October 07, 2022
Great to see you, Rod - goal ace Thornley back at Alty!
Report by John Edwards
Pic by GR Photography
Altrincham are delighted to announce that one of the great names from the club's recent past, Rod Thornley, will be making a guest appearance at tomorrow's Vanarama National League fixture with Dorking Wanderers at The J.Davidson Stadium.
Rod was a huge crowd favourite in his time as the focal point of Alty's attack, a prolific finisher whose ability to spin past the closest of markers endeared him to Robins fans just as much as his goalscoring prowess.
It's 15 years since he last pulled on the red and white stripes, but the memories remain and will be revived tomorrow when he delivers a short talk in the Sponsors' Lounge followed by another in the Armstrong Projects VP Lounge for VIP and Elite LoyAlty members, prior to kick-off against Dorking Wanderers.
The club have always had an eye on the future, but we will never forget our illustrious past. The hope is that more legendary former Alty players will come along to share the matchday experience, and we are grateful to Rod for agreeing to set the ball rolling by spending his Saturday afternoon in the company of Robins fans tomorrow.
If a reminder was needed of Rod's predatory instincts, he racked up 20 goals in his first 20 appearances for Alty, and finished his debut season with 31 overall after signing from Congleton Town in March, 2001.
More often than not, he ended each campaign at Moss Lane as Alty's leading marksman, up to the time he departed in August 2007, having netted 79 goals in 183+43 appearances.
"Rod was not only a top goal scorer for Alty, he loved interacting with the fans and always had time to speak to supporters," said Alty director Neil Faulkner. "The help and assistance he provided during a period when the club were paying off huge historic debts was immense, providing signed shirts and hospitality tickets for Manchester United and England games. to be auctioned off to raise funds for the club."
