DOB: 5th March 1989
Dale debut: 2nd May 2006: Carlisle United 0-2 (175 appearances, 19 goals)
Also played for: Tranmere Rovers, Bury, Wrexham, Southport, Carlisle United
Time at Dale: Local lad, Joe played at Manchester United’s Academy before being told by a teacher to “go down to Rochdale” and after a short time was convinced by Rochdale’s management that he soon would be playing for the first team. Aged seventeen, Joe made his debut for the Club coming on as an 83rd minute substitute in a 2–0 loss against Carlisle United in what turned out to be his only appearance of the season.
He went on to make thirteen appearances in all competitions and for his performances he was awarded the League Two Apprentice award.
At the end of the 2009/10 season, he was given a new two year deal with the club, Manchester Evening News describing him as the “most improved member of the squad displaying great maturity in his performances, offering defensive cover and an outlet going forward. A fringe player in recent seasons, the youngster has proved his credentials with a string of impressive displays”
Joe was named Dale Dragons Young Player of the Year 2010/11 for his efforts.
Shortly after the end of the 2011/12 season, Joe was offered a new contract by the Club, however, announced his intention to play abroad, but because he was under 24, he could not leave on a free transfer and was soon linked with a move to Tranmere Rovers.
On 7th August 2016, Joe re-joined Rochdale on a six-month deal stating “It feels good to be back, I’m home again. I want to go from strength to strength. I want to play games and I want to do well for the Club. I also want to do well for myself and my family and get back on track. Everyone is well aware of what has gone on in my life and I know that the club supported me really well through my hard times, so I want to give something back”
After being in remission following his battle with cancer for a second time, manager Keith Hill said he was not rushing Thompson back to the first team: “We will be led by the medics and Joe. Joe’s body will lead Joe, and Joe will lead me. His body will be a big indicator on what he does. Joe wants to play football again but I can’t be pushy with him because I wouldn’t want to send him back to square one after all the hard work that he’s been through. Joe knows that and he knows that I think more of him than football”
Everybody will remember Joe scoring against Charlton Athletic, which turned out to be the only goal of the game, as Rochdale avoided relegation sending local rivals, Oldham Athletic down to Division Two.
What are you doing since leaving Dale?: On 3rd August 2012, Joe signed a two year deal with League One side, Tranmere Rovers after signing for an undisclosed fee from Rochdale before returning to Dale on loan until the end of the season
On 2nd August 2014, Joe announced via his Twitter account that he had signed a one year contract at Bury coming after a trial period and described by manager David Flitcroft as an “inspiration” citing his improvement of his mental strength. He only made one appearance before being loaned out to Wrexham then Southport before joining Carlisle United before coming back to the Dale
On 5 February 2019 Joe announced his retirement from professional football explaining on the Club’s website “My decision to retire has been one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make. After several discussions with my specialists and consultants it is with a heavy heart that I am retiring from the game I love”
Joe now works as a motivational speaker and as the co-presenter of BBC Squad Goals with Sanny Rudravajhala and Lucy Oliva, the show is networked across Local BBC Radio on BBC Sounds and on the BBC Sport website.
