LANCE THOMPSON SUPPORT PAGE

Sally Holtham

I can accept that football is now like the real world - no job (team) for life, youth over experience (St George for last how many years?), economic rationalism (pokie tax), number crunching (salary cap), etc but I can't understand why a contract isn't a contract? Will axing Lance quickly enough really help the salary cap issue???

KEEP LANCE!!!!!!!!!

Pauline Marazi

Lance Thompson is one of a kind. I have never seen anyone play with such passion and loyalty for a club.

It would be a joke to see Lance Thompson leave the Saints. Thompson puts the St.George into St. George Illawarra. Lance should stay a Dragon until HE decides to quit the game and not when he is forced to leave.

I am disgusted at how this situation has been handled. Thompson deserves better than this.

Joan Watt

Lance is the backbone of the St.George Dragons. You can't imagine the team without him.

Adrian Marino

Wake me up from this nightmare, this has to be joke for publicity. Come on Mr Doust how could you and your staff contemplate showing the door to some one like Lance Thompson and Shaun Timmins? They not only have red blood running through their veins but white as well. It would be an injustice to see these two players playing in opposition colours!

Stephanie Bourke

Thommo has been a loyal dragons player for years!!! The team wouldn't be the same without him! When I heard that he could be getting sacked...I didn't believe it. I thought, there is noway the dragons would sack Lance Thompson! We need to keep Thommo!

Robby Abbonizio

As fans we can only ask that favourite sons are treated as such. I want Lance with us not against us.

Brian Smith

There is no possible way Lance Thompson should be punted for 2006. He has had his best EVER season as far as I can recall, he is contracted for 2006, and, he gives 110% every time he takes the field. He is Red V through and through.

If it was self recognition he was after he would have retired two years ago, when his form was at its lowest ebb. He loves this game and he loves this club, and, like myself, holds in contempt anybody that would do wrong by either.

(Football Club Member, Leagues Club Member, Red V Member Season Ticket Holder)

Michael Romanous

Who else is known to have said he'd die for the club?

"Thommos got more heart in St.George, than Valentine's Day!

If Thommo leaves then I leave with him! Keep Thommo, cause you know you can trust him the do the job with heart.

Chris Dickson

The treatment of St George's final great son is an indictment to the service Lance has given this club since he was a young kid playing against the likes of myself for Hurstville United.

It would be a struggle to say in the last decade in a half that any other player at the club has given more back to his fans through his endeavours both on and off the field. Give me any day the bloke who truly plays for the love of his jersey. Who plays for the love of his proud area. Give me Thommo, the man who plays above his weight without question. The man who does all the dirty work that doesn't receive the credit that other "superstars" receive for much less.

Thommo is St George. He is the clubs passion that has gone sorely missing in the last few years. Who is there to replace that? If this is the end Thommo, than thank you.

Long live Thompson the Terminator.

Paul Robertson

I support Lance staying a dragon in 2006... on the field he is a great worker and deserves his place in the team beyond next year.

Jeanette McLean

A true St.George boy - has all the passion and the loyalty of the glory years.

Courtney Burgess

Lance is the meaning of the Red V. I couldn't imagine watching the team running out without Thommo next year. He is the heart and soul of our club, the pride and passion of this man is unbelievable. Whenever the team seems down or out you can always count on lance to lift the intensity and lift the team. I cant understand how the board could get rid of someone that is quoted as saying he would die for the Dragons.

The Dragons mean so much to Lance and Lance means so much to the Dragons. You just need to look at the way Lance plays to see the passion he has for the Dragons and the mighty Red V. He dreamed as a child of playing for the Dragons. Thommo deserves a fitting farewell and they only way to farewell this champion is to let him leave when he is good and ready to leave and let him not only do a lap of honour at Kogarah but in the first weekend of October at Telstra stadium. A prime example of lances passion and love for the team was when he took a pay cut to keep the team together.

Lance has done nothing wrong, he has done everything he can for our club and isn't scared to put his body on the line week in a week out. I cant believe that they could even consider asking Lance to walk out the door.

Lance we love you!

Trish Lorger

I would be devastated not to see Lance out on the field in 2006. Lance has to stay or I don't know about signing up again for season tickets for our family if this is the way we treat our loyal players and he is and puts a lot back into the community.

Peter Fjellstrom

How can they even ask players like Cooper and Gasnier to stay for less than they could receive elsewhere when they treat champions like Thompson like that?

Leanne Ball

I am in full support of Lance Thompson and believe his contract should be honoured. Lance is a true Dragons man who bleeds red and white. He is known to be loyal, passionate and a great team man. I have followed his career since he began with St George and it is common knowledge that off and on the field the man is dedicated. He always acknowledges his fans, has made salary sacrifices to keep players at the club, spends time with a lot of youngsters including hospital visits and his football commitments as a coach to the young kids. Lance Thompson deserves to play out his contract at the very least.

Thommo you are a legend and you should stick to your guns and make them honour your contract. As supporters we can't let this happen because if we do Lance won't be the last player this happens to. Other players have been pushed in the past but this is just an utter disgrace. I appeal to other legends and personalities of the club such as Johnny Raper, Reg Gasnier, Graeme Langlands, Mark Coyne, Brad Mackay, Brian Johnston, Brian Johnson, Anthony Mundine etc to give Lance Thompson the support he needs to put him back on the field in 2006.

Bruno Carbone

Lance Thompson is one of the few that consistently puts in no matter how the rest of the team is playing. His passion for the Dragons is evident to the fans and reflects their own love of the red and white, even if it causes him to boil over at times. Give me a team of Thommos and I would follow them win lose or draw because I would know they had given their all, not walk away frustrated by failure to live up to the potential that exists in the team.

Maybe management should go back and read the many tributes to Robert Stone printed this year and think how lucky we all were that Stoney was determined to put his love of the club before his own personal disappointment at being shown the door many years before.

Until management stop looking for more young superstars to stuff under the salary cap, looking for the next saviour, rather than building a super team that will give their all week in and week out, then they will keep coming up empty. And if the rumours do come true and Thommo is not a Dragon next year and beyond, then neither am I.

Nick Pezikian
Red V member

Of all the current players in the St George Illawarra team, no player typifies and represents the spirit and the tenacity of the real Dragon as Lance Thomson.

In most legends the Dragon guards and protects either something or someone. Our Lance is our Dragon, he plays with passion and vigour.
Keep him in the Red V in 2006.

Malvina Morag

Let's support the man who was ready to die for St.George!

Justin Bell

It's quite upsetting to read that Lance Thompson may be leaving the Dragons. Lets face it, our favourite players come and go through the years but occasionally someone comes along that really shows they love the dragons as much as we their supporters do. Lance Thompson is the epitome of that, a player who doesn't have the razzle dazzle of a Gasnier or a side step like Fittler had. But he is someone who will grind out eighty minutes through sheer tenacity, grit and determination. Players like him don't come along all that often. He is a clubman, a local junior who I could never picture in another jersey other than the red and white. I just hope the Dragons repay him the loyalty he has shown to them and give him the send off he deserves, on his terms.

Lorraine Merrick

I would very much like to voice my support for "Thommo", as a supporter of the Dragons for 55 years. It is my understanding that a short time ago, Lance was invited into the football office, and asked to consider taking a salary cut, to aid the club in keeping some of their players at that time due to the restraints of the salary cap. Lance was generous enough to agree, due to his unfailing loyalty to his club.

Now the situation is reversed, and I would like to suggest, that some of the beneficiaries of his generosity think long and hard about his situation at the moment and remember what was done for them. After all is said and done, if they reciprocated, it would not be doing anyone a favour, except the Dragons club. We are talking here about a man who played every single game last year, put his heart, soul and guts out there, and played excellent football for our club.

I would also like to remind people that during the preliminary final against the Tigers a couple of weeks ago, Lance put in 44 tackles, and topped the tackle count with Tigers rake Robbie Farah, who is much younger, so youth is not everything when it comes to football is it?

I was of the belief that you only released players, when they are not performing up to scratch, or you have something better to take their place. I am all for looking after the young ones, and I can see the sense of it, but why, oh why would you release someone who is doing now, what we are hoping to teach the youngsters. We must find a way to keep Lance, because he has shown unfailing loyalty to our club, and finds the time to "put in" with some of our up and coming junior players in the district.

There is an old, but true saying, You can't buy loyalty, and this applies in this case, for sure, because although I could never support another club, if Lance were not given the chance to play again next year due to his good form and loyal attitude, then I have to say that I would feel a great deal of sadness, and disappointment as to how we treat our real heroes,.

Please, please, please, find a way to keep Lance, as he is worth his weight in gold to us. There must be a way!

Dan Brightwell

When I heard Thomo was considered being punted I thought that's it, how can I follow the Dragons?

A friend said to me do you follow St George Illawarra or Lance, I responded he is St George Illawarra. Similarly Timmins is too. Lance is passionate, never gives in and loves that red V. In 1999 said "He'd Die for the club", wanted to return after pissing blood in the Finals.

2003 - Played with a fractured eye-socket against Newcastle

2003 - Played with a broken foot v Souths

2005 - Played with a fractured ribs and compressed lung v Cowboys

He has played himself into the ground for our Club, taken pay cuts sacrificed so much for so little. He is the people's man. I have friends who are Tigers supporters and Bulldogs supporters and they said they would take him at 27 as he has plenty left to serve. Can you imagine life without Thompson? Can you imagine Thompson playing St George Illawarra? Can we afford to let his work ethic go with Bailey leaving in 2007?

Give Lance a Chance

Ian Robinson

Heart can't be bought so don't throw it away. Give Lance a chance.

Nick Stojanovski

Passion, heart, loyalty, hot headed, friend, fan's favourite, hungry, old school.

Just a few words above to describe what the fans think of our St.George Lance Thompson. Everyone is human and not perfect in life and eventually there comes a time when players become old and need to move on, but it's all got to do with timing and the timing is so wrong as Lance Thompson has so much to still offer our team.

In saying that Lance represents what the fans wish we can only do if we had the skill and talent he had. That is to put that Red Vee St.George Jersey on and battle. Battle on, till the only thing that can stop you is death. When the fans see Lance wanting to die for that jersey it brings tears of joy to our faces that someone in the team shares the same feelings towards St.George as we do. Only difference is he is actually doing it, while we can only dream of having the same opportunity.

Craig Watson - Badge# 233

Lance Thompson, bleeds Red & White. He epitomises what it means to be player in the once proud Red V jersey. I have never meet a greater clubman than Lance Thompson. Lance wears his heart on his sleeve whether in the jersey or out of it. Please remember Lance has already taken 1 paycut in recent years to keep players such as Shaun Timmins and Nathan Blacklock, 1 of which you are now ready to let go of in a similar way and 1 you released anyway.

Lance has at least 3 years left in him, more if his body remains injury free such as this year. I have to ask why others get preferential treatment even though they have missed large parts of past seasons? I have been a member of the St. George Leagues Club for 16 years, I have been a Red V member for 3 years and i can recall only one other incident where a player has been treated this poorly, he too was St. George through and through, he too bled Red & White. Our Players should not be treated this way, Our 200 game players should never be treated this way.

James Levy

What's doing all this talk about Lance getting the axe? He is the backbone of Saints, and let me tell you they would not be the same without the red-headed second rower. He is almost the Saints logo!


Justin McGann

Lance Thompson is Dragon through and through. He has played loyally for this great team of ours since he was 17. Why does this Club not show him the same loyalty and allow him to play out his career at the Club? I know a number of people including myself will be totally disapointed to see him go.

Andrew Lerway
Red V Member

100% effort, passion and commitment every time he pulled on the Red V and is everything I want a St.George player to be.

Belinda Robinson

The Dragons would be completely lost without Lance. Thommo is such a champion and they would be absolutely crazy to let such an incredibly talented player slip through their fingers. For the sanity of the fans and for the hope of the team, please don't leave us Lance. We love you to bits and pieces (I'm serious) and it so wouldn't be the same without you.

Mathew Aldous

They say "Size doesn't matter"
It does when it comes to heart
Look at Phar Lap, look at Thommo

Kate Riley

Lance Thompson IS what the dragons and the famous Red V are all about. His passion, commitment and loyalty to St.George is something you don't see very often in today's game. If half the players in this year's team had the same traits as Lance then I believe we would be the premiers. I simply cannot comprehend why the management at the Dragons would not want Lance to play out his contract and finish his wonderful career at the dragons where it all began. Not only is he full of pride and passion for our great team but he has been one of our most consistent performers on the paddock for the past decade. It would simply break the fans hearts to see Thommo in another teams jersey…If Lance goes I go.

Stuart Horton

One of my greatest days was when the Dragons smashed the Sharks upon their return to Kogarah oval a number of years ago. I was a season ticket holder then and have rushed out early to make sure my season tickets would continue every season. Now with the threat in the air that Thommo may not be a Dragon next year, my thoughts are different. Message to Doust, Brown and Board - lose Thommo and I am gone. One fan may not be much, but many more will follow.

G & T Wilder

I've supported Saints for 45 of my 56 years…Why would they even be contemplating letting go of a player who many experts were pushing for Kangaroo selection only a few weeks ago? He is in the PRIME of his career! Where is Brian Johnston? He would never have let this happen!

Nick Friedlander

I have been a loyal Dragons supporter since I was around 4 years old which is 30 years. Over this time I have had numerous favourite players. None have been as loyal and as dedicated as Lance Thompson. He has dreamed of being a Dragon since he was a kid. What an achievement!

A few years ago he took a substantial pay cut so that the team could stay together. Wouldn't it be nice if the other players were as loyal as him and returned the favour? The loss of him in this way leaves a terrible feeling in the guts of the St George Illawarra fans.

I am a season ticket holder at both grounds and even though I will renew my seats it will be a while before I attend a Dragons game without Thommo.

Where has the loyalty gone?

Edward Walton (1971 Grand Final Saint)

Lance Thompson is the best defensive player in the St.George Illawarra Club. I fully support the retention of Lance and support some of the other players taking a pay cut as Lance has done in the past.

Lisa Cotter

As an avid Lance Thompson fan, I can assure you that cutting the heart and soul from the Dragons would be a huge mistake. Lance has been loyal to St. George and is among other things, a joy to watch. I currently live in California where I watch Lance each Sunday! I like to think of myself as his biggest female, American supporter! I cant wait till I next travel to Australia where I can cheer him on in person! Lance is a legend and should be allowed to finish his career with dignity. Go Lance!

John Walters

Does loyalty have no place? Too bad that Saints' support comes from the fans..... but after all, the game is no longer for the fans... its only for business men now!

Gwen Lavis

I would like to offer my support to Lance Thompson, as a supporter of the red and whites, since before World War 2, Yes you read it correctly, supporting this great club now for around 60 years. I am 80 years of age, and have seen great players come and go from our club, but I really have to say that I admire our Lance, for in this day and age where football is considered a business, and money seems to be what motivates all, it is refreshing, to see someone who is prepared to put loyalty to team mates and club before self glory.

For the past 4 seasons I have held a season pass to Kogarah Oval, but I have to say that I will be holding off a little this year, as I don't really feel excited about purchasing a ticket if Thompson's contract isn't going to be honoured.

In my opinion a contract is a contract and to opt out on this would be a very shabby way to treat such a loyal and passionate man.

Stand your ground Lance, and we the supporters will stand with you.

You have been playing great footy, and we need our favourite redhead out there on the field in 2006.

We love and admire you,
See you next year,

MD

Lance Thompson is one of a kind, I have never seen any one play with such passion and loyalty for a club.

I would hate to see Lance Thompson and Shaun Timmins leave the Dragons, I can not imagine St George Illawarra without them . Lance and Shaun have to stay or I will not sign up again for season tickets . I believe these two players should be treated with total respect.