Oxford United have confirmed that George Thorne has left the club by mutual consent. This follows the expiry of his short-term contract.
George Thorne Leaves Oxford United
Injury Was Thorne In His Side
Thorne originally joined Oxford United in August 2019. He signed a loan deal from Derby County that was meant to run until January 2020. Alas, he suffered a dislocated shoulder during his first start for Oxford. This was in their eventual 4-0 Carabao Cup win over West Ham United in September.
Sadly for Thorne, this was history repeating itself. His move to Oxford stemmed from his desire for first-team football. Prior to starting the West Ham tie, he had not started a game since March 2018. This was due to a combination of injuries and Derby’s change of manager.
However, his dislocated shoulder caused his loan at Oxford to be cut short.
It later emerged that Thorne was devasted by his new injury.
Oxford United manager Karl Robinson later revealed the mental and physical pain that Thorne was suffering.
“I remember speaking to him when he did his shoulder and he was almost in tears,” said Robinson, as he spoke to Sky Sports News.
“The conversation we had he said ‘gaffer I’ve had enough, I can’t mentally deal with this anymore, my body can’t deal with it’, it was a very difficult conversation for us to have.”
Playing for Free
Thorne and Derby County parted ways at the start of 2020. The two parties agreed to a contract settlement. This allowed Thorne to return to Oxford on a short-term contract. He was so desperate to play, that he did so without payment. This was before the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the finances of football clubs.
Without a doubt, Oxford had made a terrific signing. They could not lose on a player who had been widely regarded as one of the best passers in the Championship.
Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic caused the suspension of the League 1 season. Shortly before, Thorne had started Oxford’s match against Accrington Stanley. This was his fourth appearance for Oxford during February.
Eventually, the League 1 2019/20 season was declared finished via a points-per-game (PPG) ruling. Oxford, under PPG, qualified for the play-offs. Although, they would lose the final to Wycombe Wanderers. Thorne did not take part in the play-offs, due to fitness issues.
Thorne spoke to the Official Oxford United website to thank the U’s supporters.
“I’ve loved my time with Oxford,” said Thorne
“It’s a good club and the Gaffer and the lads have been brilliant.
“I thank everyone at Oxford and wish the club well for the future.”
Thorne’s future remains unclear. However, if he stays fit, then his new club could have quite a player.
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