Joe Thompson RIP

I first met Joe nearly 20 years ago when we started looking after the IT for Rochdale Association Football Club.

He was a youngster coming through, and was there as we started that run of years when the club over achieved and created some great memories.

In our passing acquaintance [the club is so small you pass everyone] I saw Joe grow from youngster to the inspirational man we have sadly lost. We had the odd chat along the way and he became an impressive character through living with the cards he had been dealt.

Joe survived cancer, and came back to carry on playing. But he became so much more.

At Wembley in the FA Cup replay against Spurs, in the snow, Spurs threw on another £40M international as a sub in the second half. Keith Hill responded by sending on a 16 year old, and a cancer survivor...Joe.

From then, the inevitable thumping was irrelevant, we were all just made up for Joe to realise that moment. We'd already won by taking them to a replay, and Joe had won by being fit enough, and able enough, and good enough, to play at Wembley. 

Then, let's not forget he scored that goal, that kept us in League 1, again coming on as a sub, confining Oldham to relegation.

Magic moments.

His work as a speaker after retirement was the natural way for him to share his story, inspire others, and he always did that with a smile.

Sadly, cancer never gave up, and I suspect Joe didnt either. In 36 years he achieved more than most do in twice that time. An example to us all.

Thinking of his family today.


RIP Joe, Joey T.