Former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson picked up the Sir Tom Finney award for his contribution to the EFL at last night’s EFL awards.
The 29-year-old retired this season after twice battling back from cancer. His story is a remarkable one, not only did he beat the dreaded illness last season, but he bagged the goal that ensured Rochdale remained in League One, at least for another season.
He retired earlier this season, unable to reach the performance levels required of him, but did so to a resounding reception from across the football spectrum.
“My decision to retire is one of the hardest I’ve ever made,” he said when making the decision earlier this season.
“I have battled through some of life’s hardest challenges and have managed to overcome them. However, I’ve pushed my body to the absolute limit.
“My mind has grown stronger but 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.”
His resilience has now been rewarded as he picked up his award to perhaps the loudest cheer of the entire evening.
When news broke on Twitter, fans from across football took another opportunity to heap praise on an inspirational figure from the English game.
https://twitter.com/CharleneSquire5/status/1115101250649980928
Congratulations, Joe. It was a privilege to be in the room as you received the award! Wish you all the best.
— Ali Maxwell (@AliMaxwell_) April 8, 2019
Beyond deserved. Your story is an inspiration šš»āš»
— Liam Stratton (@stigzsdad) April 7, 2019
Well done Joe, safe to say you will be able to look back on your career with pride. You'll always be in the @officiallydale history books as a legend for THAT goal.
It's not just Dale though, you have a lot of admirers all over the football world.— Dean (@Sandylaner77) April 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/wonkydog1/status/1115247757521035270
Incredible story last night. Iām sure you have been an inspiration to thousands, and given motivation to everyone who listened to you talk. Well deserved on your award šš»
— Mark Corbett (@c0rbs9) April 8, 2019
Iām a Teenage Cancer survivor twice too when I was 17 & 18. Your story inspires me.. I will never be a football player but I have dreams… I hope I can achieve. Enjoy your reward tonight your a shining example to other Cancer Survivors like myself! Keep Well. X šš»
— Aaron Wood (@TheSmiths1986) April 7, 2019
Joe you fully deserve moments like this. All the best for the future. The fact that you scored that goal against Charlton was written in the stars.
— Paul Buckley (@inspiredlanky) April 7, 2019
No better man could have won it, truly inspirational šš
— FiN (@FinCFC) April 7, 2019
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