Former Welsh international and Derby County legend Rod Thomas has died at the age of 78.
The club announced the passing of the defender, who was part of the Derby side that won the First Division in the 1974-75 season.
As well as appearing 118 times for the Rams between 1973 and 1977, Thomas played for Gloucester City in two separate spells, Swindon Town, Cardiff City and Newport County.
He also made 50 appearances for the Welsh national team.
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In a statement confirming the news, the Rams said: “It is with great sadness that Derby County has learned of the passing of its former player Rod Thomas at the age of 78.
"Derby County’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Rod’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Swindon Football Club also posted a tribute and called him a “dedicated and talented footballer”.
They said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Rod Thomas."
Former Welsh international and Derby County Legend Rod Thomas has died at the age of 78
|GETTY
The club added: "Rod was a dedicated and talented footballer whose commitment, character, and love for the game left a lasting mark on everyone.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
Football fans took to social media to pay their respects to the British sporting legend.
One wrote: "RIP to a brilliant player and a lovely man."
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Rod Thomas was known for his calm defending, positional awareness and consistency
|GETTY
Another said: "A magnificent footballer, such sad news."
A Swindon fan added: "Up with the very best to have pulled on the red shirt."
Thomas, one of Wales’ most consistent and respected defenders of the 1960s and 1970s, remains a celebrated figure in the nation’s footballing history after he became a regular fixture in the national squad for a full decade.
The Neath-born defender, now known for his calm defending, positional awareness and consistency, rose from non-league beginnings to become a 50-cap international and a key presence in several notable club sides across England.
His senior career began at Gloucester City, where his dependable performances at right back quickly attracted attention from league scouts.
In 1964, Swindon Town secured his signature for a modest £500 fee, a deal that would prove to be one of the club’s most shrewd acquisitions of the decade, and he made his league debut in 1966, establishing himself as an essential part of the team’s defence.
During his nine-year spell at Swindon, Thomas made nearly 300 league appearances and played a significant role in one of the club’s greatest triumphs: the famous 1969 League Cup final, where Swindon stunned First Division giants Arsenal to lift the trophy.
Further success followed on the continent, with Swindon capturing both the Anglo-Italian League Cup in 1969 and the Anglo-Italian Cup in 1970.
By the time he departed in 1973, Thomas had become the club’s most capped international player.
His next move took him to Derby County at the height of the club’s golden era, where he was part of the Rams side that clinched the First Division title in the 1974–75 season.
In 1977, he returned to Wales to join Cardiff City, where he made close to 100 league appearances despite suffering several injury setbacks.
Later spells followed at Gloucester City, Newport County, Bath City and Barry Town before he brought an end to a distinguished playing career in the early 1980s.
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