PROFESSIONAL footballer Jordan Thorniley, son of former Warrington Rugby League centre Tony Thorniley, is keeping the family sporting gene going after signing a new contract with Sheffield Wednesday FC.
Former Birchwood High School student Jordan , aged 21, has featured regularly for the Owls under manager Jos Luhukay and has committed to the club until summer 2021 after making his full debut in a televised clash with Cardiff in January, and has since made four more appearances for the first team.
Jordan, whose dad Tony played for Warrington Wolves from 1986-97, scoring 49 tries, joined Wednesday in July 2016 following the expiry of his first professional contract at Everton.
After become a regular in the Development Squad, the young defender helped the Under-23s win the PDL2 North and National Championship in the 2016/17 campaign.
His progression through to the senior ranks at the Championship club has accelerated in 2017/18.
He joined League Two promotion candidates Accrington on a loan deal in September that ran until January, where he made 17 appearances in all competitions.
Upon his return to Hillsborough, Jordan has impressed at first team level, made his full debut in the televised clash with Cardiff in January, and has since made four more appearances for Wednesday.
Jordan started his footballing career at Rope and Anchor u6 to u 11 and then joined Everton academy 11-16 yrs old, becoming an Everton Scholar 16-18 then Everton pro u23s 18-19 before joining Sheff Wed u23s 19-20.
Proud dad Tony said:” He has a wand of a left foot which was spotted at an early age. He scored goals for fun for R&A juniors but developed into a central defender in his academy days at Everton.
“He’s worked really hard through some tough times as a young pro footballer but has now received the reward he truly deserves.
“Although he played a few games of RL at Birchwood football has always been his focus and I’d like to think the Thorniley sporting gene has passed down a generation.”
Tony Thorniley (far right) as part of Warrington’s Lancashire Cup winning team
