The EFL is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Joshua McCormack.
The five-year-old Rochdale supporter passed away in the early hours of Friday morning following a brave battle with cancer.Staff at Dale first met Joshua last February and he touched the hearts of everyone. He was the team's mascot at Spotland in August, before being named in Keith Hill's squad for a their match against Hartlepool United earlier this season.
Sadly, Joshua was too poorly to attend the game but his shirt was hung proudly in the dressing room before the match and the team ran to the substitutes' bench to hold it up after they scored.
As a result of the impact Joshua’s inclusion in the squad had, and the heartwarming reaction from football fans, the EFL took the unprecedented step of naming him as the honorary Player of the Month.
Young @officiallydale fan Joshua McCormack received his EFL Honorary Player of the Month award last week https://t.co/A6sKDsDoZQ ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2LiqaAs0Gv
— EFL (@EFL) November 24, 2016
As a mark or respect and remembrance, Joshua's squad number (55) will be retired by Rochdale.
Our thoughts are with Joshua's family and we send them our sincerest condolences and love.