Ex-Forest star Thornhill signs for Trinity but key duo depart

Matt Thornhill has signed for Gainsborough Trinity.

Attacking midfielder Thornhill, 27, began his career at the City Ground and made 38 appearances for Forest before spells with Brighton, Cheltenham Town and Hibernian.

He droped into non-league with Buxton and then was with Shaw Lane Aquaforce last season where he captained the Barnsley-based side to the NPL Division One South play-off final where they were beaten by Coalville Town.

Thornhill said: “I am really pleased to be a part of what Dominic is building at Trinity this season and am glad to be signed early, so I can get a good pre-season under my belt.

“I really feel I can help the team and channel my experience in a positive way. The manager is busy recruiting the right sort of players and I think we have a good chance of hitting the ground running, as a squad when we start pre-season.”

Trinity boss Dominic Roma added: “I’m excited at the prospect of Matt being at the club. He will add a lot of quality to our midfield having played for Forest and in the SPL.

“He isn’t a stranger to non-league either. Matt is another leader and another player who really wants to be at the club.

“He was really keen to join and things are really starting to take shape now. I can’t wait to get pre-season underway.”

Brogan and Russell, meanwhile, are believed to have been offered deals to remain at Trinity but agreements could not be reached and the club decided not to proceed any further, meaning the duo are now free to join other clubs.