Curzon defender Thornley signs new deal with club

Curzon Ashton has announced that defender Oliver Thornley has extended his stay with the club for the forthcoming season.

The highly-rated defender, who came through the club's youth set-up, will again be part of the Nash squad for the 2020/21 National League North campaign, which is due to begin on Saturday 3 October. 

Since making his senior debut against Brackley Town in March 2017, Thornley has established himself as a relative regular in the back four for the Tameside Stadium outfit. 

He scored in the 5-0 home win over Bradford Park Avenue on the opening day last season before registering 14 appearances during the campaign.

It's more good news for Curzon fans this week after the signings of Ramsbottom United striker Nic Evangelinos, Trafford FC midfielder Darius Palma, Colne FC midfielder Connor Hughes and former Mansfield Town defender Noah Stokes.

New Curzon boss Steve Cunningham has expressed his delight in keeping Thornley at the club and believes he will undoubtedly play his part during the upcoming season.

Steve told Curzon's official website said: "I'm really pleased to have retained Olly, he's a key figure head within the football club, he's been there for such a long time having come through the youth set-up. Even though he's only young, he's built like a man mountain and he's already got plenty of experience despite his age.

"There's been so much progression in his game, and he's certainly a great prospect for the next few seasons. He offers great pace, he's very good on the ball and if you're looking for a player who can play out from the back, he's certainly amongst the best in the league.

"Obviously, there's areas we want to work on with Olly to make even better and stronger, but his willingness to learn is there and we're really excited as a new management team to see how we can help him develop his game, and take him to the levels that he can potentially reach.

"I'm really pleased to have him on board, and in our young back line, Olly, with the amount of games he has played, will be one of the more experienced heads. We have some really good, fierce competition between four or five young, hungry lads who are eager to progress up the ladder, which is exciting."