CCFC gaffer- Andy Thorn,

CCFPA would like to wish former Sky Blue Manager from 2011-12 Andy Thorn a 'very Happy Birthday' today! He was born in Carshalton on 12th November 1966 and is therefore celebrating his 57th birthday today.

Andy was an England U23 international (five caps between 1987-88) and had an extensive professional playing career with the likes of Wimbledon (twice), Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Hearts and Tranmere Rovers between 1984-98, involving 345 league appearances and nine goals.

A fairly unrecognisable (to Sky Blues fans) Andy Thorn in Palace colours

Famously, he was part of the Wimbledon so-called 'Crazy Gang' and was part of their famous underdog F.A. Cup Wembley Final victory over Liverpool in 1988, the year after the Sky Blues' triumph there. He also played in the 1990 FA Cup Final with Crystal Palace.

On hanging up his boots the Londoner then joined CCFC as chief scout. Then, in 2011 he moved up to becoming the Sky Blues caretaker-manager (alongside Steve Harrison) after Aidy Boothroyd left the club. Andy's first game as the official Sky Blue manager was the final home game of the 2010-2011 season against Reading. His early experiences as full-time Sky Blue 'gaffer' were largely positive enjoying a successful season's end, losing only once.

CCFC Management team- Andy Thorn & Richard Shaw

However, the 2011-2012 Sky Blue season was something of a disaster, ending in our relegation from the Championship. Andy might argue that boardroom divisions and lack of funds for the right quality players had hampered his tenure at the club and, though the club initially opted for managerial continuity as they attempted an immediate return to the Championship from League One, Andy was sacked on 26 August 2012 after the 2-2 home draw with Bury when the team let a two goal lead slip.

Andy & Dean pre-match

To date the only other managerial experience Andy has gained was, briefly, in early 2014 when he took up the reins at non-league Kidderminster Harriers.

Andy joined the Association in April 2019 when we spotted him at the Sky Blues Sunday League One game with Bristol Rovers. CCFPA committee members at the time Sarah Morris and Dean Nelson did the honours before the game began presenting Andy with his official membership badge and Association tie (left).

We hope you have a very happy day today Andy and look forward to you coming back to see us again soon!

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