2007/08 saw the former Shrewsbury stopper beat off fierce competition from Andreas Isaksson and Kasper Schmeichel to establish himself as City’s first choice keeper.
An England Under 21 regular, Joe is now being mentioned in terms of a full England call, but closer to home he’s delighted with the award from the Official Supporters Club.
Joe says, “It’s a great feeling. I was happy just to be playing this year, I managed to string a few games together and it’s very nice that this award has come at the end of it.”
City fans have been chanting ‘England’s number one’ in Joe’s direction for some time, especially during last Sunday’s outstanding performance at Anfield, and the 21-year-old clearly appreciates the backing he has had ever since his debut in October 2006.
“City’s a huge club,” he continues, “and it needs success but the fans have always stuck with us, when we were fighting off relegation or this year when we were going for Europe.
“The fans have been brilliant to me ever since I came here, I’m pretty sure no-one had ever heard of me when I made my debut but when I got my first touch they were right behind me. From then it’s been excellent so I want to thank them.
“Last summer I wasn’t sure what was going on like everyone else, especially with the goalkeeping situation but I just dug in and here I am having played a few games now, so I’m very happy with things.”
