Joe Corrigan joined Manchester City as a youth player in 1966. He made his debut in 1967, in a League Cup match against Blackpool. Joe established himself in the first team during the 1969–70 season, and was part of the Manchester City team which won a cup double of the European Cup Winners Cup and the League Cup. Hr was also a member of the 1976 League Cup winning side.
His debut appearance for England came on 28 May 1976 against Italy, the first of a total of 9 caps, and he was part of the England squad for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. He would undoubtedly have played more time for England if his chances had not been limited by Peter Shelton and Ray Clemence.
Joe also appeared for Manchester City in the 1981 FA Cup Final defeat by Tottenham Hotspur where he was named as man-of-the match. In total Corrigan made 592 appearances for Manchester City, a figure beaten only by Alan Oakes, and a club record for a goalkeeper. He also won Manchester City’s Player of the Year award three times, a feat matched only by Richard Dunne.
Joe transferred in 1983 to American club Seattle Sounders for £30,000. He stayed in the US only a few months, making 29 appearances before returning to England with Brighton & Hove Albion where he made 42 appearance between 1983 and 1985.