Biography and City Career:

Born on 18th November 1948, goalkeeper Joe Corrigan or “Big Joe”, as he was affectionately known at Maine Road, played 602 games for the club in a career stretching back 17 years. This figure was beaten only by Alan Oakes and it is a club record for a goalkeeper.

He signed as a junior from Sale FC in 1966 and had to fight hard to establish himself as City’s number one, with the experienced duo of Ken Mulhearn and Harry Dowd ahead of him in the pecking order. He made his professional debut for the club in 1967. The fans quickly became aware of his qualities and they voted him Player of the Year in 1976, 1978 and in 1980.

One of the most memorable matches that Joe played an important part in was the League Cup Final against Newcastle on February 28th in 1976 at Wembley in front of 100,000 fans. It was an open game from the kick-off with  Corrigan called upon to make two superb saves in the first 90 seconds. The teams went in level,1-1, at half time but two minutes after the interval Dennis Tueart scored a fantastic goal with an amazing overhead kick.  Joe made saves from   Burns and Gowling in the Newcastle attack and City finished the game 2-1 to win the Cup.

Notable facts/stories:

Joe spent 16 seasons at Manchester City winning a UEFA Cup Winners Cup medal and the League Cup twice. Not many people know that he played the entire game with a broken nose in the second leg of the semi-final of the European Cup winners’ cup against FC Schalke 04. 

He is still a popular figure at City today and is at every match at the Etihad in his role as club ambassador.

Non-City career:

International Career:  He earned nine England caps and his debut appearance for his country came on 28th May 1976 against Italy. He was also part of the squad for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. He would undoubtedly have played more for England if his chances had not been limited by Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence. Joe played 10 times for England B Team and represented his country at Under 21 and Under 23 levels.

Joe was sold in 1983 to the American club Seattle Sounders for £30,000 and made 29 appearances for them before returning to England to play for Brighton and Hove Albion. On his return to Maine Road with the Seagulls he was afforded a hero’s welcome with the fans giving him a standing ovation lasting several minutes. At the end of his career he also had spells on loan at Stoke City and Norwich.

After retiring from playing football Joe continued his football career as a goalkeeping coach at several clubs.