Derby County supporters have taken to Twitter to comment on confirmation of George Thorne’s move to Oxford United.
The holding midfielder has joined the League One club on a loan deal until January after missing out on Derby’s opening games to the season.
Thorne was once cited as a future Premier League star upon signing for the Rams in 2014. However, a succession of cruel long-term injuries has hampered his career.
The 26-year-old now joins Oxford looking to gain some much-needed first team football. Thorne remains a popular player among Derby supporters, and many have wished him well.
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Thorne originally signed for Derby on loan during the Rams’ promotion push in 2013-14. Manager Steve McClaren deployed him at the base of a midfield three, tasked with initiating attacks.
George Thorne’s battle with injuries:
The former West Bromwich Albion academy graduate was a massive hit. He was strong in the tackle, excellent in possession and linked up well with the likes of Will Hughes and Jeff Hendrick.
There was euphoria when Thorne signed for Derby permanently in the summer of 2014. However, in pre-season he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury which ruled him out for the majority of the 2014-15 campaign.
Thorne was back in the side for the 2015-16 promotion push. But, on the final day of the season, he endured another setback as he broke his leg in an accidental challenge at home to Ipswich Town.
Over the past five seasons, Thorne has managed just 57 Championship appearances. Many felt he could have even played for England at one point, now most Derby fans hope he just manages to play regular football again.