Joe Riley (footballer, born 1996)

Joe Riley (born 6 December 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a full-back or midfielder for club Walsall. On 1 July 2024, he will join AFC Fylde.

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.