Arthur Goddard (footballer)
 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Arthur Milton Goddard | ||
| Date of birth | 1876 | ||
| Place of birth | Heaton Norris, Stockport, England | ||
| Date of death | May Template:Death year and agw | ||
| Place of death | Liverpool, England | ||
| Position(s) | Winger | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1895–1897 | Heaton Norris Albion | ||
| 1897–1899 | Stockport County | ||
| 1899–1902 | Glossop North End | ||
| 1902–1914 | Liverpool | 387 | (72) |
| 1914 | Cardiff City | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Arthur Milton Goddard (born 1876, died circa 1956) was a footballer who played for Liverpool Football Club in the early 20th century, helping them to win the 1906 Football League Championship.
Life and playing career
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 1905 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.
On 29 May 1956 it was reported in the Liverpool Echo that Arthur had died after being in ill health for some time, although no exact date was given, and that his funeral would take place on 31 May at Anfield cemetery.
Career details
As a player:
- Liverpool FC (1902–1914): 415 appearances, 80 goals - Football League Championship winner's medal (1906), Football League Second Division winners medal (1905)