George Thompson

George Herbert Thompson (15 September 1926 – 7 March 2004) was an English footballer who played as a goalkeeper in the 1950s and 1960s for Scunthorpe United, Preston North End, Manchester City and Carlisle United including playing on the losing side in the 1954 FA Cup final.

Football career Thompson was born in Maltby, West Riding of Yorkshire, the son of George Thompson, the York City (and later Southampton) goalkeeper. His brother, Des, also played as a goalkeeper, for York City, Burnley and Sheffield United.

Thompson's professional career started when he signed for Chesterfield in June 1947. He spent three years at Saltergate without making a first-team appearance. In June 1950, he joined Scunthorpe & Lindsey United for their first season in the Third Division North of the Football League, making his debut on the opening day of the season on 11 August 1950 against Shrewsbury Town, also newly elected to the Football league. Thompson kept a clean sheet as the match finished 0–0. Over the next two seasons, he became a first team fixture, making 92 league appearances for Scunthorpe.

In the 1953–54 season, Thompson made 39 league appearances and was part of the Preston team which reached the final of the FA Cup. In the match against West Bromwich Albion, on 1 May 1954, led 2–1 thanks to goals from Angus Morrison and Charlie Wayman. A penalty conceded by Tommy Docherty and a late goal from Frank Griffin who slipped the ball under Thompson turned the game which ended 3–2.

Thompson played regularly over the next two seasons before losing his place to the younger Fred Else. Thompson's last Preston match came on 24 March 1956 in a 2–1 win at home to Portsmouth. During his time at the Deepdale club, Thompson also won England 'B' honours;

Thompson joined Manchester City in June 1956 as understudy to Bert Trautmann, making only two first-team appearances in his year at Maine Road.

Honours Preston North End FA Cup runner-up: 1953–54