Jordan Thompson arrived at Deepdale two months ago with more than just a suitcase in hand; he brought injury baggage too.
That alone might explain the lukewarm reaction to his arrival. But now, on Preston North End’s pre-season tour of Spain, he’s up and running quite literally. The Northern Ireland international has ditched the crutches, joined the squad, and has started light running as he works his way towards match fitness.
This development, although minor in the broader scope of the summer rebuild, deserves recognition. Preston signed Thompson knowing he was recovering from a setback, and the club’s plan always pointed towards a longer-term integration. That he’s making physical progress now suggests this was a calculated gamble, not a reckless punt.
Short-Term Setback, Long-Term Thinking
Let’s be honest: few Championship clubs are in a position to fill their squad with fully fit, prime-age, elite players on free transfers. North End, like many in the division, have to be smarter. Thompson is 28, experienced at this level, and comes with over 100 Championship appearances under his belt. That kind of pedigree doesn’t come cheap, unless the player is recovering from an injury.
It’s not ideal to bring someone in on crutches, but that risk is offset by the upside. Thompson was a dependable figure at Stoke City, and several supporters from the Potteries expressed surprise at his release. Notably, his commitment and defensive diligence were often highlighted as strengths. For a Preston side that leaked too many leads last season and lacked midfield steel, those qualities matter.
Of course, questions remain. He hasn’t played consistently as a first-choice starter, and his attacking output is minimal. But Thompson has not been signed to score goals. He’s there to disrupt, protect, lead, and allow others to play. In that context, his presence alongside Ali McCann and Mads Frökjaer could bring balance to a midfield that at times felt flimsy or disjointed.
Let Him Earn It
Thompson won’t be the signing that sells shirts or shifts season tickets. That’s never been the role for a squad player with a specific job. But dismissing him because of the injury, or because he isn’t a marquee name, is unfair.
It’s also worth acknowledging the bigger picture. Squad depth has been a long-running concern at Deepdale. Players like Ryan Ledson were often overused or asked to do jobs outside their strengths. The idea with Thompson isn’t to dazzle, but to stabilise. His leadership and international experience are assets, and with squad rotation more important than ever across a 46-game slog, having reliable professionals who can plug gaps is crucial.
His recovery timeline still means supporters might not see him in competitive action until September, but so what? As long as he’s available for the bulk of the season, that would still represent a smart piece of long-term planning. You don’t need to play every week to make a difference, and sometimes, the best signings are the ones you barely notice, quietly doing the dirty work so others can shine.
Final Thought
The Thompson signing might not excite, but not every move needs to be box office. If he helps tighten up midfield, close out games, and restore some spine to a soft centre, he’ll prove excellent value. His presence in Spain, jogging laps and edging back towards fitness, is a reminder not to judge a player before he’s even kicked a ball.
Give him time. Give him minutes. Then decide.
