Signed by Alex McLeish from Feyenoord in January 2005, his arrival in that winter transfer window (along with Barry Ferguson, Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Ronald Waterreus) proved to be crucial as Rangers clinched the League Cup and dramatically secured the title on ‘Helicopter Sunday’ during the second part of season 2004/05.
An attacking midfielder who could be used as a striker, Thomas scored 5 goals in 18 appearances (3 from the bench) during his debut season including a goal in the 7-1 League Cup Semi-Final demolition of Dundee United at Hampden.
Buffel would score in the first Old Firm clash of season 2005/06, the second goal in a 3-1 victory at Ibrox as he cooly beat Celtic’s Boruc and would feature regularly throughout what proved to be an extremely disappointing season domestically, netting 7 goals in all competitions.
This included a vital strike against Anorthosis Famagusta at Ibrox as Gers qualified for the group stages of the Champions League (Rangers eventually becoming the first Scottish side to make the last 16).
Struggling with a knee injury during season 2006/07, he was in and out of the side under new manager Paul Le Guen and when Walter Smith returned to Ibrox in January 2007 Buffel was told he was surplus to requirements.
Thomas eventually left the club in the summer of 2008 to join Cercle Brugge in his home country of Belgium and then became a club legend at Genk, making over 300 appearances in his 10 year stay.
