Born in Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire, England, Goddard played for Heaton Norris Albion, Stockport and Glossop North End before being signed by Liverpool for £460 by manager Tom Watson on the 24 February 1902. Making his debut on the 8 March 1902 in a Football League First Division match against Wolves at Molineux which Wolves won 3-1, the winger spent 12 years at Anfield notching 80 goals in his 415 appearances which included an amazing run of 23 consecutive FA Cup appearances.
Arthur became a regular in the Reds side during his first 3 seasons missing just 2 games. He was part of the Second Division championship winning side of 905 which went on to claim the championship a year later where he was the only player not to miss a game. Goddard remained a consistent performer for Liverpool over the next 7 seasons averaging a creditable 30 games per season. After starting the in 10 of the first 11 games of the 1913/14 season Goddard lost his place and only played for the reds 1 more time before leaving for Cardiff in the September 1914.
Arthur smooth wing play earned him the nickname 'Graceful Arthur', his style of play also helped him to 3 Football League representative appearances although he wasn't selected to play at International level.
Much loved by the Anfield faithful, Goddard was granted a testimonial which raised monumental sum of £250 enough for Arthur to set up a business on Merseyside after he retired from playing.
Birthdate: 1876
Birthplace: Heaton Norris, Stockport, England
Other clubs: Heaton Norris Albion, Stockport County (both amateur), Glossop North End, Cardiff City, Liverpool (wartime guest)
Bought from: Glossop North End
Signed for LFC: £460 24.02.1902
Liverpool debut: 08.03.1902
Last appearance: 13.04.1914
Debut goal: 15.03.1902
Last goal: 19.04.1913
Contract expiry: May 1914
Total LFC wartime games/goals: 49 / 7
LFC league games/goals: 386 / 72
Total LFC games/goals: 414 / 77
No comments:
Post a Comment