George Thorne

George Louis Elliot Thorne (born 4 January 1993) is an English footballer and was part of England's Under 17 European Championship winning side in 2010. He currently plays for Southern League Central Premier club Bedford Town, having previously played at England Youth and Premiership level. He operates as a midfielder. Club career West Bromwich Albion Born in Chatham, Thorne joined West Bromwich Albion's Academy in 2005, having been one of the many talented youngsters who were left without a club when Cambridge United's youth scheme closed. He made his debut in a 4–0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in 2009–10, coming off the bench for Simon Cox. At 16 years, 328 days, this made him the youngest player to represent Albion in a senior competitive match since Bobby Hope in April 1960. In January 2010, Thorne signed his first professional contract with Albion, doing so prior to the club's home game with Nottingham Forest. Portsmouth (loan) On 24 November 2011, Thorne joined Championship team Portsmouth on loan until 2 January 2012, alongside Joe Mattock. He made his début two days later, starting in a 1–1 draw against Leicester City at Fratton Park. On 20 December 2011, he was recalled along with two other players also on loan at other clubs due to an injury crisis. On 18 February 2012, he rejoined Portsmouth on loan. He made his second debut in a 2–0 defeat against Barnsley the same day. On 30 March, he suffered an ankle injury in the game against Burnley, being ruled out for the rest of the season, and returning to West Brom.