After playing 23 games for Kettering Town FC he joined Bedford Town FC in 2013, where he made 16 appearances before a move to Northampton Sileby Rangers FC and then a first spell at AFC R&D.

After making 9 appearances for the Diamonds he signed for Daventry Town FC before moving abroad to spend 18 months playing in the third tier of Swedish football. He returned to the Diamonds in Summer 2017. During the successful 2017/18 campaign he made 46 appearances for the club, picking up a Player of the Month award.

He left to join Bedford Town FC in October 2018 having played 64 games for the club. In January 2019 he moved to Cambridge City FC, followed by a move to Stratford Town FC at the start of July 2019, before returning to Cambridge City FC during the Autumn.

In December 2019 he signed for AFC Dunstable, but at the start of February 2020 he rejoined the Diamonds.

Attenborough was delighted to secure the signing of Joel.

"I'm really pleased to get Joel over the line. He's a player who has played tonnes of games at a higher level, but at 28 is still in his prime. He is a flying winger who will really suit my style of play. We'll be looking to get him 1v1 as much as possible and hopefully he can cause problems for many isolated full backs next season! Joel is obviously in the side to excite the fans and try to make things happen for us going forward but at the same time, he is known for his tireless work rate and the fact he can play off either flank means we have plenty of options. We are all really looking forward to seeing Joel in action!"