Kevin Anthony Thornton (born 9 July 1986, in Drogheda) is a retired Irish footballer who played as a midfielder. He started his career at Coventry City, and has played for the likes of Brighton and Hove Albion and Coventry Sphinx Playing career Coventry City A promising midfielder and product of the Sky Blues' Academy, Thornton was given a squad number for the first time in the 2005–06 season, following a productive pre-season in which he was included on the trips to Ibiza and his native Ireland. He made his debut on 20 September 2005, in a League Cup 1–0 defeat at Selhurst Park, replacing Isaac Osbourne on 83 minutes. He made sixteen Championship appearances later in the season, putting in a string of impressive displays in March and April. A fans' favourite due to his exciting style of play, Thornton scored his first goal for the club on 26 August 2006 against Hull City, but an ankle injury marred what seemed destined to be a successful season, limiting him to just 13 appearances. The Irishman penned a new two-year extension to his contract in May 2007, keeping him at the club until summer 2010. In 2007–08 he was limited to twenty appearances and continued to be used mainly as a substitute. He had a good run at the end of the season under new manager Chris Coleman. Brighton & Hove Albion (Loan) In September 2008, Thornton signed a six-week loan deal at League One team Brighton & Hove Albion. Following a six-week extension on the loan, he had played fifteen games for the Seagulls before returning to the Ricoh Arena. Coventry Sphinx After leaving Coventry City on 2 July 2009, Thornton joined Coventry Sphinx of the Midland Football Alliance and made two appearances and scored once in a short spell. Boyne Rovers On 1 September 2009, Thornton re-signed with his former school boy club Boyne Rovers FC. Boyne Rovers senior side operate in the fifth Tier of Irish amateur soccer. Convinced by legendary Rovers manager Declan Kierans that his time there would be a stepping stone to bigger things Thornton played 12 times for Rovers and scored the winning goal in a 4–3 win over bitter local rivals Drogheda Town. Nuneaton Town On 2 December 2009 he joined Nuneaton Town on a non-contract deal, playing football part-time whilst also touring the West Midlands with his indie three-piece band. Northampton Town