Garry Thompson is one of the most exciting talents to ever emerge from Morecambe's youth academy.
When Thommo first broke into the team he failed to impress and many questioned the youngsters ability. He was rotated between playing as a striker and a winger until the 2002/2003 season when a string of impressive performances meant he nailed down a regular position on the right side of midfield.
Thompson's problem in the past had been consistency but he managed to put together an excellent run of form in the second half of the 2002/2003 season that saw him become an integral part of Morecambe's promotion challenge that season. His efforts for Morecambe also earned him a call up to the England National Game Squad.
Arguably his greatest moment as a Morecambe player came in the FA Cup 1st Round at 2nd Division Chesterfield in the 2002/2003 season where as a second half substitute he scored the winner in injury time to record a memorable victory for Morecambe.
With Morecambe reaching the playoffs that season the semi final game against Dagenham went to penalties where Thompson was one of only two Morecambe players to convert his spot kick as the Shrimps were defeated by the Daggers.
Thompson signed a new two year contract in the aftermath of that defeat to the delight of all connected to Morecambe Football Club.
The following season saw Thompson continue as a regular in the Morecambe side and gained further call ups to the England National Game Squad at the end of the season, representing his country in the four nations tournament as well as a game in the United States.
Upon his contract running out at the end of the 2004/2005 season the Kendal born winger agreed a deal to stay on at the club for a further year.
His impressive form saw him establish himself as one of the best right wingers in the Nationwide Conference which saw Bury and newly promoted Accrington Stanley show interest in him at the end of the season but he decided to remain at Christie Park and signed a new 2 year contract.
Thompson scored the equalising goal against Exeter City in the playoff final at Wembley which Morecambe went on to win 2-1 and gain promotion to the Football League.
