Thompson leaves on good terms

JOHN THOMPSON has left Boundary Park with the best wishes of Athletic manager John Sheridan.

In an unhappy 18 months, Thompson managed only nine starts and a two appearances as a substitute.

Athletic paid up the remaining six months of his contract and he joined Notts County on a two-and-a-half year deal. He had spent the previous three months on loan at Meadow Lane.

Sheridan said: “Things did not work out for John, who had a lot of injuries. Sometimes these things happen.

“He has the chance to play regular football at another club, which is what he wanted, and good luck to him as he has never been a problem.

“I was honest with him and I hope it works out for him at Notts County.”


CHRIS TURNER and John Sheridan may have been managerial rivals last night, but once they were team-mates at Sheffield Wednesday.

Indeed, they shared in one of The Owls’ greatest days when they defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley in the 1991 Rumbelows League Cup final.

It was Sheridan’s finest hour in football as he scored the match-winning goal against the Reds.

Turner, whose goalkeeping career included two lengthy spells at Sheffield Wednesday and stints at Old Trafford and Sunderland, described Sheridan as one of the best midfield he had seen.

“I would put John alongside Bryan Robson, though they were different types of player,” he said.




SHERIDAN had an illustrious career as a player, which makes his praise of Mark Allott’s sensational goal at Huddersfield even more noteworthy.



“I have not seen many better. It was a wonder strike,” admitted Athletic’s manager.

“Mark is very good with his right and left foot. He is one of the best finishers at the club when we practice shooting drills.”