Joe Riley (born 6 December 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a full-back or midfielder for club Warrington Rylands.
Club career Manchester United
Born in Blackpool, Lancashire, Riley joined Manchester United as a midfielder before being converted into a left-back for the under-21 team.
He was first included in a senior matchday squad on 18 February 2016 as his team lost 2–1 away to Danish club Midtjylland in the first leg of the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League. He made his senior debut four days later, when he came on as a half-time substitute for Cameron Borthwick-Jackson against Shrewsbury Town in a 3–0 win at New Meadow in the fifth round of 2015–16 FA Cup. On 25 February 2016, because of Chris Smalling's shoulder injury, Riley made his first start in a 5–1 home rout of Midtjylland in the UEFA Europa League last 32 second leg, the same game Marcus Rashford made his debut.
Riley appeared in the matchday squad a number of times over the rest of the season but did not make another appearance for the club.
Sheffield United (loan) On 17 January 2017, Riley joined League One club Sheffield United on loan until the end of the 2016–17 season. He made two appearances for The Blades before his season was ended early after dislocating his shoulder in a "freak accident" in training.
Bradford City On 25 May 2018, Riley signed a two-year contract with Bradford City. On 26 May 2020 it was announced that he was one of 10 players who would leave Bradford City when their contract expired on 30 June 2020.
Carlisle United On 5 August 2020, Riley joined League Two side Carlisle United on a one-year deal with an option of an additional year.
Walsall On 13 June 2022, Riley joined Walsall on a two-year contract, active from 1 July upon the expiration of his contract with Carlisle.
Following the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, Riley was announced to be leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract.
AFC Fylde On 5 June 2024, Riley agreed to join National League side AFC Fylde on a one-year deal with the option for a further season.
Tamworth On 29 June 2025, Riley returned to the National League following AFC Fylde's relegation, joining Tamworth.<ref> Riley made his National League debut for Tamworth on 9 August 2025, he started the opening day fixture at home to Scunthorpe United. coming on as a 56th minute substitute for Ben Milnes. Tamworth lost the match 2–1. Riley scored once for Tamworth in the National League on 13 September 2025, in an away fixture against Sutton United, scoring from the penalty spot on the 12th minute in a 3–2 victory. He went on to make 22 appearances for Tamworth, scoring a single goal.
Warrington Rylands Riley signed for Northern Premier League Premier Division side Warrington Rylands on 7 July 2026. After joining Warrington Rylands, he moved from full-time football to part-time football and also works as a financial protection advisor.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsManchester United2015–16Premier League00100010202016–1700000000002017–180000000000Total0010001020Sheffield United (loan)2016–17League One20———20Bradford City2018–1960001010802019–20League Two0000000000Total6000101080Carlisle United2020–21League Two4222010204722021–22313101040373Total735302060845Walsall2022–23League Two1400000001402023–24160101010190Total300101010330AFC Fylde2024–25National League40110—10421Career total151560401001856
References
External links