Former Bolton and Burnley midfielder Steve Thompson has steadily worked his way up the ranks at the club, after originally taking the Head of Centre of Excellence role before becoming Head of the Youth Department in 2005. The appointment of Simon Grayson as manager of Blackpool coincided with another appointment for Thompson, this time as First Team Coach in 2006. The manager had played with Thompson at Leicester City in the 90's and had no hesitation in adding him to his coaching staff. The trio of Grayson, Parkes and Thompson brought great success to Bloomfield Road and all contributed immensly in the club's Championship promotion in May 2007, as well as the continued success in the division since.

The departure of Simon Grayson in December 2008 saw Thompson assist caretaker manager Tony Parkes, as the pair guided the Seasiders to a 16th place finish in the Championship.

A change of manager at the end of the 2008-09 season meant that Ian Holloway was appointed but Thompson remained on the coaching staff to help guide the Seasiders to the Premiership.