Football remembers the life of Rochdale's 'Joey T'

THE life of the late Joe Thompson was celebrated during Rochdale’s game at Spotland.

- BY ANDREW BARDSLEY

A minute’s applause was held before Dale’s Easter Monday home fixture against AFC Fylde. Managers laid flowers and a shirt bearing his name in the centre of the pitch.

All of the Rochdale players wore shirts with ‘Thompson’ on the back for the first half of the game, which ended 0-0.

The players wore black armbands and a minute’s applause was held in the 15th minute, to mark Joe’s squad number when he played for Dale.

A book of condolence is open at Spotland in the main reception. Fans are invited to leave their messages and memories, which will be passed onto Joe's family. The football world was left in mourning following his tragic death.

The 36-year-old father-of-two died surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 17. Known affectionately as Joey T, Joe had previously successfully fought multiple cancer diagnoses but in April last year he announced that a type of blood cancer had returned and spread to his lungs.

The midfielder, who made 200 appearances for the club, was an inspirational figure who was loved for his bravery and determination in the face of adversity.