Derby County supporters have taken to Twitter to comment on midfielder George Thorne joining League One side Luton Town on loan until the end of the season.
The talented holding midfielder failed to make a single appearance for the Rams this term as he was restricted to featuring for the U23 side, even missing out on domestic cup games.
But that doesn’t detract from his popularity among Derby supporters, with several still holding fond memories of the player many believed to be among the best in the Championship upon his arrival at Pride Park.
Luton are currently challenging for a playoff spot in League One, and should Thorne remain fit and show anywhere near his full potential, then the Hatters could have quite the player on their hands.
✍️ NEW SIGNING | Midfielder George Thorne joins the Hatters on loan from @dcfcofficial until the end of the season!
Welcome to Kenilworth Road, George 🤝 #COYH
👉https://t.co/oNclCpZ1dV pic.twitter.com/IRJOT27Oy3
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) January 7, 2019
You’ve signed the best player now in your league.
— Jacob Hackett 🐏 (@dcfc_hackett) January 7, 2019
What a signing
— Tom (@dcfcTom_) January 7, 2019
Great signing for you boys… just keep him fit and he’ll smash League One!
— Jonathan Cluskey (@clusk3y) January 7, 2019
Best player in League one now
— Jack Beighton (@JackBeighton) January 7, 2019
Announce Luton promotion
— Robbo (@RobKilbride) January 7, 2019
Best player in the league when he gets going , good luck George
— michael (@mlbchubbs) January 7, 2019
If the lad is fully fit you boys will walk the league🔥
— Mazzz🐏 (@Maz_Georgiou) January 7, 2019
That’s a cracking signing for you guys👌 all the best George👍
— Rams fan (@wazzabaseball) January 7, 2019
George Thorne’s battle with injuries:
Thorne initially joined Derby on loan towards the back end of the 2013/14 campaign, and he immediately slotted in alongside academy products Will Hughes and Jeff Hendrick in a sparkling midfield three.
The former West Bromwich Albion ace was instrumental during Derby’s record 5-0 win over east Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest, while he scored the goal of the tie during the Rams’ 6-2 aggregate playoff win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
Thorne later became Derby’s main summer buy of 2014, but his career at the club was soon disrupted by a knee ligament injury ruling him for the 2014/15 season before later suffering a broken leg in 2016.
Since moving to Pride Park on a permanent basis, the 25-year-old has managed just 44 Championship starts in three and a half years (Whoscored), and some fear Thorne may never be the same player again.
His popularity, however, hasn’t wavered and he will no doubt receive the full backing of every supporter wishing for a successful spell at Kenilworth Road.