Curtis Thorn joined USL Championship outfit Miami FC after winning the 2022 USL League One title with former club South Georgia Tormenta.
The 27-year-old defender was part of the Fulham academy for three years before playing first-team football for Alton.
Thorn moved to the States and played college football for Nova Southeastern University.
While at college he also played for New Orleans Jesters, before joining Tormenta in 2019 and playing for their second team. He made the step up to the South Georgia Tormenta first team in 2020, and ended his time at the club with the 2022 title win.
Thorn made 22 appearances in the 2022 campaign, which included starting in the 2-1 win against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC in the League One final.
Thorn paid tribute to his former club for the role they have played in progressing his career.
“I’ll always appreciate and respect Tormenta for what they have done for me,” said Thorn.
“They were the first ones to trust me and allowed me to become the player I am today.
“Ending my time there with a championship medal was the icing on the cake.”
Miami FC are managed by Anthony Pulis, who is the son of former Portsmouth, Stoke City, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis, and Thorn has noticed a big difference at his new club.
“It’s most definitely a step up,” said Thorn. “The players are technically better and much faster and stronger.
“I’ve relished the challenge and it has allowed me to become a better footballer. I’m really enjoying my time at Miami FC.
“Playing for a coach like Anthony is something I’m proud of and I look forward to keeping on learning every day under him.”
While his career continues to progress Stateside, Thorn hasn’t forgotten his roots, and he paid tribute to Alton for the pivotal role they played at the start of his footballing journey.
“They were the stepping stone for me,” said Thorn. “I’ll always support my local community back home. My time at Alton and Headley allowed me to grow up.
“I was young when playing for Alton’s men’s team. The people there are still very close to me.
“I always stay up to date with how they’re doing each week and I’ll always be an advocate for young lads to play for teams like that. Playing and enjoying your football is the most important thing.”