FROM February, Jordan Thorniley established himself at the heart of Blackpool’s defence as the Seasiders won promotion from Sky Bet League One.

The centre back made 27 appearances in all competitions for Neil Critchley’s side, with the Lancashire outfit conceding the least amount of goals in the league (37).

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Thorniley however lost his place in the side for the play-offs, coming on as a substitute in the 3-0 semi-final win over Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium, and in the Wembley final against Lincoln City.

The summer arrivals of Oliver Casey, Callum Connolly and Richard Keogh have increased competition for places at Blackpool, while Rob Atkinson’s move to Bristol City has presented an opening in the U’s defence.

Here is all the key information on United’s seventh summer signing.

Basics

  • Date of birth: November 24, 1996.
  • Nationality: English.
  • Preferred position: Centre back.
  • Preferred foot: Left.
  • Length of United loan: One season.

CV:

  • Everton (-2016, trainee).
  • Stockport County (2015-16, loan).
  • Sheffield Wednesday (2016-20).
  • Accrington Stanley (2017-18, loan).
  • Blackpool (2020-).
  • Oxford United (2021-, loan).
  • Career club appearances: 82.
  • Career club goals: 0.
  • Last season: 27 appearances, 0 goals.

Did you know?

  • Thorniley spent the first half of the 2017-18 season on loan at Accrington Stanley as they topped Sky Bet League Two.
  • In 19 league appearances for Blackpool last season, Thorniley helped keep 11 clean sheets.
  • Thorniley is capable of filling in at left back, although was rarely used there during his time at Bloomfield Road.

Previous manager said:

After biding his time for the first half of last season, Thorniley took his chance in an Emirates FA Cup defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion and a 5-0 league drubbing of Wigan Athletic.

Blackpool boss Neil Critchley told the Blackpool Gazette: “In this season, it’s a season like no other, so everyone will play a part at some point and I think Jordan epitomises that with the situation he’s been in.

“He’s remained really professional, always trains properly and those two performance sum up what he’s about as a character and as a person.

“I’m delighted with how he’s played and while he is still here, we are respectful of him and his situation.

“If he trains the way he is doing and behaves like a professional and if he is called upon, then he’s already shown what he’s capable of.”

Statistics from Soccerbase.