Thompson had been battling illness for some time

Dundee United chairman Eddie Thompson has died following a long battle with prostate cancer.

The 67-year-old Glasgow-born businessman, who made his money through convenience stores, became the majority shareholder at the club in 2002.

Over the course of six years, he turned a £2.7m loss into an operating profit and set up a fans' trust that became United's second-largest stakeholder.

His death comes only days after that of his son-in-law in a motorbike accident.

Despite his illness, Thompson continued attending games home and away for as long as possible, and as it became clear his health was worsening, he took steps to ensure the club's long-term future, with his son Stephen taking over as chief executive.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Your tributes to Eddie Thompson

"Everyone at Dundee United is devastated by the loss of someone who was not only our chairman but also a very close and inspirational friend," said a statement on the club website.

Thompson was 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. I've just been a custodian of the club."

Earlier this year, at the suggestion of United fans, one of the stands at Tannadice was named in his honour and thousands of United fans wore One Eddie Thompson T-shirts at the CIS Cup final against Rangers in March.

Thompson is survived by his wife Cath, children Justine and Stephen and four grandchildren.