Although he stayed at St James' Park for only one year, he was nevertheless a mainstay in the starting line-up during the 1988–89 season, before moving on to Crystal Palace in November 1989, where he is now remembered as a legend.
[3] He was credited with improving a poor defence, helping to secure Palace's status in English football's top division for four successive seasons.
[5] Thorn joined Coventry City as chief scout before becoming caretaker-manager alongside Steve Harrison after Aidy Boothroyd's departure.
[6] Thorn claimed an inability to buy new players and conflict at boardroom level had been major contributors towards Coventry's relegation.
However, Thorn was sacked as manager on 26 August 2012 after a 2–2 home draw against Bury in which Coventry lost a two-goal advantage in the second half and were booed off at the end of the game.