Young Sheffield Wednesday midfielder set for contract reward in S6

Thornton has been with the Owls for a decade having joined the U8s, and in the last couple of years has made great strides in his progression up through the ranks at Middlewood Road, turning out for both the U18s and U21s before technically being part of each age group.

Now, having just turned 18, The Star understands that the talented teen is being eyed up for a first professional contract at S6 after a strong season in the youth ranks, and should he stick around then he’ll be hoping to follow in the footsteps of some of his academy teammates who have stepped up of late.

“Players speak about it and that’s normal. But at the same time, everybody is being positive about it,” he told the club recently. “We know we’ve got loads of support from the club if we don’t get a contract. On the other hand, we know how big an opportunity it is if we do get offered our first pro contracts. The environment here is supportive of the players whether you do or don’t get one.

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“This year, we’ve seen a lot of the lads involved with the first team. Cadz (Bailey Cadamarteri) has gone up there and done really well, Pierce (Charles) too and it’s great to see a pathway through to the first team. The manager’s playing style is being implemented through the age groups and that is a big plus that can only help.”

It’s been a good few days for midfield man on the pitch, with his two goals securing victory for the U18s against Bristol City at the weekend before turning out for the U21s in their win over the same team on Tuesday - and to cap it off he then captained the U18s in their 4-0 demolition of Hull City on Wednesday to keep up their hopes of a top two finish.