Joe Tomlinson

Joseph William George Tomlinson (born 9 June 2000) is an English professional footballer who plays as a full-back for EFL League Two club Cheltenham Town.

Club career Early years Tomlinson played for the academies of Southampton and Yeovil Town, before joining the under-23 side of Brighton & Hove Albion at the age of 17. He spent time on loan with non-league club Bognor Regis Town, but was released by Brighton at the end of the 2018–19 season.

Non-league Ahead of the 2019–20 season, Tomlinson joined National League South club Hungerford Town, where he was later appointed captain at the age of 19. He then signed for National League club Eastleigh ahead of the 2020–21 season. In his first season, Tomlinson finished as the club's top scorer with 12 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions, despite playing from left-back. He was later named the club's Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year for the 2020–21 season.

Peterborough United After catching the eye of several football league clubs, Tomlinson joined Championship club Peterborough United in July 2021, signing a three-year deal. With first team opportunities limited, he signed for League Two club Swindon Town on loan in January 2022. After impressing on loan at Swindon, Tomlinson was awarded the EFL Young Player of the Month award for February 2022, contributing with three assists and a goal across the month. In January 2023, Tomlinson re-signed for Swindon on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent transfer, which later failed to materialise.

Milton Keynes Dons On 1 September 2023, Tomlinson joined League Two club Milton Keynes Dons for an undisclosed fee. He made his debut the following day, coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute in a 3–1 away league defeat to Crewe Alexandra. Tomlinson scored his first goal for the club on 24 October 2023, in a 4–1 home league win over Bradford City.

Having become a regular part of the first-team, on 9 September 2024 Tomlinson signed an extended contract with improved terms. During the 2025–26 season he achieved promotion as the club finished second to return to League One. He was one of nine players released by the club at the conclusion of their contracts on 30 June 2026.

Cheltenham Town In June 2026 it was announced that he would sign for Cheltenham Town on 1 July 2026.

Career statistics

Honours Milton Keynes Dons EFL League Two runner-up: 2025–26

Individual Eastleigh Young Player of the Year: 2020–21 Eastleigh Player of the Year: 2020–21 EFL Young Player of the Month: February 2022