Adam Thompson (footballer)

Adam Thompson

Thompson playing for Southend United in 2014
Personal information
Full name	Adam Lee Thompson [1]
Date of birth	(1992-09-28) 28 September 1992 (age 32)
Place of birth	Harlow, England
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) [2]
Position(s)	Defender
Youth career
2003–2010	Watford
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2010–2014	Watford	14	(1)
2011	→ Brentford (loan)	8	(0)
2012	→ Brentford (loan)	12	(0)
2012	→ Wycombe Wanderers (loan)	2	(0)
2013	→ Barnet (loan)	1	(0)
2013–2014	→ Southend United (loan)	9	(0)
2014–2017	Southend United	100	(3)
2017–2019	Bury	59	(1)
2017	→ Bradford City (loan)	9	(0)
2019–2021	Rotherham United	10	(0)
2021–2024	Leyton Orient	34	(0)
2024	→ Barnet (loan)	11	(1)
2024–	Enfield Town	2	(1)
International career
2008	Northern Ireland U17	2	(0)
2010	Northern Ireland U19	8	(1)
2010–2013	Northern Ireland U21	11	(1)
2011	Northern Ireland	2	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:48, 16 November 2024 (UTC)

Adam Lee Thompson (born 28 September 1992) is a professional footballer who plays for Enfield Town as a defender. A graduate of Watford's youth academy, he made his professional debut for Watford in 2010, and his senior international debut for Northern Ireland the following year.

Club career

Watford

A member of the Watford academy since he was eleven, he was handed the number 29 jersey for the 2010–11 season. ^[3]

He made his professional debut for the club on 24 August 2010, in their 2–1 League Cup Second Round exit to Notts County at Vicarage Road. ^[4] Thompson made his league debut against Burnley at home on 12 February, a game Watford lost 3–1. Thompson later signed his first professional contract at Watford, which keeps him until 2013. ^[5] Thompson scored his first professional goal for Watford three days later. ^[6] In June 2011, Thompson signed a new contract with Watford, keeping him until 2014. ^[7]

Upon his return from his loan spell at Barnet, Thompson then made his first league appearance under Gianfranco Zola having come on as a substitute for Daniel Pudil against Birmingham City on 16 February 2013. ^[8]

Loan spells

On 25 August 2011, Thompson joined Brentford on a month's loan, ^[9] scoring on his Bees debut in a Football League Trophy tie away to MK Dons. His goal made the match 1–1 at the time, it finished 3–3 with Brentford winning 4–3 on penalties. ^[10] His loan was later extended for another month. ^[11] Thompson returned to Watford on 26 October. ^[12] Thompson re-joined Brentford on a one-month youth loan in early February ^[13] which was extended until the end of the season on 10 April. ^[14] Throughout the season, Thompson played a total of 22 games for Brentford in all competitions, but did not make an appearance for Watford. ^[15]

During the first month of the 2012–13 season, Thompson played the entire game in Watford's League Cup tie against Bradford City, and subsequently joined Wycombe Wanderers on a month-long youth loan. ^[16] Two days after joining the club, Thompson made his Wycombe Wanderers debut, playing 90 minutes, in a 1–0 loss against Southend United. ^[17] However, after just two appearances, Thompson returned to his parent club.^{[ citation needed ]}

On 4 January 2013, Thompson joined Barnet on loan for a month. ^[18] He made his debut as an 82nd-minute substitute for Ricky Holmes in a 2–0 home win over Bradford City. ^[19] On 14 January, Thompson returned to Watford early after suffering a dislocated and fractured shoulder in training. ^[20]

Southend United

On 9 August 2013, Thompson announced via Twitter that he had joined League Two outfit Southend United on loan. ^{[21] [22]} Thompson made his Southend United debut, coming on as a substitute for Marc Laird seven minutes from full-time, in a 1–0 loss against Hartlepool United. ^[23] Thompson made nine appearances in the first half of the season, due to his international commitment. ^[24]

In January 2014, Thompson made the move to Southend United a permanent one for undisclosed fee, signing an 18-month contract. ^[25] Just after finishing his loan spell, Thompson attracted interests from two clubs before Southend United won the race to sign Thompson. ^[26] Thompson's first game after signing for the club on a permanent basis came on 18 January 2014, where he set up a goal for Barry Corr, in a 3–0 win over Chesterfield. ^[27] Thompson ended his season, making sixteen appearances (as well combining his loan spell at Southend United) after he injured his calf, ^[28] although he never played throughout the 2013–14 season despite being fit ^[29] and being once on the bench. ^[30]

The next season, Thompson missed the first four matches, due being on the bench and made his first appearance, coming on as a substitute in the first half, in a 2–0 loss against Plymouth Argyle on 30 August 2014. ^[31] Since recovering from a calf injury, Thompson have established himself in the 2014–15 season despite missing out for four matches in late-December. ^[32] Thompson was once again on the sidelines during a match against Mansfield Town on 3 April 2015 when he was injured in the first half and had to be substituted by Cian Bolger. ^[33] After having surgery, it was announced that Thompson would be out for the remainder of the season and ended his season, making twenty-nine appearances in all competitions. ^[34] Despite being absent, the club went on achieve promotion to Football League One after beating Wycombe Wanderers in the play-off final.

Bury

Thompson signed for Bury on 1 June 2017. He had a short loan spell at Bradford City and made nine appearances for the Bantams in 2017–18. Under the management of Ryan Lowe, Thompson in 2018–19 became a Bury first team regular, wearing the number five shirt, and captained the team on occasion as they achieved automatic promotion to League One. He left the club after the end of the season shortly before they were expelled from the EFL.

Rotherham United

On 27 August 2019, Thompson signed for Rotherham United on a two-year contract. ^[35] He made 14 appearances in his first season as the Millers were promoted to the Championship, but did not make any further appearances after promotion. On 30 January 2021, Thompson left the club after his contract was mutually terminated. ^[36]

Leyton Orient

On 30 January 2021, Thompson joined League Two side Leyton Orient on a contract until June 2022, which was later extended. ^[37]

Barnet

On 31 January 2024, he re-joined Barnet on loan until the end of the season. ^[38]

Enfield Town

On 26 October 2024, Thompson joined National League South side Enfield Town. ^[39]

International career

In September 2008 he was called up to the Northern Ireland under-17 squad. ^[40]

He was a part of the under-19s run to the Milk Cup final in 2010. On 27 July he scored a vital equalizer against Mexico at the Coleraine Showgrounds, ^[41] which helped take the team above Mexico on goal difference in the final table.

In August 2010, he received his first call-up the under-21 squad, ^[42] and he played for the Northern Ireland national under-21 football team in a 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualification match against Germany on 7 September 2010. ^[43] He was called up to the senior Northern Ireland team for the first time in February 2011. ^[44] He made his debut on 9 February 2011, as a 66th-minute substitute in Northern Ireland's 3–0 defeat to Scotland in the 2011 Nations Cup. Scotland did not score while Thompson was on the field. ^[45]

Thompson was selected in the squad for Northern Ireland's fixtures against New Zealand and Azerbaijan in June 2017. ^[46]

Career statistics

As of 6 April 2024

Club	Season	League			FA Cup		League Cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Watford	2010–11 [47]	Championship	10	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	11	1
	2012–13 [48]	Championship	4	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	5	0
	Total		14	1	0	0	2	0	0	0	16	1
Brentford (loan)	2011–12 [15]	League One	20	0	0	0	0	0	2 [a]	1	22	1
Wycombe Wanderers (loan)	2012–13 [48]	League Two	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
Barnet (loan)	2012–13 [48]	League Two	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Southend United (loan)	2013–14 [49]	League Two	16	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	19	0
Southend United	2014–15 [50]	League Two	28	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	29	0
	2015–16 [51]	League One	25	2	0	0	0	0	2 [a]	0	27	2
	2016–17 [52]	League One	40	1	1	0	0	0	4 [a]	0	45	1
	Total		109	3	4	0	1	0	6	0	120	3
Bury	2017–18 [53]	League One	15	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	16	0
	2018–19 [54]	League Two	44	1	2	0	1	0	7 [a]	1	54	2
	Total		59	1	2	0	2	0	7	1	70	2
Bradford City (loan)	2017–18 [53]	League One	9	0	1	0	0	0	3 [a]	1	13	1
Rotherham United	2019–20 [55]	League One	10	0	3	0	0	0	1 [a]	0	14	0
	2020–21 [56]	Championship	0	0	0	0	0	0	—		0	0
	Total		10	0	3	0	0	0	1	0	14	0
Leyton Orient	2020–21 [56]	League Two	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	6	0
	2021–22 [57]	League Two	14	0	1	0	0	0	2 [a]	0	17	0
	2022–23 [58]	League Two	14	0	0	0	1	0	2 [a]	0	17	0
	2023–24 [59]	League One	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Total		34	0	1	0	1	0	4	0	40	0
Barnet (loan)	2023–24 [59]	National League	11	1	0	0	0	0	1 [b]	0	12	1
Career total			265	6	12	0	5	0	26	3	305	9

1. Appearances in EFL Trophy.
2. Appearances in FA Trophy.

Honours

Southend United

• Football League Two play-offs: 2014–15

Bury

• EFL League Two runner-up: 2018–19 ^[60]

Rotherham United

• EFL League One runner-up: 2019–20

Leyton Orient

• EFL League Two: 2022–23 ^[61]

References

1. "Professional retain list & free transfers 2012/13" (PDF). The Football League. 18 May 2013. p. 25. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 October 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
2. "Adam Thompson - Defender - First Team - Rotherham United". Rotherham United F.C. Archived from the original on 21 January 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
3. Gibb, Ian (24 August 2010). "Malky Mackay calls on Adam Thompson". Evening Standard. London. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
4. "Watford 1–2 Notts County". BBC Sport. 24 August 2010. Archived from the original on 27 August 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
5. "Hornets tie down youngster". Sky Sports. 24 November 2010. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
6. Fletcher, Paul (15 February 2011). "Watford 2–2 Preston". BBC Sport.
7. "Ross Jenkins and Adam Thompson agree new Watford deals". BBC Sport. 29 June 2011. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
8. "Birmingham City 0–4 Watford". BBC Sport. 16 February 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
9. "Watford defender Adam Thompson joins Brentford on loan". BBC Sport. 25 August 2011. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
10. "Milton Keynes Dons 3–3 Brentford". Brentford Football Club. 30 August 2011. Archived from the original on 28 March 2015.
11. "Watford's Adam Thompson extends Brentford loan spell". BBC Sport. 19 September 2011. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
12. "Thompson back with Hornets". Sky Sports. 26 October 2011. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
13. "Saido Berahino and Adam Thompson join Brentford on loan". BBC Sport. 9 February 2012. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
14. "Defender extends Brentford stay". Get West London Newspaper. 10 April 2012. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
15. "Games played by Adam Thompson in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
16. "Highly-rated Thompson arrives on loan". Wycombe Wanderers F.C. 30 August 2012. Archived from the original on 28 March 2015. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
17. "Southend United 1–0 Wycombe Wanderers". BBC Sport. 1 September 2012. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
18. "WATFORD DEFENDER JOINS ON LOAN". Barnet F.C. 4 January 2013. Archived from the original on 6 January 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
19. "Barnet 2–0 Bradford". BBC Sport. 5 January 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
20. "Thompson returns to Watford". Times. 14 January 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
21. "Thompson moves to Shrimpers". Sky Sports. 9 August 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
22. Adam Thompson [@Adam_Thompson] (9 August 2013). "Happy to have signed for Southend on loan, great club. Hopefully have a successful time there and get some games" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
23. "Hartlepool United 0 – 1 Southend United". BBC Sport. 10 August 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
24. "Team News: Leonard misses out". Southend United F.C. 23 November 2013. Archived from the original on 28 March 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
25. "Thompson back at Roots Hall". Sky Sports. 10 January 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
26. "Transfer News: Southend United agree deal for Adam Thompson". Sky Sports. 7 January 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
27. "Southend United 3–0 Chesterfield". BBC Sport. 18 January 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
28. "Team News: Northampton Town". Southend United F.C. 25 February 2014. Archived from the original on 28 March 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
29. "Southend v Oxford preview". Sky Sports. 24 March 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
30. "Team News: Fleetwood Town vs. Blues". Southend United F.C. 26 April 2014. Archived from the original on 28 March 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
31. "Plymouth Argyle 2–0 Southend United". BBC Sport. 30 August 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
32. "Team News: Cambridge United vs. Southend United". Southend United F.C. 26 December 2014. Archived from the original on 28 March 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
33. "Southend United 2 – 0 Mansfield Town". BBC Sport. 3 April 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
34. "Dave Penney: Adam Thompson likely to be out for the season". Southend United F.C. 9 April 2015. Archived from the original on 10 July 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
35. "Adam Thompson Joins Rotherham United". Bury F.C. 27 August 2019. Archived from the original on 27 August 2019. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
36. "Thompson departs Millers". Rotherham United FC. 30 January 2021. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
37. "Adam Thompson: Leyton Orient sign former Rotherham United centre-back on free transfer". BBC Sport. 30 January 2021. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
38. "ADAM THOMPSON JOINS BARNET FC ON LOAN". www.barnetfc.com. 31 January 2024.
39. "Thompson Is A Towner". www.etfc.london/. 26 October 2024.
40. "INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY". watfordfc.com. 2 September 2008. Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
41. "Milk Cup: Fiesta time as Adam Thompson clinches a vital point". 27 July 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
42. Frank, Smith (25 August 2010). "Lee Hodson and Adam Thompson latest Watford players to receive Under-21 call-up". watfordobserver.co.uk. Archived from the original on 30 August 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
43. "Holtby helps Germany sign off with victory". UEFA.com. 7 September 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
44. "Three more players pull out of Northern Ireland squad". BBC Sport. 7 February 2011. Archived from the original on 7 February 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2011.
45. "Three and easy for Scotland". Sky Sports. BSkyB. 9 February 2011. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
46. "Adam Thompson named in Northern Ireland squad". Southend United F.C. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
47. "Games played by Adam Thompson in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
48. "Games played by Adam Thompson in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
49. "Games played by Adam Thompson in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
50. "Games played by Adam Thompson in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
51. "Games played by Adam Thompson in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
52. "Games played by Adam Thompson in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
53. "Games played by Adam Thompson in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
54. "Games played by Adam Thompson in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
55. "Games played by Adam Thompson in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
56. "Games played by Adam Thompson in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
57. "Games played by Adam Thompson in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
58. "Games played by Adam Thompson in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
59. "Games played by Adam Thompson in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
60. "League Two: 2018/19: Current table". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
    "Bury: Squad details: 2018/19". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
61. "Leyton Orient 2-0 Crewe: Richie Wellens' side seal League Two title". Sky Sports. 22 April 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.

External links

• Profile at irishfa.com
• Adam Thompson at Soccerbase
• Adam Thompson at Soccerway