Arthur Goddard
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Arthur Milton Goddard (born 1876, died circa 1960) was a footballer who played for Liverpool Football Club in the early 20th century, helping them to win the 1906 Football League Championship.
[edit] Life and playing career
Born in Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire, England, Goddard played for Heaton Norris Albion,Stocport and Glossop North End before being signed by Liverpool for £460 by manager Tom Watson on the 24th February 1902. Making his debut on the 8th March 1902 in a Football League Division One 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 F.A 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 consistant 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 of 1914.
Arthur smooth wing play earnt 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.
[edit] 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)
