PORTISHEAD TOWN | LIFE IS GOOD

Experienced defender enjoying new lease of life with Division One South new-boys

It’s been a new lease of life for David Thorne at Portishead Town.

The 35 year-old joined the club in November 2024 and his higher level experience in the back-line played its part as the club secured a League and Cup double at the end of last term, scooping the Western League Premier Division title and Les Phillips Cup.

Now the popular figure has committed for the campaign ahead alongside the nucleus of the double-winning side, whilst the club has also made some impressive signings as they build a squad capable of facing up to the challenge that the Pitching In Southern League Division One South will present to them.

“I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the new season,” Thorne told us. “The club has made some great signings already this summer to add to the talented group that is already here and we’re extremely excited to see where it can take us.

“We returned to pre-season training recently and there’s a real buzz around the club, which is great to be part of.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved last season; to win the League is hard enough, but to do the double is a brilliant achievement. It was a fantastic season for all involved and it was one that our supporters fully deserved for the backing that they give to the team week in, week out.

“From a personal point of view I really enjoyed it out there, but it’s all about the group we have here and the way in which they brought in to what the Gaffer wanted and the desire to win.”

The Bristol-based outfit are another club who join us in the Southern League on the back of successive promotions as they took the Western League Division One title at the end of the 2023/24 season.

“This club has been on a fantastic journey over the past few years,” Thorne added. “It’s a great club with great people and I am proud to have played a part in this rise.

“We move into Step 4 knowing that Division One South is going to be a tough League where everyone is capable of beating each other.

“There are some good sides in this division with experienced played who have been playing at this level and above for years.

“That said, we’ve got a tremendous amount of belief in the group we have here and we’ve also been able to add extra experience of the level that we are going into, which will be important.

“I think we’ll surprise a few people; our first aim will be to establish ourselves, but with the quality we have and the momentum that the club has, we’re aiming as high as possible.”

Thorne has graced the non-League for approaching 20 years having turned out for the likes of Weston super Mare, Wellington, Shepton Mallet, Bridgwater and latterly Exmouth Town.

“I’ve made so many memories and so many friends during my time in the non-League game,” he continued. “Joining Portishead Town was a brilliant move for me, I’ve enjoyed a new lease of life here and, as I say, I’m proud to have played a part in what the club has achieved.

“Hopefully there will be plenty more memories to be made during the season ahead.”

We would like to welcome Portishead Town into the Southern League.

IMAGE: Portishead Town FC

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