Joe Lewis, the former Peterborough United, Norwich City, and Blackpool goalkeeper has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37.
The Suffolk-born shot-stopper brings an end to a career that spanned over 500 appearances in various leagues, most recently serving as a training goalkeeper at Manchester United.
Lewis began his football journey in the Norwich City academy but, despite rising through the youth ranks, never made a first-team appearance for the Canaries. During his time at Norwich, he was loaned to Stockport County and Morecambe, where he gained valuable experience before securing a permanent move to Peterborough United in 2007.
Career Highlights
At Peterborough, Lewis cemented his place in the starting lineup, making 190 appearances and playing a pivotal role in their rise from League Two to the Championship. His performances caught the attention of Cardiff City, who signed him in 2012. However, during his time with the Bluebirds, Lewis found himself primarily used as a backup and was loaned out to Blackpool and Fulham. While at Blackpool, he was the first-choice keeper, playing 34 league matches during his loan spell.
His last club was Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership, where he spent seven seasons, adding another 271 appearances to his career tally. After leaving Aberdeen last summer, Lewis briefly took on the role of training goalkeeper at Manchester United.
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Lewis said:
“I probably made the decision to hang up my gloves about three months ago. I had been signed as a training goalkeeper with Manchester United. Being in at United was fantastic but then that contract ended in the summer. I hadn’t played competitive games for nearly two years and so when I was out of contract, I wasn’t high up on anybody’s list to go and play. I thought to myself: ‘Do I want to drop down the leagues and play?’ The answer was ‘No’.”
Lewis has now moved into coaching, launching his own GKHQ Academy to train the next generation of goalkeepers.
Writer’s View
Joe Lewis’ career is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. While he didn’t hit the heights many predicted during his time as a promising young goalkeeper at Norwich, his journey through the Football League and Scottish Premiership showcases the importance of finding your place and thriving in a variety of roles. His transition to coaching through his academy is a smart move, allowing him to share his wealth of experience with up-and-coming goalkeepers.
