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It was a shock to hear of his death and like all Dale fans, I would like to think we have lost a family member. At this time, we must think of his family and I hope the club can create some form of memorial at the club to celebrate his life.
I remember seeing a picture of Joe taken during the treatment of his second diagnosis for cancer, stripped of any muscle definition and thought how is he even going to get fit enough to lead a normal life. But within months he was back in a Rochdale shirt and scoring that goal. What a man. Last night I saw his wife’s tribute on Sky sports and was deeply touched that having lost a son and a husband in a short space of time she was able to find the strength let alone the fine words to mark his passing. What a women. She mentioned Joe wanted an “open” funeral and I can imagine there will be a mass of people attending. Joe was a very rare gem indeed and we are all poorer for his passing RIP Joe
I remember when Joe first joined Dale, my dad was involved in an initiative whereby someone could essentially sponsor a young player and pay for their development in exchange for a payout should they progress (Franny or Richard, you will remember the detail better than me ha ha).
My dad sponsored Joe Thompson and I can remember being blown away by what a kind, well mannered and good person Joe was, in comparison to other young footballers of those times who were often arrogant and self centred. He was a joy to listen to and be around.
I can only echo what everyone else has said that life is cruel and one of the good ones has been taken far too early. He really was a tremendous human being, right to the very end.
I, personally, have had a lot of ups and downs with Dale for various reasons - mostly associated with certain people no longer at the club, but today I am proud to be part of Rochdale AFC and looking forward to a very emotional day where we can all remember a very special person.
It certainly will be an emotional day. Are grown men in their 70s allowed to shed a tear? I think the special bond Dale fans - and Rochdalians in general- have with Joe is due to the fact that so many people knew him. People who went to school with him at St Vincent’s and St Cuthberts, people who remember him being around when his aunt and uncle owned the paper shop on Greave, people who saw him around the town socialising. Definitely one of our own and so precious because of that.
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