The news of the death of former manager Steve Thompson, on August 29 at the age of 70, was received with sadness at the Cledara Abbey Stadium...
Steve’s time at United was brief: he was appointed manager in December 2004, when the club was in financial turmoil and was facing the distinct prospect of relegation from the Football League after 35 years.
He recognised the seriousness of the situation, telling the press: ‘It’s probably the biggest challenge that I’ve been given in football, but I’ve never shirked a challenge.’
His beleaguered team turned in some battling performances but were unable to avoid the drop from League Two to the Conference, finishing bottom of the division and 14 points from safety. United then filed for administration and, as part of cost-cutting measures, Steve was made redundant in early May 2005.
Born in Sheffield, Steve enjoyed a 15-year career as a popular centre half, notably with Lincoln City and Charlton Athletic. A second spell at Sincil Bank in 1989-90 turned into his first managerial appointment, and he succeeded in pulling the Imps away from a threatened second relegation to the Conference.
He had spells as manager at Southend United and Sheffield United, and his time at the Abbey was followed by a year at Notts County.
Steve died after a protracted battle with cancer. He is survived by partner Julie and sons Alex and Jack.
