Tributes pour in as ex-footballer and manager Steve Thompson dies from cancer

TRIBUTES have poured in from across English football following the death of Steve Thompson at the age of 70.

Thompson, who played football in England between 1975 and 1990, died after a long battle with cancer.

1 Former footballer and manager Steve Thompson has died following a long battle with cancer Credit: Getty

Born in Sheffield in 1955, the former defender went on to play for a range of clubs.

After his youth career with Sheffield United, Thompson signed for Worksop Town in 1975.

He stayed there for a year before leaving for Boston United.

Thompson stayed at the club until 1980 when he joined Lincoln City, where he remained as a player for the next five years.

And 154 appearances and eight goals later, Thompson headed to South London to join Charlton Athletic when following Lennie Lawrence from Lincoln.

He made 112 appearances in all competitions for the Addicks across a three-year spell.

That included being a key member of their 1985/86 promotion winning side, which put Charlton back into the top flight for the first time in 29 years.

Thompson had a brief spell with his boyhood club Sheffield United in 1988/89, making 23 appearances and scoring one goal as the Blades were promoted from Division Three.

He then rejoined Lincoln for the final year of his playing career, making a further 27 appearances.

There he would hang up his boots and step into management in November of 1990, staying on with Lincoln until 1993 as he led the Imps away from relegation trouble in Division Four.

Lincoln chairman Clive Nates described Thompson as a "truly welcoming presence" and a "huge character".

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video . Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball .