Cardiff Squad Review: Thompson

After an up-and-down season, Cardiff City finished comforably mid-table. A scintillating start was followed by a dismal end and the same players looked half as effective as previously.

VitalCardiff brings you an end of season review of each player. If you disagree then feel free to leave a comment at the foot of this article or e-mail Vital Bluebirds with an alternative review!!


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9 - STEVEN THOMPSON


The big ex- Rangers number 9 was a January acquisition in the 2005/2006 season and opened his account with a superb brace on debut against Burnley. Since then however, the big Scot has struggled for goals. He scored again of the first game of this season, and struck up a useful partnership with new boy Michael Chopra. The goals dried up for Thommo and his partner began to eclipse him, a winning goal against Southampton eased the pressure but there were subversive mutterings from the media and supporters about Thompson`s all-round contribution to the team.

Players and Cardiff staff were keen to praise Thompson for his work-rate and selflessness but the doubts remained over his goal tally and reluctance to shoot. Thompson was dropped by Dave Jones and replaced by the aging veteran Kevin Campbell who was unable to compete at this level and Thompson regained his place. A Boxing Day double, coupled with a new desire and determination, hinted at a new lease of life for the striker and his intelligent partnership with Chopra had flourished with the two linking up well and Chopra attributing some of his goals to Thompson assists.

The remaining 22 appearances from Thompson yielded just 1 goal to give the Scotsman 10 goals in his 57 game Cardiff career and with Cardiff suffering a chronic lack of goals - Thomspon was an easy target. A good team player, his goals tally was simply not good enough and we were unable to compete in Chopra`s absence. Six goals for the season was deemed simply insufficient and Steve Thompson was transfer listed.

The burly striker has attracted no bids so far, and Cardiff have so far struggled to attract a replacement. A disappointing end to a Cardiff career which promised so much, Thompson did little wrong and gave 100% to the team cause, he can do a job at this level but with 2 wingers like Whittingham and Parry - a big striker should have accumulated more goals - that is the only deficiency in his game.




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