19 Facts About Joel Porter

Joel William Porter was born on 25 December 1978 and is an Australian former football player.

Joel Porter decided to look to Europe in a bid to find a club.

Joel Porter almost signed for Rayo Vallecano but the Spanish La Liga club were unprepared to take a gamble by signing him after doubts arouse over his fitness.

Joel Porter made his Hartlepool debut against Swindon Town and scored his first goal against Burton Albion shortly afterwards during a live televised FA Cup match, victory which secured a third round tie at neighbours Sunderland.

However, Joel Porter struggled to score in his first season and only notched up 5 goals in 31 appearances.

Joel Porter then went on to notch 14 goals in 37 appearances.

Joel Porter's performances earned him the Fans' Player of the Year award.

Joel Porter returned to Hartlepool squad and came on as a substitute against Huddersfield, scoring after 6 minutes to mark his return.

Joel Porter helped Hartlepool win promotion back to the Football League One the following season under Danny Wilson and helped Pools survive in the third tier the following two seasons.

Joel Porter was closely linked to sign with the Phoenix, however Hartlepool elected to invoke the team option to re-sign him for one more year and he agreed to stay.

Joel Porter returned to the town in 2015 for the reunion of the club's 2005 play-off squad, making a surprise return on stage to the delight of the crowd in attendance, his shock appearance coming after a short video was played of him sending good wishes to his former team-mates for the night which he seemingly was unable to attend.

On 24 April 2009, Joel Porter announced he was leaving Hartlepool United for Gold Coast United FC.

Joel Porter took up player-coach roles at both West Adelaide and Northern Demons.

Joel Porter represented Australia in the 2002 OFC Nations Cup where he went on to make four appearances for the Socceroos, scoring six goals in the process and finished as his country's top scorer.

Joel Porter was gifted the chance to play in the tournament as Soccer Australia could not afford to fund for its bigger overseas stars to play.

Joel Porter holds a UEFA B coaching licence which he obtained while coaching at Hartlepool United's academy.

However, two months later, Joel Porter was sacked by West Adelaide.

In May 2016, with the club bottom of the National Premier Leagues South Australia, Joel Porter was sacked as manager of Adelaide Raiders.

On 25 October 2019, Joel Porter signed a new contract with the club after he guided the Demons to the finals series the previous season.