Former Blackpool coach takes temporary charge of National League club following sacking of ex-Everton and Sheffield United defender
The ex-Everton, Sheffield United and Wigan Athletic defender leaves Boundary Park with the club 22nd in the National League, with only one win in their opening nine games.
Thompson will step into the top job while the recruitment process for Unsworth’s successor is conducted.
The 58-year-old held a number of coaching positions with the Seasiders during his time at Bloomfield Road, working alongside the likes of Simon Grayson and Ian Holloway with the first team, as well as stepping into the role of caretaker manager on three separate occasions.
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OLDHAM Athletic’s season took another twist when they were beaten 3-0 by Bromley at Hayes Lane, a defeat that sent them into the bottom three of the National League. The club responded by sacking 49 year-old manager David Unsworth almost a year to the date since taking over. OIdham have won just one game in nine this season, their second in non-league football after relegation from the EFL in 2021-22. Oldham claim they have invested in the squad this term and acquired some players with potential. Things haven’t worked out as planned. The club said: “David signed for three seasons, to bring stability on the playing front, but despite the hard work and dedication of David and his coaching team, results have not worked out on the pitch.”
Over at Manchester United, they are struggling aswell. They were beaten 3-1 at Old Trafford by Brighton, who put on a sparkling show to send United to their third defeat in five Premier games. United suddenly look in dissaray – they have unhappy players and also behavioural issues, the club is or isn’t for sale and the sentiment is turning against Erik ten Hag. Furthermore, some players do not know if they are part of the coach’s plans. After a relatively successful campaign in 2022-23, United seem to be teetering towards another crisis of confidence. They were outplayed by a Brighton side who were 3-0 ahead with 20 minutes to go, thanks to goals from Welbeck, Gross and Pedro before Hannibal pulled one back in the 73rd minute. The result leaves United nine points behind neighbours City after just five games.
