Our Under-21s played a friendly match at the home ground of a National League side, named ‘A Game For Joe’ in tribute to our former Academy player, who sadly passed away in April at the age of 36.
Joe joined United when he was nine and left at 16 to play for Rochdale, where he became a club legend, making 203 appearances over three spells before retiring in 2019.
Throughout his 13-year career, Joe triumphed over cancer twice, but faced a third diagnosis last year. Despite this, he displayed remarkable bravery and raised over £20,000 for charity by participating in a walk from Old Trafford to Rochdale with hundreds of fans, friends, and former teammates.
During Saturday’s match buildup, Joe’s family selected some of his favorite songs, including “Take Me Home” by Jess Glynne and “Better Days” by Dermot Kennedy. Just before kick-off, the 1,756 fans in attendance joined both teams for a minute of applause, which was repeated in the 15th minute alongside chants of “Only One Joey Thompson.”
Joe’s brother Reuben, daughter Thailula, and wife Chantelle received special pre-match pennants from both team captains and shirts featuring Joe’s name at the sideline, and they also took part in the half-time raffle draw.
In a heartfelt gesture, Rochdale announced on Friday that they will retire the number 15 jersey, which Joe wore, in his honor. Additionally, match-worn shirts will be auctioned off to support Joey T’s Foundation.
