Alan Thompson
Encyclopedia
Alan Thompson is an English
former professional footballer.Throughout his career, he made 550 appearances at 6 different clubs. He played in midfield
and was capped
once by England
, against Sweden
in 2004.
in 1993. He scored for Bolton at Wembley in the 1995 League Cup Final
in a 2–1 defeat to Liverpool
which was a spectacular shot from just outside the box and was part of their Division One promotion teams of 1995 (playoff winners) and 1997 (champions) becoming a huge crowd favourite in the process.
He also scored the first ever competitive goal at the Reebok Stadium
in a game against Tottenham Hotspur. Two years earlier, he had been the scorer of their first ever Premier League goal on the opening day of the 1995-96 season
in a 3-2 defeat to Wimbledon
at Selhurst Park
.
in 1998.
in 2000 for £2.75 million during manager Martin O'Neill
's first season at the club. He was an integral part of the Celtic team that reached the 2003 UEFA Cup Final
where Celtic lost 3-2 in extra time to José Mourinho
's F.C. Porto.
Thompson scored the only goal in the 2005 Scottish Cup Final
for Celtic against Dundee United
to give the outgoing O'Neill his seventh trophy whilst in charge of the club. He also scored the winning goal against Rangers
in two separate Old Firm derby matches
and seven against Rangers in all. He had mixed fortunes in Old Firm games, however, being sent off three times - all at Ibrox Stadium.
Thompson scored a spectacular goal in the dying minutes as Celtic beat Rangers in the first Old Firm match of the 2004/05 season, in turn securing Celtic's 7th consecutive win over their Glasgow rivals.
Under Celtic manager Gordon Strachan
, Thompson fell out of favour and found very limited first team opportunities, often not even securing a place on the substitutes' bench. He left Celtic for Leeds in January 2007.
side Leeds United
until the end of the 2006–07 season in a bid to play first-team football.
On 20 January 2007 Thompson made his debut for Leeds against West Bromwich Albion
and scored in a 3–2 defeat. In his next game he scored a trademark free kick; the winning goal against Hull City
in a 2–1 victory. Thompson left Leeds at the end of the 2006–07 season after his loan period and Celtic contract ended. His agent commented "He was very happy at Leeds, and there's a chance he could go back there.".
Thompson signed a one-year contract with Leeds on 9 August 2007. He was made club captain for the 2007–08 season, their first in League One
He scored from a free kick against Southend United
in the first home league game of the season.
Thompson was made acting assistant manager after the departure of Gus Poyet, but returned to his playing role upon the arrival of Dave Bassett
. In January 2008 he joined another League One side, Hartlepool United
, on a one-month loan deal, scoring once against Luton Town. He spent a spell out of the side injured, before returning to feature in the squad for Leeds' play-off campaign, although he did not play. He retired at the end of the season, at the age of 34.
Thompson ended his playing career on 28 May 2008 after 17 years as a professional. He had this to say: "I've had a good career but I've decided to call it a day. I'll take a bit of time out but I'd like to stay in the game. The high point was playing for England against Sweden in 2004 but I've got plenty of good memories."
for England
, when he was picked by Sven-Göran Eriksson
for a friendly against Sweden
in 2004. As a result he became the only Celtic player to have won an England international cap.
. It was his former boss Kevin Keegan
that handed him the role of looking after the club's young talents. He was the club's Reserve Team Coach for the 2009-2010 season. On 4 June 2010 Thompson left Newcastle by mutual consent and on 17 June 2010 he was announced as the new First Team Coach at Celtic, working under his former teammate Neil Lennon
.
Bolton
Celtic
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
former professional footballer.Throughout his career, he made 550 appearances at 6 different clubs. He played in midfield
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
and was capped
Cap (sport)
In sports, a cap is a metaphorical term for a player's appearance on a select team, such as a national team. The term dates from the practice in the United Kingdom of awarding a cap to every player in an international match of association football...
once by England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
, against Sweden
Sweden national football team
The Swedish national football team represents Sweden in association football and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association, the governing body for Football in Sweden. Sweden's home ground is Råsunda Stadium in Stockholms län and their head coach is Erik Hamrén. Sweden made their first...
in 2004.
Newcastle United
Thompson started his career at Newcastle United, his hometown club and the team he supported as a child.Bolton Wanderers
He moved to Bolton WanderersBolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
in 1993. He scored for Bolton at Wembley in the 1995 League Cup Final
1995 Football League Cup Final
The 1995 Coca-Cola Cup Final was played between Liverpool and Bolton Wanderers at Wembley Stadium on 2 April 1995. Liverpool won the match 2–1. Two Steve McManaman goals in the 37th and 68th minutes put Liverpool ahead, but Alan Thompson scored a brilliant goal for Bolton to give them some...
in a 2–1 defeat to Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
which was a spectacular shot from just outside the box and was part of their Division One promotion teams of 1995 (playoff winners) and 1997 (champions) becoming a huge crowd favourite in the process.
He also scored the first ever competitive goal at the Reebok Stadium
Reebok Stadium
The Reebok Stadium is the home stadium of English Premier League football club Bolton Wanderers, and is located on the Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. It is commonly known as 'The Reebok'...
in a game against Tottenham Hotspur. Two years earlier, he had been the scorer of their first ever Premier League goal on the opening day of the 1995-96 season
1995-96 in English football
- Premiership :Newcastle United were 12 points clear at the top of Manchester United, but Alex Ferguson's relatively young and inexperienced side overhauled them during the second half of the season to win the title....
in a 3-2 defeat to Wimbledon
Wimbledon F.C.
Wimbledon Football Club was an English professional association football club from Wimbledon, south-west London. Founded in 1889 as Wimbledon Old Central Football Club, the club spent most of its history in amateur and semi-professional non-League football before being elected to the Football...
at Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park is an English football stadium located in the London suburb of South Norwood in the Borough of Croydon. It is the current home ground of Crystal Palace Football Club. Its present capacity is 26,309.-History:...
.
Aston Villa
Thompson moved to Aston VillaAston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
in 1998.
Celtic
Thompson moved to CelticCeltic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
in 2000 for £2.75 million during manager Martin O'Neill
Martin O'Neill
Martin Hugh Michael O'Neill, OBE, is a Northern Irish football manager and former player.Until resigning the post on 9 August 2010, he was manager of Aston Villa. Starting his career in his native Northern Ireland, O'Neill moved to England where he spent most of his playing career with Nottingham...
's first season at the club. He was an integral part of the Celtic team that reached the 2003 UEFA Cup Final
2003 UEFA Cup Final
The 2003 UEFA Cup Final was played on 21 May 2003 between Celtic of Scotland and Porto of Portugal. Porto won the match 3–2 in extra time thanks to a goal from Derlei...
where Celtic lost 3-2 in extra time to José Mourinho
José Mourinho
José Mário dos Santos Félix Mourinho is a Portuguese football manager and the current manager of Real Madrid. He is commonly known as "The Special One".Mourinho is regarded by some players, coaches and critics as the best ever coach in football....
's F.C. Porto.
Thompson scored the only goal in the 2005 Scottish Cup Final
2005 Scottish Cup Final
The 2005 Scottish Cup Final was played on 28 May 2005 at Hampden Park in Glasgow and was the final of the 119th Scottish Cup. The final was contested by Celtic and Dundee United. Celtic won the match with an eleventh minute goal from Alan Thompson....
for Celtic against Dundee United
Dundee United F.C.
Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, the club changed to the present name in 1923...
to give the outgoing O'Neill his seventh trophy whilst in charge of the club. He also scored the winning goal against Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
in two separate Old Firm derby matches
Old Firm
The Old Firm is a common collective name for the association football clubs Celtic and Rangers, both based in Glasgow, Scotland.The origin of the term is unclear. One theory has it that the expression derives from Celtic's first game in 1888, which was played against Rangers. However, author,...
and seven against Rangers in all. He had mixed fortunes in Old Firm games, however, being sent off three times - all at Ibrox Stadium.
Thompson scored a spectacular goal in the dying minutes as Celtic beat Rangers in the first Old Firm match of the 2004/05 season, in turn securing Celtic's 7th consecutive win over their Glasgow rivals.
Under Celtic manager Gordon Strachan
Gordon Strachan
Gordon David Strachan OBE is a Scottish football manager and former player. He is currently without a club, having last managed Middlesbrough. Strachan played for Dundee, Aberdeen, Manchester United, Leeds United and Coventry City, as well as the Scotland national team. Prior to Middlesbrough,...
, Thompson fell out of favour and found very limited first team opportunities, often not even securing a place on the substitutes' bench. He left Celtic for Leeds in January 2007.
Leeds United
On 12 January 2007, Thompson secured a loan move to ChampionshipFootball League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
side Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
until the end of the 2006–07 season in a bid to play first-team football.
On 20 January 2007 Thompson made his debut for Leeds against West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
and scored in a 3–2 defeat. In his next game he scored a trademark free kick; the winning goal against Hull City
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
in a 2–1 victory. Thompson left Leeds at the end of the 2006–07 season after his loan period and Celtic contract ended. His agent commented "He was very happy at Leeds, and there's a chance he could go back there.".
Thompson signed a one-year contract with Leeds on 9 August 2007. He was made club captain for the 2007–08 season, their first in League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
He scored from a free kick against Southend United
Southend United F.C.
Southend United Football Club is an English football club based at Roots Hall Stadium, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, who play in Football League Two. Their home ground is Roots Hall, and the club plan to move into a new 22,000-seater stadium located at Fossetts Farm.-Stadium:The club has had...
in the first home league game of the season.
Thompson was made acting assistant manager after the departure of Gus Poyet, but returned to his playing role upon the arrival of Dave Bassett
Dave Bassett
David Bassett , also frequently known by his nickname of Harry, is an English football manager and a former player....
. In January 2008 he joined another League One side, Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
, on a one-month loan deal, scoring once against Luton Town. He spent a spell out of the side injured, before returning to feature in the squad for Leeds' play-off campaign, although he did not play. He retired at the end of the season, at the age of 34.
Thompson ended his playing career on 28 May 2008 after 17 years as a professional. He had this to say: "I've had a good career but I've decided to call it a day. I'll take a bit of time out but I'd like to stay in the game. The high point was playing for England against Sweden in 2004 but I've got plenty of good memories."
International career
Thompson has one capCap (sport)
In sports, a cap is a metaphorical term for a player's appearance on a select team, such as a national team. The term dates from the practice in the United Kingdom of awarding a cap to every player in an international match of association football...
for England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
, when he was picked by Sven-Göran Eriksson
Sven-Göran Eriksson
Sven-Göran Eriksson , in Sweden commonly referred to just by his nickname Svennis, is a Swedish ex-football manager. From October 2010 to October 2011 he managed Football League Championship side Leicester City....
for a friendly against Sweden
Sweden national football team
The Swedish national football team represents Sweden in association football and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association, the governing body for Football in Sweden. Sweden's home ground is Råsunda Stadium in Stockholms län and their head coach is Erik Hamrén. Sweden made their first...
in 2004. As a result he became the only Celtic player to have won an England international cap.
Coaching
On 16 July 2008 Thompson was appointed new academy coach at Newcastle UnitedNewcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
. It was his former boss Kevin Keegan
Kevin Keegan
Joseph Kevin Keegan, OBE is a former international footballer and former manager of the England national football team and several English clubs, most notably Newcastle United....
that handed him the role of looking after the club's young talents. He was the club's Reserve Team Coach for the 2009-2010 season. On 4 June 2010 Thompson left Newcastle by mutual consent and on 17 June 2010 he was announced as the new First Team Coach at Celtic, working under his former teammate Neil Lennon
Neil Lennon
Neil Francis Lennon is a former footballer from Northern Ireland. He is the current manager and former captain of Celtic....
.
Honours
Newcastle- Division One ChampionsFootball League ChampionshipThe Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
: 1992/931992-93 in English footballThe 1992–1993 season was the 113th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:This season saw the birth of the FA Premier League. This meant a break-up of the 104-year-old Football League that had operated until then with four divisions....
Bolton
- Division One ChampionsFootball League ChampionshipThe Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
: 1996/971996-97 in English footballThe 1996–1997 season was the 117th season of competitive football in England.Arrival into the league and exit out of the league returns in the fourth tier for the first time after its 3 season absence with only 1 relegation spot.- Premier League :... - Division One Play-Off WinnersFootball League ChampionshipThe Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
: 1994/951994-95 in English football-Premiership:Blackburn Rovers ended their 81-year wait for the league title thanks to the strike partnership of Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton which scored a total of more than 50 league goals. Manchester United would have made it three league titles in a row if they had been able to turn a 1-1 draw... - Football League Runner-up 1995
Celtic
- Scottish Premier League Champions (4)Scottish Premier LeagueThe Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
: 2000/01, 2001/02, 2003/04, 2005/06 - Scottish Cup Winners (3)Scottish CupThe Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
: 2001, 2004, 2005 - Scottish League Cup Winners (2)Scottish League CupThe Scottish League Cup is a football competition open to all Scottish Football League and Scottish Premier League clubs. At present it is also known as the Scottish Communities League Cup owing to the sponsorship deal in place with the Scottish Government. In the past it has been sponsored by...
: 2001, 2006