Mickey Thomas came to prominence with Wrexham, whom he joined as an amateur in 1969 after representing Clwyd & Conwy and North Wales Schools. In 1971 he became an apprentice, signed as a pro in April 1972, and went on to play a big part in the “Robins'” most successful era. Gaining Welsh Cup winner’s medals in 1975 and 1978, he helped his side to the Third Division title in 1977-78.
The tenacious little Welshman also represented his country at youth, under-21 and under-23 levels, and won his first full cap against West Germany in October 1976 in a 2-0 defeat in Cardiff. His success as an attacking midfielder or winger attracted the attention of Manchester United, and he signed for them for £300,000 in November 1978. Mickey went on to enjoy 90 First Division outings at Old Trafford, playing in the side which lost the 1979 F.A. Cup final, but that proved to be the pinnacle of his career.
After joining Everton in August 1981, in an exchange deal for John Gidman valued at £450,000, he started on a downward spiral which barely relented. Mickey made just ten League appearances before joining the Albion three months later for a £350.000 fee, but his spell at Goodison was idyllic compared with his time in Hove and the impish 28-year-old moved on in August 1982, joining Stoke City for £200,000.
Mickey continued his wanderings for many vears: he later turned out for Chelsea (January 1984), helping them to the 1983-84 Second Division title: West Bromwich Albion (September 1985), where he won his last cap; Derby County (on loan March 1986): Wichita Wings in the U.S.A. (August 1986); Shrewsbury Town (August 1988); Leeds United (August 1989); and Stoke City again (on loan March 1990, signed August 1990).
In August 1991, Mickey returned to Wrexham and enjoyed a last, brief moment of glory when he helped knock Arsenal out of the FA. Cup, but he played his last League game in November 1992 at the age of 38 and was released in May 1993, joining Conwy United.