Joe Foulkes

Joseph James Foulkes (born 23 June 2003) is an English professional footballer who plays as a right-back for side Grimsby Town.

Career

Walsall Foulkes joined Walsall Foundation's Talented & Gifted Development side at their under–8 level. Foulkes rose through the junior teams before signing for the Walsall Academy during the 2015–16 season. Foulkes would occasionally start for Miguel Llera's under–18s side during the 2019–20 season, before featuring more regularly in the 2020–21 season. Foulkes signed his first professional contract with Walsall on 23 June 2021, agreeing a one-year deal. On 11 May 2022, Walsall confirmed they had triggered a contractual option to extend Foulkes' contract.

Kidderminster Harriers (loans) On 30 July 2021, Foulkes joined National League North side, Kidderminster Harriers on loan until January 2022. Foulkes made his debut in a 2–1 win against York City, where he played the full 90 minutes. Foulkes scored his first ever professional goal in a 3–2 loss to Gateshead, before scoring again in the following league game – a 2–1 defeat to AFC Fylde. Foulkes quickly established himself in the team and became a fans favourite, though he would proceed to miss the next two months through an injury. Foulkes would extend his loan until the end of the season, following a good first half of the season. The Kidderminster team would go on to finish inside the play-offs, though would lose 2–1 in the first round against Boston United. Foulkes played 25 times in the league, scoring two goals across the season.

On 6 July 2022, Foulkes returned to Aggborough on a season long loan. He would make 32 appearances in the league stage for Kidderminster, including a 3–0 victory against Kettering Town, where he scored his first and only goal of the season. Kidderminster finished 6th and would win the play-offs, gaining promotion to the National League. Foulkes featured in all three play-off games – a 1–0 victory against Alfreton Town; a 4–1 victory against King's Lynn Town and a 2–0 victory against Brackley Town. Foulkes was also voted, by fans, as Kidderminster Harriers' 2022–23 Young Player of the Season.

Breakthrough into Walsall first team On 23 June 2023, Foulkes signed another contract with Walsall, extending his stay with the Saddlers. With starting right wing back, Tom Knowles injured, Foulkes worked his way into the team, making his debut in a 4–3 defeat to Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup, where he assisted Ross Tierney's close range goal. Foulkes made his EFL League Two debut in a 2–1 win against Stockport County.

Permanent return to Kidderminster Harriers On 4 July 2024, Foulkes returned to Kidderminster Harriers on a permanent basis.

On 1 June 2026, Kidderminster confirmed that Foulkes would leave the club on expiry of his contract.

Grimsby Town On 16 June 2026, it was announced that Foulkes had signed for League Two side Grimsby Town on a one-year deal with an option for a further year.

Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2021–22 League Two

2022–23 2025–26

Individual Kidderminster Harriers Young Player of the Year: 2022–23