 In 1997, Thornley sued Marker and Blackburn Rovers for millions over the tackle, claiming a loss of earnings that resulted from him being kept out of the Manchester United first team because of the injury.In 1996, he won three caps for England at U-21 level.After loan spells at Stockport County and Huddersfield Town, Thornley finally left United on a free transfer in May 1998 and went on to make 127 appearances for Huddersfield Town, scoring 8 goals and helping them come close to a First Division play-off place – and the chance of a place in the FA Premier League.