In the 1997/98 season, Thomas Gill was one of MSV Duisburg’s cup heroes. What is the goalkeeper from Norway actually doing today?
Many years have passed since Thomas Gill stood between the posts at MSV Duisburg. At the beginning of 1999, the Norwegian goalkeeper left Meiderich after two and a half successful years, crowned by a place in the 1998 DFB Cup final.
Almost a quarter of a century later, Gill is still closely associated with the Zebras. The five-time international has also been under contract in Denmark, Austria, Scotland and, of course, his native Norway, but has played more games for no club than MSV.
“My heart is still attached to Duisburg,” Gill says when RS reaches him – and asks him: what does Thomas Gill actually do?
“I’m in the real estate business and scout for a top club from Oslo,” the 58-year-old replies. To do this, he is usually out and about on the pitches in and around the Norwegian capital. There are many exciting talents there, he says. “I’m very satisfied,” Gill says with a laugh.
I’m sure MSV has better times ahead. In the long run, the huge potential will unfold again
Thomas Gill
However, this statement does not apply to MSV, as his former club is causing Gill great concern. The current situation is very sad, he thinks. “A club with this tradition, the great fans and the great stadium does not deserve this. “
However, he would like to hold back on further assessments. “It would be inappropriate to criticize those responsible. I know they are trying their best for the club,” says Gill, who met president Ingo Wald during a visit to the Wedau a few months ago.
The Scandinavian remains positive: “I’m sure MSV has better times ahead. In the long run, the huge potential will unfold again.” For that, he says, a breath of fresh air and a clear concept are needed.
Just as Gill had experienced in his active days. “Many great personalities” he got to know at the Wedau. “We had a lot of quality in the team, in the coaching team and in the management.” It was no coincidence, he says, that then-head coach Friedhelm Funkel and assistant Seppo Eichkorn continued to work at the highest level for many years afterwards. “They were ahead of their time.”
Defeat to FC Bayern in cup final
Gill joined the newly promoted Bundesliga side from Sturm Graz at the time and finished in mid-table twice in a row with MSV. His and his teammates’ greatest success, however, came in the DFB Cup.
Duisburg only failed to beat FC Bayern in the final – after taking the lead, a last-minute goal and the injury of goal scorer Bachirou Salou. Gill was then comforted by his opposite number Oliver Kahn after being the focus of attention himself in the semifinals.
The goalkeeper didn’t hold a penalty in the 11:10 win over Eintracht Trier, but shone as a marksman and converted the winning effort. Photos of his subsequent jubilation with strained upper arms and a crazy look caused a stir. “I just really wanted to win that game,” Gill says in retrospect. “Maybe I got a little too excited.”
Funkel called MSV goalkeeper Gill “amateur”
The ex-professional speaks of “Big Memories” when looking back on the cup season. “We made history back then.” But Gill remembers an episode with coach Funkel as even more memorable. “At one of my first training sessions, he told me, ‘You’re an amateur.’ That shocked me quite a bit.”
Afterwards, Funkel invited the goalkeeper to his hotel room and explained to him how he had to live as a professional, he said. “It was about many small details, like nutrition and sleep. I didn’t know that from my previous clubs. I wasn’t supposed to drink Coke anymore, for example,” Gill recalls. “Funkel said we have to work harder in Duisburg than at any other club to be competitive in the Bundesliga with our modest means.”
Gill vowed to mend his ways – and with success: “A few months later, he brought me back in and said, ‘Now you’re a professional.’