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Pete's big challenge

Simon Smedley
23/ 7/2008

COUNTY’S new six-figure signing Peter Thompson is confident that he can make an impact in League One next season.

Prolific goalscorer Thompson, who was affectionately known as ‘Pistol Pete’ back home in his native Northern Ireland, spoke to the Express yesterday [Tues], just hours after taking part in his first training session at Manor Farm with his new team-mates.

Full Northern Ireland international Thompson signed a three-year County deal last Friday after his switch from Linfield following an exhaustive few days of negotiations.

Thompson said: "I’m really grateful to Stockport County for providing me with this opportunity to go on and prove myself at a higher level of football in England.

"It might take a little bit of time to adjust to League One football, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m settling in here already.

"I do fancy myself to do well over here. I’m just looking forward to getting some games under my belt now as we continue our preparations for the season proper."

Twenty-four-year-old Thompson, who scored 44 goals last season as Linfield secured a third successive league and cup double, has been particularly impressed with the way in which County officials brought about his move.

There had been interest from the likes of Norwich City, Kilmarnock, Hibernian and Motherwell, but it had to be County in the end.

Thompson added: "There was a couple of other clubs sniffing around, but Jim Gannon and Mark Maguire impressed me hugely.

"They came over to Ireland to meet me face to face, and that just showed how much they thought of me and how much they wanted me.

"That certainly means a lot to a player."

Thompson was set to watch County’s game last night [Tues] at Rochdale from the stands. He should make his debut for his new club on Saturday against a Liverpool XI at Edgeley Park.

Meanwhile, once Thompson had penned his three-year contract last Friday, he was so pleased with himself that he promptly went out and proposed to his long-time girlfriend Donna.

Thankfully, Thompson reported, she said ‘yes’ straight away.