Sean Thornton

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Sean Thornton (born 18 May 1983) is a footballer with Doncaster Rovers. He started his career with Tranmere Rovers F.C. before joining Sunderland A.F.C.

Despite a reputation as a dead-ball specialist, he has made problems for himself off the pitch with his attitude and his fitness, beginning his final season at Sunderland a stone overweight.

Many felt that he was about to become the latest in a long line of players to squander their talent. During his time at Sunderland, he was often seen drinking alcohol recreationally, and was a frequent visitor to Luma, a local bar. One of his idols is Eminem, as evidenced by an attempt at rapping in celebration of Sunderland's clinching of promotion to the Premiership in April 2005.

Following Sunderland's promotion, he was sold to Doncaster Rovers on 11 July 2005 for £175,000 which was their club record fee.

Sean's career at Doncaster has taken a very similar path to his previous clubs. Rumours of drinking and a bad attitude have come back to haunt him on numerous occasions. Despite breaking into the first team several times, he has largely failed to make any defining impact in the team and remains a squad player who is frequently out of the starting eleven. Although few can doubt he has ability when he gets down to it, many feel that his talent has been largely wasted. His future at Doncaster Rovers looks uncertain when his contract is up for renewal.

Perhaps his best moment at Doncaster Rovers was a 25 yard strike that sealed a 3-0 Win for Doncaster over Carling Cup opponents Aston Villa in 2005. Ironically, he also played a part in another goal in the following round against Arsenal, by turning his back on an Arsenal shot that took a wicked deflection off him to beat Doncaster goalkeeper Jan Budtz.