Liverpool Football Club

As a child Phil Thompson was a keen Liverpool supporter who stood in the famous kop watching his beloved team. His childhood dream was to play for his favourite team and this ambition was fulfilled in 1971 when he signed as a professional on the day after his seventeenth birthday.

He made his debut the following year in a game against Manchester United. He was tall and skinny lad and it was rumoured that he was put on a diet of steak and chips by Bill Shankly! Nevertheless, he was made of stern stuff and rose admirably to the challenges given to him.

Although no longer involved with the club on a day-to-day basis, it’s plain to see from his work in the media that LFC remains close to his heart. He is a regular pundit on Sky Sports and a popular after dinner speaker.

Phil Thompson Coming Of Age

Phil played part in the successes of 1973 when Liverpool won both the League and the UEFA Cup. However, it was in 1974 that Thommo, as he was affectionately known, really came of age. Liverpool reached the final of the FA Cup and Phil played in every game en route to Wembley. He man marked ‘Supermac’ Macdonald out of the game as Liverpool beat opponents Newcastle United with a 3-0 win.

Style And Grace

In subsequent years Phil continued to play a major role for his team who once again won the League and the UEFA Cup in 1976. Phil was recognised for his style and grace, and his partnership with the legendary Emlyn Hughes even resulted Liverpool changing their style of play. For example, they started playing from the back rather than launching long balls up to the centre forwards.

Captain Phil Thompson

When Emlyn Hughes left the club Phil was the natural choice of successor for captaincy. Phil was thrilled to be able to lift the League Cup in 1981 and even more delighted when the Reds won the European Cup for the third time after beating Real Madrid 1-0 in Paris. This was probably his proudest moment as Liverpool skipper.

Liverpool Honours

• Football League First Division: (7) 1972–73, 1975–76, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1982–83
• FA Cup: (1) 1973–74
• Football League Cup: (2) 1980–81, 1981–82
• FA Charity Shield: (6) 1974, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1982
• European Cup: (3) 1976–77, 1977–78, 1980–81
• UEFA Cup: (2) 1972–73, 1975–76
• UEFA Super Cup: (1) 1977

International Football Career

Phil played frequently for England and achieved a total of forty two caps. He was part of the squad that qualified for the finals of the European Championships in 1980.

Retirement From Playing

Following his retirement from professional football, Phil Thompson worked as reserves manager under Kenny Dalglish. He left this role in 1992, but returned as assistant manager to Gerard Houllier in the late 1990s. He spent several months as caretaker manager when Gerard Houllier was seriously ill with heart problems. When Houllier left the club Phil did too.

He has since worked as a football pundit and it is clear from his work in the media that Liverpool is still very close to his heart.