 He retained his place in the starting line for the remaining four games of January, including an impressive defensive display away against Arsenal in the FA Cup, as Leeds slipped to a narrow 1–0 defeat after a late Thierry Henry strike.The last game of this run coincided with Simon Grayson's final game as manager before being sacked on the final day of the month; a 4–1 home defeat to Birmingham City on a January transfer deadline day that saw Leeds recruit competition for Thompson in the form of Tottenham Hotspur's youngster Adam Smith on loan.Thompson lost his place to Smith in the following game and caretaker manager Neil Redfearn first match in charge in what was a comfortable 3–0 victory away to Bristol City.