Thackeray then returned to the Conference, spending four seasons with Nuneaton Borough. In 2003, he joined Ashton United, where he scored 5 goals from 91 games in all competitions, and for a time acted as assistant manager. His final club before retirement was Mossley, where he scored 4 goals from 74 games, and won the Player of the Year award in helping them to the Northern Premier League Division One title in the 2005–06 season.
Thackeray then returned to the Conference, spending four seasons with Nuneaton Borough. In 2003, he joined Ashton United, where he scored 5 goals from 91 games and temporarily held a managerial role. His final club before retirement was Mossley, where he scored 4 goals from 74 games and won the Player of the Year award in helping them secure the Northern Premier League Division One title in the 2005–06 season.