Preston North End Thompson started his football career playing for the Petteril Bank Primary School before moving to Harraby Secondary school in Carlisle. He played
inside forward for England. On graduation, Thompson was recruited by 17 professional football clubs. He decided to join
Preston North End F.C. At Preston, Thompson became a regular
First division player at age 17, making his debut against
Arsenal F.C. on 30 August 1960. In describing Thompson, Chairman Nat Buck said. "I've lost the number of clubs who want him, but how could we sell?" Preston even turned down a bid from
Juventus.
Bill Shankly had been impressed by the speed and trickery of the young winger during a marathon 5th round
FA cup tie between Liverpool F.C. and Preston in February 1962. It went to a second replay at
Old Trafford before the deadlock was finally broken by Thompson. In 1961, after 121 League games and 20 League goals for Preston and relegation to
2nd Division, Thompson moved to Liverpool for £37,000.
Liverpool Arriving at Liverpool, Thompson went into the first-team. He played in all 42 League games that first season, winning a championship medal as Liverpool won the title by four points. The team won three trophies in the mid-60's, winning another championship medal in 1966. Thompson participate in Liverpool's FA Cup victory in
1965. He came to
Alf Ramsey's attention and won 16 caps. In 1966 and again in 1970 Thompson was named to the initial
World Cup squad of 28 players, but did not make the final squad. As a member of the initial England squad ahead of the
1970 FIFA World Cup, Thompson was involved in the
Bogotá Bracelet incident. By some accounts, he was in or near the jewellery shop when
Bobby Moore allegedly stole a bracelet. He started the 1970–71 season in the first-team and played in the opening 16 league matches. He was not a regular starter during the second half of the season although he did come off the bench to replace
Alun Evans in the 1971 FA Cup final against Arsenal. He immediately helped to provide
Steve Heighway with the opener before losing 2-1 after extra time.
Bolton Wanderers Suffering from knee problems in 1973 and relegated to the Liverpool reserves, Thompson contemplated retirement. However,
Jimmy Armfield, manager of Bolton F.C, . persuaded Thompson to go on loan to Bolton in December 1973. In January 1974, Thompson signed with Bolton for £18,000.. Thompson retired in April 1978 after having played 132 matches for Bolton, who were promoted that season to the top-flight.
After football After retiring in 1978, Thompson ran a
caravan park for seven years in
Knott End-on-Sea in
Lancashire. He then ran a pub and inn in
Bowland Bridge in the
Lake District and a hotel in
Harrogate. ==Honours==