 After a loan spell at Wigan Athletic, he signed for Swindon Town during the 1994–95 season, helping them reach the Football League Cup semi-finals but not being able to prevent relegation to the Second Division.However, his goals helped them win promotion back to First Division at the first attempt, and secure survival in the 1996–97 season.Thorne joined Stoke City in July 1997 after manager Chic Bates paid £500,000 for his services.