Joe has been unlucky with his club choices over the years.I’m sure they’re intended to emphasise his professionalism and work rate rather than as criticisms, but I think phrases like ‘not the best technically’ are misplaced. He’s an excellent player, as well as having a tremendous work rate. I’m amazed this is pretty much the highest level he’s played at.
His career started with a promotion from League One after he joined Yeovil from Bristol City as a 22-year-old. He then suffered two successive relegations as Yeovil went from the Championship straight down to League Two.
It's difficult to make an impression in a relegated team, never mind a double-relegated one, and Joe ended up at League One Colchester after deciding to leave Yeovil. Unluckily for him, he had exchanged one poor team for another and Colchester were also relegated at the end of his only season with them.
By that stage of his career Joe has suffered three consecutive relegations and you could almost say he was damaged goods. The best he could do for his next move was sign for League One Walsall. Three seasons with them - which were tainted by a serious injury - ended with yet another relegation.
He then experienced a stroke of luck in that Argyle were also relegated and were looking for experience and leadership to help them get out of League Two. The rest is history.
This is without doubt the golden period of Joe's career and I'm sure he thanks his lucky stars that Ryan Lowe came along when he did. As should we.