Tributes left to Joe Thompson outside Rochdale stadium following 36-year-old's tragic death

Joe Thompson, 36, died after being diagnosed with cancer for a third time

More tributes have been left for former Rochdale AFC player, Joe Thompson, following his tragic death. Flowers containing heartfelt messages and football tops with Thompson's name have been left at the Crown Oil Arena today (March 20).

The football world has been in mourning this week after it was announced that the 36-year-old father of two died surrounded by his family on Thursday (March 17). Known affectionately as Joey T, Thompson 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. He will remain a fans' favourite at Rochdale forever for his work both on and off the grass - as well as his fighting spirit, his commitment and his many goals.

In reaction to the news of his death, tributes from clubs across the country flooded in - led by Rochdale and Manchester United, where he was once an academy player.

Joe's wife, Chantelle Thompson, praised him as 'brave and courageous'. Writing on social media, she said their daughters - Thailula and Athena Rae - would now 'carry his light and legacy on'.

Chantelle wrote: "He was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful peaceful setting surrounding by his family when he transitioned. Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.

"He was the most incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe's love every single day.

"It's been a long battle, and one that he fought with all his might and he did things his way. He choose his path and walked every step with courage and pride growing closer and closer to God each day whilst still being there for so many others. He held on to his plans for the future to continue that legacy, but it's now time for him to rest up and watch over us from Heaven.

"I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy."

Born in Bath, Joe moved to Rochdale as a youngster and attended St Vincent's primary school then St Cuthbert's RC High School. He joined Manchester United’s Academy at the age of nine, where he stayed until he was 16 playing alongside future graduates including Tom Cleverley, Danny Drinkwater and James Chester.

Aged 16, he joined Rochdale in the summer of 2005 on a YTS deal, making his first team against Carlisle United aged 17 in 2006.

Joe spent six years in his first spell at Rochdale, before a transfer in 2012 to Tranmere Rovers. It was there - aged 23 - that he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma. After six months of chemotherapy, he completed remission in June, 2014 - and immediately announced he would play again.

He did just that at Bury, Wrexham then Carlisle United, before returning to Rochdale in 2016. But just months into his second spell, cancer returned. He stopped playing while he underwent more treatment - including a life-saving stem cell transplant - and was told he was in complete remission again after fighting back, returning to football and Rochdale in the December of 2017.

In a statement issued after his death was confirmed, Rochdale said: "He featured in our FA Cup fifth round replay against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium, before entering himself into Rochdale folklore on the final day of the 2017/18 season.

"With Dale needing a win to survive relegation to League Two, Joe appeared as a 67th minute substitute and just two minutes later, he scored the crucial goal that secured a 1-0 victory and our League One status. He made one more appearance for the club before.