 On 25 April 2006, Thorpe scored a fantastic overhead kick in a 4–0 win over Stockport County; in November 2012 it was named as Torquay's best goal of all time by "FourFourTwo" readers.He signed for Torquay United on a free transfer in May 2006, one of Ian Atkins' first signings after confirming himself as manager for the following season.Although he has played most of his career as a centre-forward, Thorpe also played as a central defender when required at Torquay.