MANSFIELD TOWN defender John Thompson has called time on his playing career aged just 31.
The centre-back began his career with Nottingham Forest and made over 100 for the club prior to joining Oldham in 2007.
He struggled to break into the Latics’ first team and was subsequently sent to Notts County on loan, joining them on a permanent basis in January 2009.
Thompson helped lead the Magpies to the League Two title in 2009/10 and featured a further 25 times for them in League One the following campaign.
However, he was not offered a deal ahead of the 2011/12 season and linked up with Mansfield Town.
Thompson was a fringe player in his first term with the Stags before suffering horrific an incident during a pre-season friendly against Ilkeston FC in 2011 left him with 60 stitches in his face, a broken nose, damaged shoulder and dislocated finger.
Those injuries have ultimately forced him to hang up his boots and, despite immense disappointment, his retirement is for the best. Speaking to the Mansfield Town website, he said: “I have desperately tried to get back playing to my full potential for almost two years now.
“It has been a hugely frustrating time but I have now reached a point where I can’t continue.
“I have been fortunate enough to have had a great career and played for some good clubs but after seeking medical advice and speaking to my family and friends I feel it is the right decision.”
