WHO IS
JOE?
Joe is a former professional footballer. He began his career at the age of nine at the famous Manchester United academy, where he spent seven years there before being released at age 16. He soon bounced back to forge a career in the English Football League, playing for league clubs such as Tranmere Rovers, Rochdale and Carlisle spanning over 13 years.
Devastatingly though at the age of 23, Joe was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer, which saw him receive extensive amounts of treatment. Thankfully after months of chemotherapy he was put into remission and made the brave decision to return to football.
But whilst playing for Rochdale AFC the cancer returned for a second time resulting in Joe having to undergo a life saving stem cell transplant. He spent weeks in isolation but was again put into remission. Joe managed to return to the field again, featuring at Wembley in a FA Cup 5th Round tie only 6 months post transplant and in his final game, scored a memorable and televised winning goal that saved his side from being relegated.
Shortly after, Joe with the advice of specialists decided to retire from the game he loved stating: “With the intense treatment my body has had to endure over the last six years, it is no longer able to perform to the demands of the professional game.”
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Since his final game, he has gone on to receive numerous awards and recognition including the prestigious Sir Tom Finney Award. One of the most recognisable awards in the English game for his outstanding contributions to football.
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Joe is also a published author writing a book called 'Darkness and Light: My Story', detailing his incredible life story. Inspiring others to overcome some of life’s biggest challenges.
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Since retiring in February 2019 Joe has now become a passionate and sort after keynote speaker; launching bespoke coaching programmes and presentations specialising in high performance mindset, resilience and personal leadership.
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He is currently touring a host of football clubs around the country as part of the EFL Life Skills programme where he delivers talks to many youth teams and u23s squads, such as Manchester United, Burnley FC, Sheffield Wednesday, and Nottingham Forest. He has also worked with various Premier League sides.
Joe is continually expanding his knowledge and expertise. Joe also regularly presents for Manchester United TV as well as hosting his own radio show on BBC England called Squad Goals.
