Arron Thompson 'reluctantly' rejected Hebburn Town offer as next move set
One of Hebburn Town’s NPL Premier Division title winners has opened up on his departure.
Hebburn Town midfielder Arron Thompson has reflected on his ‘reluctant’ decision to bring an end to a highly successful four-year spell at the Trustmark Group Stadium.
The former South Shields and West Auckland Town man joined the Hornets in September 2022 and was part of the side that lifted the Durham Challenge Cup with a penalty shoot-out win against Spennymoor Town at the Stadium of Light eight months later. Thompson then went on to help Daniel Moore’s side secure the Northern Premier League East Division title with a stunning run of form during the second half of the 2023/24 season before they preserved their step three status during the following campaign.
However, greater heights were to be scaled in the most unexpected of circumstances last season as Thompson and his team-mates defied the odds to see off the challenge of Hednesford Town and FC United of Manchester to become Northern Premier League Premier Division champions and secure a first ever promotion into the National League North. That will see Hebburn take on the likes of Darlington, Hereford, Morecambe and Thompson’s former club South Shields - but the midfielder will not be part of the squad that will prepare for a historic campaign after turning down an offer of a one-year deal.
The 25-year-old described his four-year spell in yellow and black as ‘an unbelievable journey’ and wished the Hornets well for the future after giving an insight into his decision to depart.
He told The Gazette: “The club got in touch with me after the season finished and they offered me a contract to stay for another year. It was an offer I reluctantly turned down because I looked at the National League North and the time and travel involved and there was just a lot to commit to with my work and family life. It was a very tough decision because I’ve had four great years and it’s been an unbelievable journey - but my priorities had to be with my work and family and that’s why I made the decision. It’s been three trophies in four seasons and two league titles - and I think this one was even more special because everyone wrote us off. It’s been an unbelievable four years and I wish them nothing but the best.”
Interest
Thompson also revealed he has already agreed the next step in his career after holding talks with a club at a lower level that will allow him to balance his work-life and football commitments.
“I’ve had a lot of interest when Hebburn released their retained list,” he explained. “People see it on social media and that brought interest, people got in touch and I had a decision to make. I have agreed to sign with a club, I am dropping down but I am signing for the club because I believe they have major ambition and the move fits around my work life and family life. I am looking forward to getting going and seeing where it takes me.”