'Thompson proved to be a reliable performer for City'

JORDAN Thompson made it into the top 20 for most Stoke City appearances this century before time was called on his stay at the club.

- Peter Smith

Thompson, having played 178 games over five-and-a-half years, was perhaps the most surprising name on the released list that was announced on Monday afternoon. He will leave alongside Lynden Gooch, Michael Rose and Enda Stevens.

There was a near-consensus about the Northern Ireland international as a useful squad member under Mark Robins, whether he was playing in central midfield or at left-back, where he had increasingly filled in over the last couple of seasons.

He had been open about wanting to stay at Stoke - "This club means a lot to me, my wee son is a Stoke fan," he told the Sentinel in March - but he was keen on a long-term contract rather than a one-year deal that might have tempted his bosses.