Sean Thornton
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Leyton Orient | ||
| Number | 10 | ||
Sean Thornton (born 18 May 1983) is a footballer, currently playing for Leyton Orient.
Thornton started his career with Tranmere Rovers before joining Sunderland. Following Sunderland's promotion in 2004-05, he was sold to Doncaster Rovers on 11 July 2005 for £175,000 which was their club record fee. £125,000 of the fee was up front along with a further £50,000 payable if Rovers got promoted (this did not happen).[citation needed]
Perhaps his best moment at Doncaster Rovers was a 25-yard strike that sealed a 3-0 win for Rovers over Carling Cup opponents Aston Villa in 2005. He also played a part in another goal in the following round against Arsenal, by turning his back on an Arsenal shot that took a wicked deflection off him to beat Doncaster goalkeeper Jan Budtz. Sean also helped Doncaster Rovers to victory over Bristol Rovers in the Football League Trophy final in 2007. He swung in a stunning corner kick for Graeme Lee to head in to score the extra time winner at Cardiff. He was released by Doncaster in May 2007.[1]
In July 2007 Thornton signed for another League One side, Leyton Orient, and is manager Martin Ling's eighth summer signing.[2] He scored on his debut against rivals Southend scoring a 30 yard scorcher of a free kick in a famous 2-1 win at Roots Hall. He will go down in Orient folklore, as being the man who single handly defeated Southend United. [citation needed]
Sunderland Career (Jul-02 to Jul-05)
Sunderland finally signed Sean Thornton from Tranmere Rovers on July 8th 2002 after pursuing the player for several months. He was 19 and very highly regarded in Ireland at the time, the deal sparked controversy as it was alleged that Sean had trained with Sunderland while still contracted to Tranmere.[3]
Sean's form at Sunderland was often inconsistent and although he showed moments of great potential ultimately a falling out with then manager Mick McCarthy about heavy drinking was to seal his fate - a transfer to Doncaster Rovers.
His time with Sunderland was dogged with criticism from both fans and the media alike, and although he was popular with the supporters, few could argue when he was sold.
References
External links
- Sean Thornton at Soccerbase