[3] Thompson made 560 appearances in the English Football League, playing for Preston North End F.C., Liverpool F.C.

At Preston, Thompson became a regular First division player at age 17, making his debut against Arsenal F.C.

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.

He played in all 42 League games that first season, winning a championship medal as Liverpool won the title by four points.

As a member of the initial England squad ahead of the 1970 FIFA World Cup, Thompson was involved in the Bogotá Bracelet incident.

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.