With the blessing of Joe’s family, we can confirm that First Team squad number 15, the shirt Joe wore with pride during his time at the Club, will be retired in his memory.
Joe made over 200 appearances across three stints for Dale and became synonymous with the number 15 in his time with us.
The retirement of Joe’s former squad number is recognition of his impact, not just as a talented football player, but as an incredible person who had a positive impact on everyone who has been touched by his story.
This is just the second time in our history that a shirt number has been retired, after the number 55 was retired in memory of young Dale fan Joshua McCormack in 2016, who also sadly lost his life to cancer.
We will remember Joe at our pre-season friendly against Manchester United Under-21s on Saturday. Click HERE for full details.
Joe Thompson – forever one of our own.
