Fans of both Rochdale and Tranmere Rovers showed their support for Joe Thompson on Saturday by taking part in a minute’s applause.
After it was announced on Friday that Joe had been diagnosed with cancer, messages of support started flooding in for the 24-year-old.
At Spotland on Saturday Dale fans held a minute’s applause in the 15th minute of the match in tribute to the squad number Joe had during his time at Rochdale, while the players at Rovers, Joe’s current club, wore t-shirts with his face on the front and name and number on the back during their warm up at their match at Deepdale.
During the seventh minute of the match there, fans showed their support by also taking part in a minute’s applause.
Manager Keith Hill said: “I spoke with Joe last Friday about the whole situation and he’s since been down to visit us training.
“I will try to offer every little bit of support and love that I possibly can to him and his family. I consider Joey Thompson to be part of my personal family as well as the football family, which is Rochdale Football Club.
“Joe and his family are going through a testing time and it is very difficult for him. It was very difficult for me and a lot of other people who know Joe on hearing the news. I’m very close to Joe and I’m sure he will pull through and fight like he always has done.
“It puts everything into perspective and when hearing that type of news you sometimes just wonder if what you’re doing is all worth it. Why not just retire and go and live your life with your family and enjoy life to the full.”