Joe is a young midfielder who was given his first team bow in the final home game of the 2005-2006 season against Carlisle United. Whilst continuing his footballing education Joe spent virtually the whole of the 06/07 season in and around the first team squad making a total of 14 appearance and capped an excellent final year as a trainee by being awarded the "Trainee of the Year" award at the end of season Football League Dinner.

Very much one for the future, he signed a 2 year contract in the summer of 2007. He continued to flirt with the first team in the 07/08 season, and scored a header in a 3-1 win at home to Darlington. During the 2008/9 season Joe continued his progression and along the way proved his versatilty by appearing in a number of positions including as a striker when he bagged a first half hat-trick in his side's 4-2 win at Aldershot.

After an impressive first full season, Joe signed a new deal with Dale, which will keep him at Spotland until the end of the 2009/10 season.