It’s official, George Thorne has left Derby County to join Oxford United on a permanent basis. The midfielder spent the first half of the season on loan at the Kassam Stadium but has been restricted to making just three appearances in all competitions due to injury.
Thorne signed for the Rams back in 2014 from West Bromwich Albion and had a loan spell at Luton Town for whom he also made just three appearances. The 27-year-old has had his fair share of injury troubles and you could argue those have prevented him from getting anywhere near fulfilling his full potential.
Are you disappointed to see Thorne depart on a permanent basis?
Yes
No
Here’s how some of the Derby supporters reacted to the news Thorne has now departed.
Such a terrible shame that injuries ruined his Rams career he could have been such a great player for us. All the best for the future George!
— Andrew Swift (@swigger67) January 22, 2020
Wish him all the best, a frustrating career for him so far.
— Chris Lawn (@cLawn92) January 22, 2020
Such a shame was so excited the day we signed him, career ruined by injuries
— Dan Price (@priceyd) January 22, 2020
Wishing him far more luck in the future than he has here.
Such a shame how injury devastated his time with us,and could have been so different.
All the very best George.??— Lee ??once a Ram,always a Ram?? (@derbysuperrams) January 22, 2020
Absolute pleasure watching this lad when he came to Derby. He was a different class! So unlucky with injuries. Good luck
— Matthew Bailey (@Bayas_23) January 22, 2020
Fantastic player blighted by injuries. Can still see his second leg playoff goal against Brighton at Pride Park ????
— Scott Gracey (@scottgracey) January 22, 2020
What do we think?
George Thorne played just 73 times for Derby in the best part of six years at the club. Judging by the supporters’ replies, it’s abundantly clear that despite his fitness troubles, many grew attached to the defensive midfielder and remain hugely appreciative of his talents.
They were united in wishing their former player well for the future and say goodbye whilst holding onto the memory of his playoff semi-final goal versus Brighton.