[6] A quick and tricky right-footed left winger, he was highly regarded by Alex Ferguson and at one point was expected to become a regular player at Old Trafford.

[6] This came days before the FA Cup semi-final against Oldham Athletic, for which Alex Ferguson was reportedly considering selecting Thornley (at least for a place on the bench) in case Ryan Giggs was not fully fit.

[8] In 1997, Thornley sued Marker and Blackburn Rovers for millions over the tackle, claiming a loss of earnings that resulted from him being kept out of the Manchester United first team because of the injury.

[citation needed] After loan spells at Stockport County and Huddersfield Town, Thornley finally left United on a free transfer in May 1998 and went on to make 127 appearances for Huddersfield Town, scoring 8 goals and helping them come close to a First Division play-off place – and the chance of a place in the FA Premier League.

[citation needed] In August 2001 he signed a two-year deal at Aberdeen, which gave him another crack at top division football – this time north of the border in the Scottish Premier League.

[21] Alongside his younger brother, Rod, a striker, Thornley played for Witton Albion in the Northern Premier League between 2008 and 2010.