Ben Thornley

Huddersfield Town 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. From June 1999 until November 2000, he was playing under former Manchester United teammate Steve Bruce, who was Huddersfield's manager. When Bruce was dismissed, his successor was another former Manchester United player – Lou Macari, who had left United before Thornley joined them.

Thornley's spell at Huddersfield brought mixed fortunes. In his first season they finished 10th in the First Division and in his second they finished eighth (being in contention for a play-off place right up to the last match of the season), but in his final campaign they suffered relegation to the Second Division. In 30 appearances for Aberdeen, he scored three goals – the opening goal in a 4–2 victory against Motherwell, and both goals in a 2–0 victory over Kilmarnock. He also scored in the Scottish Cup against St Johnstone, and in the Scottish League Cup against Queen of the South.

Later career He returned to England and signed for Second Division club Blackpool on an 18-month contract in November 2002, but was released from his contract at the end of the 2002–03 season.

Thornley signed for Bury in September 2003, but was released less than two months later after making just five appearances. He then joined Halifax Town on non-contract terms in March 2004, ending his professional career just before his 29th birthday to play in the Conference.

He then joined the non-League scene with Bacup Borough where he was joined by former Manchester United teammate David May.

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

Personal life and Post-playing career His younger brother, Rod Thornley, also a former academy player at Manchester United, used to be a sports therapist at the club.

Honours Manchester United FA Youth Cup: 1991–92 FA Charity Shield: 1997