Barry Thornley

Chelmsford City Thornley dropped into non-League football in 1969 and signed for Southern League Premier Division club Chelmsford City. He had a good first season, making 39 appearances, scoring seven goals and winning the club's Player of the Year award, in addition to the Essex Professional Cup. Thornley made 35 league appearances and scored three goals during the 1970–71 season and won another Essex Professional Cup. He finally tasted league title success in the 1971–72 season, though the Clarets were denied election to the Football League.

Thornley played on until the end of the 1972–73 season, making only 20 appearances, but winning the Essex Professional Floodlight Cup. Thornley joined Southern League Premier Division club Ramsgate on loan towards the end of the 1972–73 season and made eight appearances without scoring. He departed the New Writtle Street Stadium having made 210 appearances and scored 31 goals in his four years with Chelmsford.

Dover Thornley transferred to Southern League Premier Division club Dover during the 1973 off-season for a £1,000 fee. He scored 13 goals during his two seasons with the club.

Margate Thornley joined Southern League Premier Division club Margate during the 1975 off-season. Despite the team's indifferent form in the league, he had a good first season playing at left back, making 61 appearances, scoring two goals and winning the Kent Floodlight Trophy. The Gate had a disastrous 1976–77 season, culminating in relegation to the Southern League First Division South, which prompted Thornley's retirement from football.

Personal life In later life, Thornley worked for Liverpool Victoria.

Career statistics

Honours Brentford London Challenge Cup: 1964–65 Oxford United Football League Third Division: 1967–68 Chelmsford City Southern League Premier Division: 1971–72 Essex Professional Cup: 1969–70, 1970–71 Essex Professional Floodlight Cup: 1972–73 Margate Kent Floodlight Trophy: 1975–76

Individual

Chelmsford City Player of the Year: 1969–70