Rovers land Forest’s Thompson

Tranmere have signed 25 year-old Nottingham Forest defender John Thompson on a one month loan deal after being hit with the news that right-back Robbie Stockdale will be out for a month with a hamstring injury.

Thompson has amassed over 100 apperances for our League One rivals, including 10 so far this term, and he’s also got one cap for the Republic of Ireland.

Ronnie Moore was delighted with his arrival, explaining that the move was forced upon him due to one of his defenders, Robbie Stockdale, suffering an injury.

Speaking to the Official Site, Moore said ‘This is a great signing for the club. Robbie Stockdale has a hamstring injury which will keep him out for a month so we have, with the backing of the Chairman and Board of Directors, moved quickly to bring John in.’

Ronnie went on to say ‘He is an experienced defender who adds height and speed to the defence…. I’m very pleased he has agreed to join us on loan’

Thompson, who is 6ft tall, can play anywhere across the backline, as well as in the centre of midfield. It is expected that he will fill in at right back in Saturday’s game at home to Bournemouth. He is not eligible to play in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, but can compete for the Whites in the FA Cup next month, as long as we’re not drawn against Forest.

It’s a little alarming that Robbie Stockdale will be out for a month, but thankfully the club has moved quickly to solve what could have been a major problem in leaving such a big gap in our small squad. What do you think about this move? Is it perhaps odd that Forest have let out one of their players to League One rivals? Forest fans – how good is Thompson? What can Rovers fans expect from him?