Joe Tomlinson’s path to professional football has been anything but straightforward. After being released by three professional clubs over four years, he found himself packing pills in a factory near the M4 and working as a teaching assistant while playing for non-league Hungerford Town. His persistence paid off when National League side Eastleigh provided a route back into full-time football, where he has remained since.
Born in Chiseldon, just south of Swindon, Tomlinson’s talent was spotted early. He was scouted by Southampton as a youngster playing for Wroughton Juniors and signed a contract at the tender age of seven. Reflecting on his time at Southampton, Tomlinson said, “It was amazing. My parents drove me there three or four times a week, and I grew up so much. The coaching at such a fantastic club shaped me as both a player and a person.”
He was coached at the Under-16 level by Rob Edwards, now Cheltenham Town’s assistant manager, and was part of a talented group including Will Smallbone and Jake Vokins, both of whom progressed to Southampton’s first team. Training alongside elite players like Luke Shaw, James Ward-Prowse, and Virgil van Dijk left a lasting impression on Tomlinson.
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Despite not being offered a scholarship at Southampton, he quickly joined Yeovil Town. The experience was a stark contrast to the Premier League club, as Yeovil lacked an Under-21 team, and youth players faced regular release due to budget constraints. Tomlinson did leave a mark, scoring back-to-back hat-tricks for the Under-18s as a left-back in his final home games.
Trials with Southampton and interest from Brighton followed. Brighton impressed Tomlinson with their facilities and ambition, and he signed his first professional contract with them just after their promotion to the Premier League under Chris Hughton. To gain experience, he was loaned to Bognor Regis Town in the Isthmian Premier Division, where he played around 40 matches against sizeable crowds-important for his development.
After being released by Brighton in 2019, Tomlinson’s journey appeared uncertain. His father sent out his football CV and clips to every EFL club but received no offers. Fortunately, through a family connection, he joined Hungerford Town in the National League South. At only 19, he was named club captain. The role brought leadership challenges, particularly amid club financial difficulties, which taught him valuable life lessons.
Balancing football and work, Tomlinson packed pills in a factory from 6am to 2pm for six months and also assisted as a PE teacher, demonstrating his determination to progress despite setbacks. His good form at Hungerford earned him a move to National League club Eastleigh in 2020, where he scored 12 goals in 42 appearances, playing in several defensive and wing-back roles.
Tomlinson credits the well-managed Eastleigh club and manager Ben Strevens for helping him gain confidence through freedom on the pitch and the chance to learn from his mistakes. His successful season led to more than 120 non-league appearances and growing recognition.
An opportunity to join newly promoted Championship side Peterborough United arose, and Tomlinson seized it. He vividly recalls the moment he learned of the transfer, watching from the sidelines as the team played a friendly match. Under Darren Ferguson’s detailed management, Tomlinson made his Championship debut playing left wing against Luton Town – a new position for him – weeks after stepping up from non-league football.
Versatility has been a key feature throughout his career. Initially a winger and forward, Southampton coaches moved him into defence to develop his game vision. Comfortable on either flank, left-back remains his favoured position.
Following five Championship appearances and some cup outings, he joined hometown club Swindon Town on loan, where he won EFL Player of the Month before injuries curtailed his season. Despite Peterborough’s relegation and managerial change, Tomlinson returned before rejoining Swindon in January 2023 to secure regular game time.
Summer 2023 saw another move as MK Dons signed him after protracted negotiations. He spent three enjoyable years there, winning promotion in his third year – his first promotion in professional football. Tomlinson credits managers Graham Alexander, Mike Williamson, and assistant Ian Watson for elevating his performances.
Now 26, Tomlinson joined Cheltenham Town ahead of the current season, drawn by manager Steve Cotterill’s style and the location. He is relocating from Buckinghamshire to Gloucestershire with his wife, young child, and two dogs, relishing the new chapter and the warm reception from family in the town.
Reflecting on his career, Tomlinson remains resolute. “I always believed I would make it,” he says. Early experiences taught him the importance of game time, no matter the level. He hopes to continue improving and making an impact alongside Cheltenham’s supporters this season.
One distinctive trait fans have noticed is his two-footedness. Tomlinson takes corners and free-kicks with his left foot, penalties with his right-an ability honed from hours practising with his family during childhood. He believes it gives him a valuable edge on the pitch.
Beyond football, Tomlinson is studying for a three-year degree in football business management via the PFA, inspired partly by his father’s work with Golf England. He also has a growing interest in American sports, nurtured by family ties in Atlanta. Having experienced Major League Soccer and baseball there, he dreams of someday providing his family with opportunities across the Atlantic.
Cheltenham Town will hope Tomlinson’s journey and versatility provide a boost as they face Barnet away in League Two this Saturday with a 12.30pm kick-off.