Phil Thompson

Liverpool legend, European Cup-winning captain, and long-serving pundit.

Philip Bernard Thompson (born 21 January 1954) is an English retired footballer, who played as a defender for Liverpool in the 1970s and 1980s. During this time, he made 42 appearances for the England national football team, and captained England on six occasions. After retiring as a player, he later served Liverpool as assistant manager and, during the 2001–02 season, acted as caretaker for six months while manager Gérard Houllier was ill. Thompson was a Sky Sports pundit on Soccer Saturday for 22 years until August 2020, and is a regular Visiting Fellow at the University of Liverpool.

Quick Facts

Full name: Philip Bernard Thompson
Born: 21 January 1954
Birthplace: Kirkby, Lancashire, England
Height: 1.83 m / 6 ft
Position: Centre back
Total caps: 377

Lore & Background

Thompson was born in Kirkby, Lancashire, and was a Liverpool supporter, who stood on The Kop as a boy. He signed as a professional for the club on 22 January 1971, the day after his 17th birthday. He made his first team debut the following year against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. With Liverpool 2–0 up in the 81st minute Shankly took off John Toshack, replacing him with the 18-year-old defender. The move was intended to tighten up the defence and keep a clean-sheet, but three minutes later, Emlyn Hughes scored a goal for Liverpool.

Reader's Guide

Thompson man-marked Malcolm Macdonald out of the game as Liverpool defeated Newcastle United 3–0 in the 1974 FA Cup Final. He remained a major part of the team which won the League and UEFA Cup double in 1976. In 1977, though he played enough games to guarantee a medal when Liverpool retained the title, he suffered an injury which denied him a role in the treble chase. He recovered and returned the following season, scoring in the 1977 UEFA Super Cup final.

He was appointed captain in late 1979 after Hughes left, and lifted the European Cup in 1981. Bob Paisley handed the captaincy to Graeme Souness the following season, but Thompson continued playing regularly, winning further title medals in 1982 and 1983. From 1984, his opportunities diminished as Hansen paired with Mark Lawrenson. He was sold to Sheffield United in 1985 but quit playing at age 31 and was recruited by Kenny Dalglish as a coach.

Did You Know?

Thompson scored his only England goal in a friendly against Italy in New York on 28 May 1976.
Thompson was dismissed by Graeme Souness in 1992 for allegedly talking to Manchester United's Alex Ferguson about issues at the club.
He rejected an offer to become assistant manager at Aston Villa under Houllier in 2010 due to travel and family commitments.