four joint-captains. He was named in the League One 'Team of the Day' after providing the crosses for both of Vale's goals in a 2–1 victory over Fleetwood Town on 12 November. Coach Andy Smith said that "he is the best winger in this league and we are lucky to have him at our club". However Michael Brown succeeded Bruno Ribeiro as manager, and speaking in February 2017, Brown criticised Thomas for his injury and illness record which had caused him to miss 11 league games up to that point, saying "that's just Jerome isn't it?...it is very frustrating... if he keeps getting injured every week it is going to be tough for him". He was released by Brown following the club's relegation in May 2017. International career Thomas was named in the England squad for the 2002 UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Norway, and scored in England's opening game of the tournament, a 3–3 draw with Germany at the Nadderud Stadion on 22 July. He went on to be named in the England squad for the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates, and played all three group games as England were eliminated in last place. He scored in a 4–1 win over Poland in a UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier at Hillsborough on 11 October 2005. Thomas was eligible to represent Guyana due to his Guyanese heritage. Post-playing career In 2021, Thomas was appointed Everton's academy area co-ordinator for London, having previously held a part-time scouting role at Chelsea. In July 2022, he took up the role of head of academy recruitment at Watford. Career statistics Honours Arsenal FA Youth Cup: 2000 & 2001 West Bromwich Albion Championship second-place promotion: 2009–10 References 1983 births Living people Footballers from the London Borough of Brent English people of Guyanese descent Black British sportsmen English footballers England youth international footballers England under-21 international footballers Association football wingers Association football utility players Luton Town F.C. players Arsenal F.C. players Queens Park Rangers F.C. players Charlton Athletic F.C. players Portsmouth F.C. players West Bromwich Albion F.C. players Leeds United F.C. players Crystal Palace F.C. players Rotherham United F.C. players Port Vale F.C. players English Football League players Premier League players Association football coaches Chelsea F.C. non-playing staff Everton F.C. non-playing staff Watford F.C. non-playing staff