Thompson attended King Edward VII School in Sheffield and joined Sheffield United's Centre of Excellence at the age of nine. He progressed to being a trainee with United and turned professional in July 2000. He made his first team debut on 22 August 2000 as United beat Lincoln City 6–1 in a first round first leg League Cup tie, Thompson replacing David Kelly as a 73rd-minute substitute. He started the second leg, a 1–0 away defeat for United. Unable to establish himself in the first team, Thompson joined Lincoln City on loan in October 2002, making his debut in a 4–3 Football League Trophy win at home to York City on 22 October. He played two further games for Lincoln, a draw at home to Bury in the league and a defeat at home to Shrewsbury Town in the Football League Trophy, before returning to Sheffield United in November 2002. He played in the FA Cup fourth round, as United won 4–3 at home to Ipswich Town with a last minute winner from Paul Peschisolido, but this would be his final appearance for Sheffield United. In March 2003 he joined Doncaster Rovers on loan until the end of the season, but played just once in the Conference National for them, in a 1–1 draw at home to Morecambe. He was released by Sheffield United in May 2003.
Huddersfield Town
He moved to Huddersfield Town in July 2003, but made only two first team appearances, starting the 2–2 draw at home to Cambridge United on the opening day of the season and coming on as a second-half substitute for Andy Holdsworth in the 3–0 win at home to Northampton Town on 13 September.
Scarborough
A move to Scarborough followed in June 2004, where he was an ever-present the following season.
Halifax Town
He rejected a new contract with Scarborough in June 2005, joining Halifax Town on a monthly contract in August 2005. In October 2005 he signed a contract until the end of that season and was called up to the England semi-professional squad. He signed a further contract extension to the end of the following season in February 2006. In November 2006 he accused Northwich Victoria captain Stuart Elliott of racial abuse and an official complaint was lodged with The Football Association. Elliott was later cleared. Thompson was a first team regular but, despite the offer of new contract at Halifax, he failed to make contact with the West Yorkshire club and became a free agent at the end of the 2006–07 season.
Crawley Town
It was later reported that he was a possible target for Halifax's Conference rivals York City, but joined Crawley Town on 27 June 2007. He was appointed as Crawley's captain, but was linked with a move to Forest Green Rovers in January 2008, with Crawley turning down a £15,000 bid.
Torquay United
Thompson signed for Torquay United on a two-year contract on 20 May 2008, despite having agreed a new contract with Crawley. His Torquay debut came on the opening day of the season, a 1–1 draw at home to Histon, and he quickly became a regular in Paul Buckle's side. His first Torquay goal came on 20 September as Torquay won 2–0 at home to Eastbourne Borough.
Mansfield Town
He was released by Torquay on 15 May 2010 along with six other players. On 21 July 2010, Thompson signed with Conference National side Mansfield Town F.C.. He was released on 12 May 2011.
Grimsby Town
On 18 August 2011 he joined Grimsby Town on non-contract basis. Following 3 games and 1 goal for The Mariners he was released from his short-term deal on 30 August 2011 with Grimsby stating that he had only been cover for the injured Anthony Church.
On 21 October 2011 he joined FC Halifax Town, the phoenix club of his former club Halifax Town, however during his month at the club he failed to impress and was released by manager Neil Aspin
Lincoln City and Sheffield F.C.
On 18 November Thompson rejoined Lincoln City unit 8 January 2012. In January a further deal was agreed until the end of the season. He joined Sheffield F.C. ahead of the 2012–13 season whose manager Curtis Woodhouse had played with Thompson at Sheffield United. Thompson debuted in the 6–2 Northern Premier League First Division South victory at Lincoln United on 18 August 2012, and made seven appearances for the club before joining Gainsborough Trinity in January 2013. At the end of January 2014, he resumed his connection with Curtis Woodhouse when having been appointed manager of Goole AFC, Woodhouse recruited Thompson to the role of player-coach. He debuted for the club in their Northern Premier League Division One South 1–0 defeat at Coalville Town on 1 February 2014.
Personal life
Thompson now works as a FA Licensed Football Intermediary and is currently expecting his first child.
