Drogheda born, Sean Thornton has finally become a premiership player with Sunderland A.F.C. The 19 year old Republic of Ireland U19 midfielder originally agreed terms with Sunderland in April, as advised on this website. However his contract with Tranmere Rovers did not expire until June of this year.
Thornton claimed to have trained with Sunderland last season when he was still a Rovers player, and this caused out-rage from the Merseyside club. Because of the Irishmans age a transfer deal is still required by both clubs. But it has been unsuccessful up until now, and it is believed that the fee will be set by a tribunal. Sean will join fellow U19 Republic of Ireland internationals Stephen Capper and Mark Rossiter at the Stadium of Light. The question now remains, will Reid finally complete his summer signings by getting Keane to change his mind about a move further up north, now that Robbie knows who his new Boss will be?
Current Irish-men at Sunderland
Niall Quinn (Retired Senior International, 16/06/02), Jason McAteer, Kevin Kilbane, Phil Babb, Thomas Butler (Republic of Ireland U21), Clifford Byrne (Republic of Ireland U21) , Keith Graydon (Sunderland Reserves), Glenn Lacey (Sunderland Reserves), Brendan McGill (Loan spell @ Carlisle), Michael Reddy (Loan spell @Barnsley, Former Republic of Ireland U21).
Mick Stays Put
After almost two weeks of speculation ended today when Leeds United P.L.C appointed Terry Venables as their new manager. Venables who had previously had managing rolls in England, Spain and the England National Team has signed a two year contract witht he Yorkshire club. This now ends all speculation linking our man Mick McCarthy to the Elland Road job.
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