# Joe Bunney

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**Joseph Elliott Bunney** (born 26 September 1993) is an English professional [footballer](/source/Association_football) who plays as a [left-back](/source/Left-back) or [forward](/source/Forward_(association_football)).

He has previously played professionally in the [Football League](/source/Football_League) for [Rochdale](/source/Rochdale_A.F.C.), [Northampton Town](/source/Northampton_Town_F.C.), [Bolton Wanderers](/source/Bolton_Wanderers_F.C.), [Hartlepool United](/source/Hartlepool_United_F.C.) and [Grimsby Town](/source/Grimsby_Town_F.C.) as well as at Non-league level for [Lancaster City](/source/Lancaster_City_F.C.), [Kendal Town](/source/Kendal_Town_F.C.), [Stockport County](/source/Stockport_County_F.C.), [Northwich Victoria](/source/Northwich_Victoria_F.C.), [Matlock Town](/source/Matlock_Town_F.C.), [Altrincham](/source/Altrincham_F.C.), [Warrington Rylands](/source/Warrington_Rylands_1906_F.C.), [Macclesfield](/source/Macclesfield_F.C.), [Ashton United](/source/Ashton_United_F.C.) and [Marine](/source/Marine_A.F.C.).

## Club career

### Early career

Born in [Gorton](/source/Gorton), [Manchester](/source/Manchester), Bunney worked his way through [Lancaster City](/source/Lancaster_City_F.C.)'s youth system[2] and broke into their first team during the 2011–12 season as the club competed in the [Northern Premier League](/source/Northern_Premier_League) Division One North, whilst studying sports science at [Myerscough College](/source/Myerscough_College) in [Preston, Lancashire](/source/Preston,_Lancashire).[3]

### Rochdale

Bunney made his debut as a professional at [Rochdale](/source/Rochdale_A.F.C.) on 27 April 2013 as a substitute in a 1–0 victory against [Plymouth](/source/Plymouth_F.C.), on the final day of the 2012–13 season with Bunney scoring the winning goal with a header after a cross from another débutante, [Scott Tanser](/source/Scott_Tanser).[4][5] On 1 July 2014, Bunney signed a new two-year contract at Rochdale.[6]

### Northampton Town

On 16 January 2018, Bunney signed for [Northampton Town](/source/Northampton_Town_F.C.) for an undisclosed fee.[7]

On 25 June 2018, Bunney signed for [Blackpool](/source/Blackpool_F.C.) on loan.[8]

On 31 January 2019, Bunney's loan at [Blackpool](/source/Blackpool_F.C.) was cut short and then loaned out to his former club [Rochdale](/source/Rochdale_A.F.C.) until the end of the season.[9]

He was one of 3 transfer-listed by Northampton at the end of the 2018–19 season; a further 8 were released.[10]

### Bolton Wanderers

On 2 September 2019, Bunney signed for [Bolton Wanderers](/source/Bolton_Wanderers_F.C.) on a free transfer from Northampton Town on a contract until the end of the season.[11] The following weekend he was involved in a road traffic collision on the [M55 motorway](/source/M55_motorway) that left him with broken ribs and a broken collarbone.[12][13] On 26 June it was announced Bunney would be one of 14 senior players released at the end of his contract on 30 June.[14]

### Matlock and Hartlepool

On 19 October 2020, Bunney signed for [Matlock Town](/source/Matlock_Town_F.C.).[15] He played two matches for the club, registering an assist in both games.[16] A month later he signed for [Hartlepool United](/source/Hartlepool_United_F.C.) on 30 November.[17] He left on 26 January 2021 as he wanted to return to playing in the [English Football League](/source/English_Football_League).[18]

### Grimsby Town

On 1 February 2021, Bunney joined [League Two](/source/EFL_League_Two) side [Grimsby Town](/source/Grimsby_Town_F.C.) on a contract until the end of the 2020–21 season.[19] Bunney had already played for Matlock and Hartlepool in the 2020–2021 season, usually meaning he wouldn't be able to sign for a third team as players can only play for two teams in one season – however [FIFA](/source/FIFA) changed the rules for that season to allow players to play for three teams, to alleviate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on football.[20]

On 18 March 2021, it was announced by manager [Paul Hurst](/source/Paul_Hurst) that Bunney had played his final game for the club after he was taken to hospital hours after a game against [Carlisle United](/source/Carlisle_United_F.C.), and would effectively be leaving the club because of an unreported medical condition.[21]

### Return to Non-League

On 25 August 2021, Bunney signed a contract for [National League](/source/National_League_(division)) side [Altrincham](/source/Altrincham_F.C.).[22]

On 8 October 2021, it was announced Bunney had signed for [Warrington Rylands](/source/Warrington_Rylands_1906_F.C.).

On 2 June 2022, Bunney joined [Scunthorpe United](/source/Scunthorpe_United_F.C.) on trial and played in a 3–2 pre-season defeat against [Middlesbrough](/source/Middlesbrough_F.C.).[23]

Bunney signed with [Macclesfield](/source/Macclesfield_F.C.) ahead of the 2022–23 season.[24] In December 2022, Bunney joined [Ashton United](/source/Ashton_United_F.C.) on a three month loan.[25] In February 2023, he signed for [Marine](/source/Marine_A.F.C.) on loan until 1 April.[26] His loan spell was later extended until the end of the season, and he scored the winning penalty in the Liverpool Senior Cup final against [Runcorn Linnets](/source/Runcorn_Linnets_F.C.).[27]

On 2 July 2023, Bunney signed for [Stalybridge Celtic](/source/Stalybridge_Celtic_F.C.).[28] In November 2023, he joined [Workington](/source/Workington_A.F.C.) on a one-month loan deal.[29]

Bunney played for [Nantwich Town](/source/Nantwich_Town_F.C.) in 2025.[30]

## Career statistics

### Club

[31]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Stockport County 2012–13[32] Conference Premier 1 0 0 0 — 0 0 1 0 Rochdale 2012–13[32] League Two 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2013–14[33] League Two 21 3 2 0 0 0 1[a] 0 24 3 2014–15[34] League One 19 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 22 2 2015–16[35] League One 32 9 1 0 1 0 0 0 34 9 2016–17[36] League One 29 1 3 0 1 0 3[a] 0 36 1 2017–18[37] League One 20 0 2 0 0 0 5[a] 1 27 1 Total 122 16 10 0 3 0 9 0 144 17 Northampton Town 2017–18[37] League One 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 2018–19 League One 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2019–20[38] League Two 4 0 0 0 1 0 1[a] 0 6 0 Total 16 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 18 0 Blackpool (loan) 2018–19[39] League One 5 0 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 6 0 Rochdale (loan) 2018–19[39] League One 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 Bolton Wanderers 2019–20[38] League One 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Matlock Town 2020–21[40][41] NPL Premier Division 2 0 0 0 — 0 0 2 0 Hartlepool United 2020–21[42] National League 4 0 0 0 — 1[b] 0 5 0 Grimsby Town 2020–21[42] League Two 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 Altrincham 2021–22[42] National League 4 0 0 0 — 0 0 4 0 Warrington Rylands 2021–22[43] NPL West Division 7 5 0 0 — 1[b] 0 8 5 Macclesfield 2022–23[44] NPL West Division 17 2 2 0 — 6[c] 1 25 3 Ashton United (loan) 2022–23[45] NPL Premier Division 3 0 — — — 3 0 Marine (loan) 2022–23[46] NPL Premier Division 13 0 — — 3[d] 0 16 0 Workington (loan) 2023–24[47] NPL Premier Division 9 2 — — 0 0 9 2 Hyde United (loan) 2023–24[48] NPL Premier Division 9 0 — — 2 0 11 0 Career total 237 25 12 0 4 0 24 2 275 27

**Notes**

1. Appearance(s) in the [EFL Trophy](/source/EFL_Trophy).

1. Appearance(s) in the [FA Trophy](/source/FA_Trophy).

1. Appearance(s) in the [FA Trophy](/source/FA_Trophy) and [Cheshire Senior Cup](/source/Cheshire_Senior_Cup).

1. Appearance(s) in the [Liverpool Senior Cup](/source/Liverpool_Senior_Cup).

## Personal life

Bunney is engaged to [England](/source/England_women's_national_football_team) and [Manchester United](/source/Manchester_United_W.F.C.) footballer [Ella Toone](/source/Ella_Toone).[49]

## Legal issues

In 2024, Bunney claimed that actor [Ryan Prescott](/source/Ryan_Prescott_(actor)) and partner, actress Amy Lythgoe, were [squatting](/source/Squatting) in a property belonging to him, after their tenancy agreement had come to an end. This left Bunney's grandfather, who was planning to move into the property, homeless. Prescott 'strongly denied' these claims, and along with Lythgoe, filed a £60,000 libel and defamation case against Bunney at the High Court.[50][51]

## Honours

**Marine**

- [Liverpool Senior Cup](/source/Liverpool_Senior_Cup): 2022–23[27]

**Macclesfield**

- [Northern Premier League Division One West](/source/Northern_Premier_League#Division_One_West): [2022–23](/source/2022%E2%80%9323_Northern_Premier_League#Division_One_West)[52]

## References

1. ["Bolton's Joe Bunney hospitalised after suffering serious injuries in car crash"](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/boltons-joe-bunney-hospitalised-after-19912028). *[Daily Mirror](/source/Daily_Mirror) online*. 9 September 2019.

1. ["Lancaster City create football academy"](https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/lancaster-city-create-football-academy-331938). 7 March 2018.

1. ["Rochdale 1–0 Plymouth"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22229020). *[BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport)*. Retrieved 27 May 2013.

1. ["Keith Hill predicts bright future for goalscorer and debutant Joe Bunney after teen seals Rochdale win"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180122072730/http://www.mancunianmatters.co.uk/content/280410198-keith-hill-predicts-bright-future-goalscorer-and-debutant-joe-bunney-after-teen-se). *Mancunian Matters*. Archived from [the original](http://mancunianmatters.co.uk/content/280410198-keith-hill-predicts-bright-future-goalscorer-and-debutant-joe-bunney-after-teen-se) on 22 January 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2013.

1. ["Contracts: Bunney, Rafferty & Rose"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160920220354/http://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk//news/article/contractsbunneyraffrose-1709505.aspx). [Rochdale A.F.C.](/source/Rochdale_A.F.C.). Archived from [the original](http://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/article/contractsbunneyraffrose-1709505.aspx) on 20 September 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2014.

1. ["NORTHAMPTON TOWN SIGN JOE BUNNEY FOR UNDISCLOSED FEE"](https://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/2018/january/joe_bunney_signs/). [Northampton Town F.C.](/source/Northampton_Town_F.C.). Retrieved 31 January 2019.

1. ["Loan Deal For Bunney Agreed"](https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/2018/june/loan-deal-for-bunney-agreed/). [Blackpool F.C.](/source/Blackpool_F.C.). Retrieved 31 January 2019.

1. ["Joe Bunney Returns To Rochdale On Loan From Northampton Town"](https://web.archive.org/web/20221031063228/https://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/2019/january/joebunney_returnsonloan/). Rochdale A.F.C. Archived from [the original](https://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/2019/january/joebunney_returnsonloan/) on 31 October 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2019.

1. ["Northampton Town release eight players and transfer-list three more"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48178771). [BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport). 6 May 2019. Retrieved 8 May 2019.

1. ["Wanderers land Bunney"](https://www.bwfc.co.uk/news/2019/september/wanderers-land-bunney/). Bolton Wanderers. 2 September 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.

1. ["Club Statement: Joe Bunney"](https://www.bwfc.co.uk/news/2019/september/club-statement-joe-bunney/). Bolton Wanderers. 9 September 2019. Retrieved 9 September 2019.

1. ["Joe Bunney: Bolton Wanderers defender breaks ribs and collarbone in car crash"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49633640). *BBC Sport*. 9 September 2019.

1. [theboltonnews "Bolton announce retained list with 14 players out of contract"](https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/18544042.bolton-announce-retained-list-14-players-contract/)

1. [Manchester Evening News: "Former Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool and Rochdale defender joins non-league Matlock Town"](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/joe-bunney-bolton-matlock-town-19127516)

1. Richardson, Ian (3 February 2021). ["Former Matlock Town star Zak Brunt named on Sheffield United bench"](https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/former-matlock-town-star-zak-brunt-named-on-sheffield-united-bench-3121992). *[Derbyshire Times](/source/Derbyshire_Times)*. Retrieved 2022-07-26.

1. ["Hartlepool United: "POOLS SIGN JOE BUNNEY""](https://web.archive.org/web/20201130212004/https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/pools-sign-joe-bunney/). Archived from [the original](https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/pools-sign-joe-bunney/) on 30 November 2020. Retrieved 8 December 2020.

1. [hartlepoolmail: "Former Bolton Wanderers and Rochdale defender Joe Bunney leaves Hartlepool United as he eyes Football League move"](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/former-bolton-wanderers-and-rochdale-defender-joe-bunney-leaves-hartlepool-united-he-eyes-football-league-move-3112814)

1. ["Bunney signs until end of the season"](https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2021/february/bunney-signs-until-end-of-the-season/). Grimsby Town FC. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 1 February 2021.[dead link]

1. [ESPN: "Coronavirus: FIFA allows players on three clubs in a season"](https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/4110267/coronavirus-fifa-allows-players-on-three-clubs-in-a-season)

1. ["Joe Bunney shares message with Grimsby Town after devastating blow"](https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bunney-grimsby-town-injury-hospital-5198353). *Grimsbylive*. 18 March 2021.

1. ["Phil strengthens at the double as Dean and Joe sign on! | Altrincham Football Club"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220124210307/https://www.altrinchamfc.com/news/phil-strengthens-at-the-double-as-dean-and-joe-sign-on). Archived from [the original](https://www.altrinchamfc.com/news/phil-strengthens-at-the-double-as-dean-and-joe-sign-on) on 24 January 2022. Retrieved 26 August 2021.

1. ["Report: Middlesbrough U23s 3–2 Iron"](https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2022/july/report-middlesbrough-xi-v-iron/)

1. ["Joe Bunney Signs for the Silkmen"](https://macclesfieldfc.com/2022/08/12/joe-bunney-signs-for-the-silkmen/). 12 August 2022.

1. ["Ashton United FC"](https://ashtonunited.co.uk/news-single/christmas-squad-update)

1. ["Joe Bunney"](https://marinefc.com/joe-bunney/). 1 February 2023.

1. ["MARINE 0-0 RUNCORN LINNETS (4-3 PENS) - MATCH REPORT"](https://marinefc.com/marine-0-0-runcorn-linnets-4-3-pens-match-report/). 19 April 2023. Retrieved 20 April 2023.

1. ["Stalybridge Celtic - Official Site - News"](https://www.stalybridgeceltic.co.uk/news.php?id=3571)

1. "✍️ 𝗟𝗢𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 Danny Grainger has added to his squad today with the signing of versatile experienced player Joe Bunney from @StalyCelticFC on a 28 day loan. Joe has Football League experience including playing over 120 games for Rochdale. #COYR 🔴⚪". No. 1723015273022705887. 10 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.

1. [https://www.nantwichtownfc.co.uk/joe-bunney-departs-the-dabbers/](https://www.nantwichtownfc.co.uk/joe-bunney-departs-the-dabbers/)

1. ["Matlock Town | Appearances | Joe Bunney | 2020–2021 | Football Web Pages"](https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/matlock-town/appearances/2020-2021/joe-bunney/923737). *www.footballwebpages.co.uk*. Retrieved 2022-07-05.

1. ["South Shields vs Matlock Town FC – 17 October 2020"](https://www.matlocktownfc.co.uk/south-shields-vs-matlock-town-fc-17-october-2020.asp). *www.matlocktownfc.co.uk*. Retrieved 2022-07-26.

1. [Soccerway: Joe Bunney](https://uk.soccerway.com/players/joe-bunny/279583/)

1. [Football Web Pages: "Warrington Rylands – Appearances – Joe Bunney"](https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/warrington-rylands/appearances/joe-bunney/932496)

1. [Football Web Pages: "Macclesfield – Appearances – Joe Bunney"](https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/macclesfield/appearances/joe-bunney/932496)

1. [Football Web Pages: "Ashton United – Appearances – Joe Bunney"](https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/ashton-united/appearances/joe-bunney/946680)

1. [Football Web Pages: "Marine – Appearances – Joe Bunney"](https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/marine/appearances/joe-bunney/947458)

1. [Football Web Pages: "Workington– Appearances – Joe Bunney"](https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/workington-afc/appearances/joe-bunney/947458)

1. [Football Web Pages: "Hyde United– Appearances – Joe Bunney"](https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/hyde-united/appearances/joe-bunney/947458)

1. ["England hero Ella Toone's secret boyfriend revealed to be a professional footballer as couple enjoy Ibiza holiday"](https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/england-hero-ella-toone-s-secret-boyfriend-revealed-professional-footballer-couple-enjoy-ibiza-holiday). 9 August 2022.

1. Bird, Daniel (2025-03-14). ["Corrie's Ryan Prescott sues Lioness star's boyfriend after online feud"](https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/itv-coronation-streets-ryan-prescott-34865975.amp). *The Mirror*. Retrieved 2025-03-25.

1. ["Corrie Actor Sues Football Pro Over Squatting Instagram Post"](https://www.law360.com/articles/2305563/corrie-actor-sues-football-pro-over-squatting-instagram-post). *www.law360.com*. Retrieved 2025-03-25.

1. ["Macclesfield Secure West Division"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230402174145/https://www.thenpl.co.uk/macclesfield-secure-west-division-75452). *www.thenpl.co.uk*. 1 April 2023. Archived from [the original](https://www.thenpl.co.uk/macclesfield-secure-west-division-75452) on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Joe Bunney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Bunney) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Bunney?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.