They added: “The retirement of Joe’s former squad number is recognition of his impact, not just as a talented football player, but as an incredible person who had a positive impact on everyone who has been touched by his story.”
The former Manchester United trainee was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013 and again in 2017.
But, after twice being given the all-clear, he notably went on to score the goal which helped Dale avoid relegation from League One in 2018.
He retired from playing in 2019 saying he had “pushed his body to the absolute limit”.
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