The Truth
Banned
On 2 July 2009, Thornton left Coventry City by mutual consent. Both the club and player refused to comment on this, but it is believed to be down to his court appearance the previous month. He had been found guilty of failing to stop at the scene of an accident, driving with excess alcohol and without insurance or a full licence. For his crimes he was banned from driving for 22 months, fined £2,750 and ordered to pay £260 in costs and compensation. Two years earlier he had been convicted for criminal damage to a taxi after a night out in 2007. Then manager Iain Dowie having only discovered of this after it was reported in the Coventry Telegraph.
In July 2009, Thornton was taken on by his former manager Micky Adams, for a trial at League Two side Port Vale. He played his first game against Stafford Rangers on 25 July, topping off an impressive performance with the only goal of the game. However, Adams said ""I am running a football club, not a fat club." and told him he would need to get his fitness back if he wanted a contract. Thornton had previously described his relationship Adams as "lively", saying "We were best mates at times and other times we wouldn't speak to each other!". Adams ended his interest the next month due to his concerns over Thornton's fitness.
On September 1st 2009 Thornton re-signed with his former school boy club Boyne Rovers FC. Boyne Rovers senior side operate in the 5th Tier of Irish amateur soccer.
In July 2009, Thornton was taken on by his former manager Micky Adams, for a trial at League Two side Port Vale. He played his first game against Stafford Rangers on 25 July, topping off an impressive performance with the only goal of the game. However, Adams said ""I am running a football club, not a fat club." and told him he would need to get his fitness back if he wanted a contract. Thornton had previously described his relationship Adams as "lively", saying "We were best mates at times and other times we wouldn't speak to each other!". Adams ended his interest the next month due to his concerns over Thornton's fitness.
On September 1st 2009 Thornton re-signed with his former school boy club Boyne Rovers FC. Boyne Rovers senior side operate in the 5th Tier of Irish amateur soccer.