Boro’ added yet more experience to the squad ahead of the 2023-4 League One season; Nathan Thompson our third summer signing. The defender joined us off the back of a four-year spell with Peterborough United; bringing with him power and strength to that part of the pitch. Mainly a right back, the player can cover in the centre if needs be. But it did beg the question at the time of his arrival as to whether it meant we’d be saying goodbye to Terence Vancooten or Luther James-Wildin. Or both. Aren’t transfer rumours fun?
Of course, that shouldn’t take away from Thompson’s credentials. He arrived with the experience of being a part of the League One playoffs on four separate occasions. In addition, there was one automatic promotion from League One to his name. So, some good omens straight off the back. After signing, the defender said: “I had good discussions with the manager about what we are looking to achieve. Having played against Stevenage numerous times, it’s always been a tough game. Now, I’m looking forward to being on the other side and seeing what we can achieve.”
Nathan Thompson: Before Boro’
Thompson didn’t have to travel far when signing for us; popping down the road – or East Coast mainline if he prefers the train – from Peterborough United. At London Road, he played more than 100 times across his four years there. One of those seasons (2020-1) saw them finish second in League One and secure promotion up to the Championship. He also chipped in with the (very) occasional goal too, which isn’t something we’d turn our noses up at.
Before his time with the Posh, Thompson started his career in the Swindon Town youth structure; turning pro in 2009. To be fair, he’d attracted Premier League interest in his early days at the Robins – even if nothing did ultimately materialise. His senior debut came in October 2010, which isn’t something we’d normally flag. Who really cares what Football League Trophy match gave him his first taste of senior action nearly 13 years before he came to us? Well, we mention it because he came on as a sub for Scott Cuthbert.
Thompson left Swindon in summer 2017 after 10 years with the club, making well over 100 appearances. Next up was a two-year stint at Portsmouth; qualifying (unsuccessfully) for the playoffs in 2019.