Though short and slightly built, at 5ft 6in and 10st 11lb, Tom Tompkins earned himself a decent reputation in South Yorkshire during spells with Doncaster Rovers and Denaby United before signing for Leeds City in May 1907. His time with Rovers saw him score once in 15 Second Division games, adding another goal in the two FA Cup-ties he played for them.

He was given his Leeds City debut at right-half in the opening game of the 1907/08 campaign, on 2 September, when City beat Glossop 2-1. The Leeds Mercury reported: 'Tompkins, who played in the right-half position, did not show as good form as in practice games. He had some difficulty in keeping his feet on the slippery turf, and occasionally might with advantage have gone for the ball instead of waiting for it to come to him.'

He appeared in 11 of City's opening 13 games, only missing out when he was suffering with injuries. After some lacklustre displays in his latter appearances, Tompkins was dropped following the 4-3 defeat at Chesterfield on 16 November and never managed a first team comeback.

At the end of the season Tompkins joined Mexborough Town and saw out his days in Midland League football.