The Football Dome

Spotlight On...

Over the course of the season, we will take a closer look at some of the players gracing the Nationwide Leagues...

Tony Thorpe

The Facts

Club: Luton Town
Position: Striker
Squad No: 9
Birthplace: Leicester
DOB: 10/4/1974
Height: 5'9
Signed: June 2002
Previous Clubs: Leicester, Luton, Fulham, Bristol City, Reading (loan)

Profile

28-year-old Thorpe has just begun a third spell at the club he considers his spiritual home. Originally signed from Leicester City (where he was an apprentice) in 1992, the small but deadly finisher quickly became a Hatters favourite, netting 60 goals between 1993 and 1996. �96/�97 saw �Thorpey� become the first Town player in 30 years to score 30 goals in a season and this attracted the attention of big spending Fulham. Inevitably, the offer of �800,000 was too good for the Luton board to turn down, and Tony headed for the Cottage in 1998.

Things obviously did not work out for Thorpe as he left Fulham just three months after signing. Boss Kevin Keegan offloading the striker to Division 1 newcomers, Bristol City for �1 million in June of �98. Despite the fee, Thorpe failed to settle yet again and even by his own admission, was not in-top shape when he arrived at Ashton Gate. He became a forgotten man at City and was sent out on loan to Reading and Luton (twice). Transfer listed, Thorpe believed he had no future in Bristol. Until early 2000 that is, when then caretaker manager, Tony Fawthrop plucked him from obscurity to start up front against Bournemouth. Thorpe quickly repaid the faith put in him by scoring twice in a 3-2 victory over the Cherries. A further 11 goals that season cemented Thorpe�s place in the starting line-up much to the delight of City fans.

Nearly two years and over 50 goals later, that delight turned to disgust on the part of many, as Thorpe announced he would not be signing a new contract with the Robins. He was immediately placed on the transfer list but still retained his place up front for the best part of the season. Thorpe was linked with Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff, but opted for a second permanent spell at Kenilworth Road when his contract expired earlier this month.

All information correct as of 19/6/2002

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