Here is the 22nd in our weekly series profiling players across the region. Each week a different player will reveal their best (and worst) moments. This week it is the turn of Pickering Town midfielder Nick Thompson.
Pickering Town midfielder Nick Thompson
Name: Nick Thompson
Age: 25
Current Club: Pickering Town
Previous Clubs: Tadcaster Albion. Selby Town
Day Job: Project Engineer
Based: York
Favourite Team: Newcastle United
Favourite player: Steven Gerrard. He could do everything on the football pitch and won so many games almost single handedly.
Best Mate in Football: Ryan Qualter (Shaw Lane AFC Skipper), a great lad and also a superb defender. Not seen many better at Non League level. Also worth mentioning the lads at Pickering who are a great bunch and pleasure to play alongside.
Nick Thompson is big friends with Shaw Lane defender Ryan Qualter, who he plays alongside at Tadcaster
Nick Thompson (left) in action during Tadcaster’s home league clash with Farsley Celtic in 2011
Nick Thompson
Nick Thompson fires Tadcaster Albion in front during their FA Vase tie at St Helens in 2014. Picture: Ian Parker
A dejected Nick Thompson after Tadcaster Albion’s 1-0 defeat to Highworth in the FA Vase quarter-finals replay in 2015. Picture: Ian Parker
Nick Thompson enjoyed playing alongside Jonathan Greening at Tadcaster Albion
Description of Career Highlight: This would have to be the FA Vase run at Tadcaster two seasons ago. We were unlucky not to go further than the last eight (quarter-finals). There was a great sprit between the lads that year. Also playing alongside Jonathan Greening was a pleasure. Such a brilliant down to earth bloke despite all his achievements in football.
Lowest moment: Last season was particularly frustrating for me as I was injured for half of it. The defeat in the last eight for Tadcaster (against Highworth) was also tough to swallow.
Memorable match: I’m going to say the 3 – 1 victory away at Consett for Pickering in the FA Vase this season. The Pickering fun bus was bouncing on the journey home.
Nick Thompson continues to play under Pickering boss Paul Marshall, who introduced him to the semi-professional game at Tadcaster
First manager: Paul Marshall (Tadcaster Albion).
First red card: Two yellows as an 18-year-old at Tadcaster (against Brighouse in 2010). Learnt my lesson as it’s my only ever red card.
First goal: An equaliser in an FA Cup tie for Tadcaster, I think. Can’t remember the opposition! (Editor note: Last minute goal against Shildon at Tadcaster which forced a replay)
Best goal: Not really scored many good ones! Washington away this season was quite a decent one to be fair!
What do you want to achieve in football in the future: Would love a promotion with Pickering this season. We have a fantastic set of lads at the moment.
Favourite Non League Ground to play at (barring your own club): Parkgate I would say. The pitch is always quality and I’ve managed to nick a few goals there in recent years.
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