North End during the 1888–89 season and scored three goals.

Having joined Wolves, he scored nine goals in 24 League and FA Cup matches and he then moved to Everton.