9. Sean Thornton
Matthew Ashton/EMPICS SportFew people over the last decade have emerged from nowhere for the Black Cats with such talent as Thornton. It was only unfortunate he knew it so early on. Once described by Jeff Sterling as, the shy and retiring, Sean Thornton, he was certainly one who liked to show off. Though, it has to be said with Thornton in the side given his ability to take corners, free kicks, deliver a cross or score himself Sunderland could virtually be guaranteed a goal start, albeit at Championship level. Initially given his chance under Howard Wilkinson as we tumbled to relegation, Thornton became one of the few bright sparks during the latter part of that disastrous 2002/03 season, even winning the Young Player of the Year award. However, the young midfielders attitude never sat well with the next Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy, despite the talent and promise of the player. Needless to say, the first opportunity McCarthy saw to get rid of Thornton, he took it. Thornton would have a few moments where he would show his potential once again, one cup match in particular against Aston Villa scoring a screamer. But then at Doncaster, he would never reach the heights he should have done once dumped by Sunderland. Disappointing to see for a player who clearly modelled his style of play on David Beckham, and who wouldnt have wanted that in their side?