Phil Thompson is Liverpool through and through. The amount of times people say about a player “He’s one of us” and that’s reason they like him. Thommo is one of us. He is a fan. Now he has temporarily taken over the reins from GH, with no managerial experience bar a few years as Reserve team coach, the vultures in the press and the stands were building him up so he could be knocked down with a thud. Every article in the press seemed to be praising Thommo, and as soon as there’s a whiff of failure they started to talk of how he was never ‘managerial material’. That’s bad enough, but when you hear fellow Reds critising him, it shows how fickle people can be. The passionate Scouser, who is still a loyal fan, even after a few knocks that Liverpool has dealt him along the way. A few months ago, he was going to replace Ged in a few years. Now, he should be replaced. Doesn’t add up does it?
Phil had been a fanatical Red as a boy, and signed as an apprentice. He made his debut against Manchester United in 1972, coming on as a substitute. He then went on to play make over 150 appearances for the Reds, with the highlight being him lifting the European Cup in 1981 at Paris. We’ve all heard the story of Phil taking one of the most prestigious trophies in the world, to a pub in Kirkby. He has won 7 league titles, 2 European Cups, 2 League Cups and a UEFA Cup. That alone just shows that Phil Thompson is a Liverpool legend.
After leaving the club he loved under a black cloud, he returned in 1998 as Gérard’s number 2. It was that fan-side of him that made him wanted by Gérard. Thommo was the one who barked out the orders while GH was content to slip into the background. And since he has taken the managerial post up, we’ve seen another side of Thommo. Leaving the tracksuit for post-match interviews, having to watch his words whilst being interviewed. It was time to see what he had learnt from Gérard. And Thommo never failed, taking up the baton brilliantly.
As soon as GH was taken ill, people started trying to make headlines for themselves. Certain ex-Reds called for more experienced managers like Kenny Dalglish, who himself said Thommo could do the job. When results started going the other way, so-called ‘fans’ wanted a more experienced manager. To bring in a new manager would take the club back years. If a new manager was brought in, he’d have his own way of playing, and different kind of players. While Phil and the backroom staff were in charge, it GH’s spirit was on the team, even if he couldn’t be there in person. Thommo put himself on the line, and knew the pressure. But, it was the best thing for Liverpool Football Club.
Phil Thompson has done a superb job. He has taken over one of the biggest clubs in the world, with no managerial experience. The smooth running of the camp, carried on. After a bad run over the Christmas period, the Reds seem to be back on track.
And the very fact some Liverpool fans can critise him is a shame. Phil gets frustrated when we do. He feels at we do. When we are made up, he is too. When people say stuff like "_______ should have played, why didn't Thommo do it?" It’s a joke! He is human and has opinions. He might like a player, some mightn't. If he plays the player half the crowd may agree, and half may not. Take Patrik Berger for instance. People say that he's there best player, who can change games with one swing of his left boot, whereas others would say he's crap and does nothing for the team. For Thommo, it's a no win situation.
How would Man United do without Ferguson in charge? How would Arsenal do with Pat Rice in charge? Not half as well as Liverpool have done with Thommo, that’s for sure. Could Pat Rice take Arsenal through to the next stage of the Champions League? Keep them in contention for the title going into the final months of the season?
But, Phil will not be disheartened and will do whatever is possible to help Liverpool FC. His captaincy was handed to Graeme Souness, and he still gave 110% for Liverpool. He was disappointed; as would anyone, but carried on giving his all for the team he supported all his life.
Whereas some people may have grudges against teams for sacking them, Phil carried on caring for his beloved Reds. He did work on Sky and Radio City, and his passion for Liverpool was shown there. The passion for the club he had seen as a kid was there. Thommo will always be a fan.
The backbone of the rejuvenated Reds is the back four. That has a lot to do with Thommo. He was an important member of the Reds backline during the height of the Reds' glory. GH bought the players, but I'd say that Phil has made them into the unit that they are now.
This will be like preaching to the converted here, but there are a few who blame Thommo every time a result goes the other way. Lets not forget that before Gérard was taken ill, these “fans” had also started blaming him for the results too.
So it's time to honour Phil Thompson- Fan, Coach and Liverpool legend. When Ged gets back, lets make sure we welcome the great man back, but say ‘Thanks’ to our legend.
And thanks for starting one of the most original songs in ages (Yawn!)
Mark Piercy
